Derryboye Service Station
What once was!
This monograph records an abandoned petrol service station in Derryboye, a small hamlet in County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies in the historic barony of Dufferin and the civil parish of Killinchy, the nearest towns being Crossgar, Saintfield and Killyleagh. The hamlet is situated in scenic countryside, characterised by gently rolling hills, farmland, and a rural tranquility that typifies much of County Down.
The crossroads junction forms the centre of this remote picturesque settlement and its distinctive feature is Derryboye House, with its commanding position at the crossroads. As a small village, Derryboye has a tight-knit rural community. Its population is relatively small, and it primarily consists of private homes and farms, with limited commercial development.
This area is known for its pastoral beauty, featuring green fields, hedgerows, and quiet country lanes. It embodies the classic Northern Irish rural landscape. In the past Derryboye enjoyed the services of a local post office situated at the crossroads and nearby a petrol service station which served passing traffic. Both these businesses are now closed forcing the local inhabitants to use services in nearby towns.
There have been plans to rejuvenate the area but to date these plans have not come to fruition. Since the post office and the service station closed there is now no reason to stop in the village. Looking at the abandoned petrol pumps you will note that fuel was measured and sold by imperial gallon. Selling fuel by the gallon in the UK ceased in September 1995 - this suggests how long this petrol station has been abandoned.
I met a local dog walker who told me that he used to purchase petrol in the station and confirmed that it was indeed over thirty years ago, it was known as Steeleās Service Station. The owner was Mr Steele who lived with his wife in the property at the back of the station, it too is abandoned and overgrown. Thirty years ago this road would have been very quiet with little passing traffic, which is the reason why the service station was never developed.
Today the station remains as a relic and it serves as a memory of past days, the laneway leading to the private dwelling where the owner lived is overgrown and forgotten, the property is advertised for sale with no apparent takers. I wonder how long this scene will survive?
