Portpatrick, par. and seaport vil. with ry. sta., W. Wigtownshire - par., 9094 ac., pop. 1285; vil., 7½ miles SW. of Stranraer and 21½ NE. of Donaghadee (in Ireland), pop. 591; P.O., T.O.; is well sheltered by lofty cliffs, has a south-westerly exposure, and is resorted to as a watering-place. Portpatrick, as commanding the shortest communication from Britain to Ireland, was formerly of much greater importance. The mail across the channel, established in 1662, ceased to run in 1849; while the massive harbour works, constructed (1821-1843) at a cost of £500,000, have lapsed into a state of utter ruin. Portpatrick derives its name from St Patrick, who, according to the legend, crossed from this place to Ireland.

(John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887))