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.

Its original Irish is Beal Atha an Tuair. Beal (an opening or an approach to one) Atha (a ford) Tuair ( a field , paddock, pasture).

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.