Ballitore first developed during the late 17th century as a Quaker settlement after two Quakers, John Bancroft and Abel Strettel established a farm in the area.

Ballitore takes its name from the Gaelic ‘Baíle’ meaning a town, and ‘Togher’ meaning a marsh.

The Quakers from Yorkshire who founded Ballitore, transformed the valley into rich fertile farmlands, and developed the town as a Quaker Settlement.   In fact, Ballitore is the only planned and permanent Quaker Settlement in Ireland.