Thread: Ballykinler

We're being posted to Ballykinler in two weeks but can't find a lot of info on what it's like, jobs etc. Anyone been there/ still there?

Hi there,

Have you tried the HIVE? Email: ballykinler@hiveni.co.uk or Tel/Fax: 02844 610389.

AFF have a Co-ordinator there too: Dawn Burney - Tel: 07729 159 008 Email: ballykinlar@affni.org.uk

When you've had chance to look around don't forget to add some info to PatchPedia!....(that should score me some major brownie points with Bad CO! lol)

Best wishes

AFF Voice

Thanks, I definately will once I get settled as I noticed there isn't any at all so far!

Originally Posted by AFF_Voice

When you've had chance to look around don't forget to add some info to PatchPedia!....(that should score me some major brownie points with Bad CO! lol)


AFF Voice

Thanks for that (love the PP plug) Bad CO /Good CO will be pleased...and me too, for I can't write anything about NI as I haven't a scooby-dooby-doo :? ops:

Although - Wikipedia is a good start (though PatchPedia will be far superior *coughs*) Ballykinler

Ballykinler is set at the foot of the Mournes and if you like the out door life it is beautiful - mountains on one side, clean and beautiful beaches on the other.

Closest towns Newcastle (it may be out of bounds your security brief will advise you) and Downpatrick.

Its very remote however - l know some families who have a posting to Ballykinler and take quarters in Lisburn - its about 40 min drive from Lisburn. As for jobs lm not sure what will be available around camp but Newcastle and Downpatrick may not be very good options due to security.

Belfast is around 40 minutes drive - its not that far distance wise but the roads are not the greatest. You would need to be able to drive - public transport links ie the bus can take forever.

Im not selling it very well am l - l cant speak about community life on camp as we were in Lisburn BUT l would guess due to its location that there are plenty of events/activities going on.

Sorry to have to mention security but it has been heightened in the province and lve no doubt your OH will be well aware of that and it pays to be cautious. Ive moved to England and l cannot believe how open and frank people are about working in military/security forces - l still cant get my head around my OH going out the front door in his greens every morning - though it is a very lovely sight to behold and l get a little giggly and girly about it!!!

But you are located in a very beautiful part of the country - lm from Northern Ireland so if you need any questions answered about the province in general l will be happy to try and help just message me! And people are very friendly too!

Enjoy your time in Northern Ireland - l didnt realise l would miss it as much as l am!

Thanks Purdy! I've had the 'don't get a job off camp' talk already from OH. Already a bit worried about the security thing but i'm sure it'll be fine. I've from an area where there's lots of things around me to do and go (shopping, etc) so the remoteness worries me a little! I just hope people are nice!

Dont panic about the security issues - basically it boils down to common sense - if it doesnt feel right it probably isnt! Just dont broadcast what your OH does for a living or why you are in NI - people are nosy however and may ask you outright therefore be prepared with a cover story. In the bigger towns and cities eg Belfast/Lisburn etc a strange accent is nothing out of the ordinary.

You will know if you are in an area that you shouldnt be in basically by the colours, murals and grafitti - but this will be pointed out to you.

As long as you drive you can get somewhere pretty quickly - there's nowhere that is too far away really NI is a small place - take advantage of your time there to explore - along the Ards pennisula there are some lovely places - Donaghadee is quaint and shouldnt be out of bounds great restaraunt called Pier 36 (l miss here sooo much!)

Belfast is a great night out these days and shopping rivals anywhere in the UK - Victoria Square is amazing if you have few thousand pounds lying around spare!! And l think there are organised shopping trips for wives on a regular bases - you will find out at the HIVE - that would be my first port of call as soon as you are settled in!

Folk from NI are very welcoming on the whole and from what lve encountered on camps like Ballykinler there will be a close knit community to welcome you with open arms!

HI

I'm from NI - and still here (off camp)

Everything that Purdy has wrote is completely right

Also check out around the Antrim coast - Gaints Causeway, Portrush etc..

if any questions - I can help if you pm me also

xxxx

Thanks everyone