Ballymoney is a charming market town and civil parish in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, with a population of about 11,048 as of the 2021 census. It sits on the River Bann and enjoys excellent road and rail links to major cities like Belfast, Coleraine, and Derry.
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| Ballymoney Northern Ireland |
🏛️ History & Heritage
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Ancient and Georgian landmarks:
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A church tower dating to 1637, the town’s oldest surviving structure.
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A 1775 manor house and town clock built by the 6th Earl of Antrim.
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The Victorian Ballymoney Town Hall (1866), now housing a museum and visitor centre.
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Ballymoney Heritage Trail takes you through 16 key historical points, including the Town Hall and St James’s Presbyterian Church.
🎭 Culture & Festivals
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Drama Festival: Ireland’s oldest, established in 1933.
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Ballymoney Show: One of NI's oldest agricultural fairs, running since 1902.
🌳 Nature & Surroundings
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The Dark Hedges: A stunning tunnel of beech trees built in the 18th century, famous from Game of Thrones.
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Craigs Dolmen: A prehistoric passage tomb south of town, dating before 2000 BC.
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Rivers & parks: The River Bann and Bush support wildlife like salmon; Riverside Park and Slieveanorra Forest offer scenic walks.
🏊 Amenities & Attractions
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Ballymoney Museum (in Town Hall): Exhibits from Mesolithic times to WWII, including local motorbike racing history.
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Riada Stadium: Home to Ballymoney United and Glebe Rangers football clubs.
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Robinson Hospital: A general hospital opened in 1933, serving the community since.
🚗 Travel & Accessibility
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Served by a railway station on the Belfast–Derry line (opened 1855, refurbished 1990).
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Around 80 km from Belfast (roughly 1 hour by road/train), also within an easy drive of the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Bushmills.
🎓 Education
Home to several schools including the highly regarded Dalriada Grammar School (founded 1878).
✅ Why Visit Ballymoney?
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History buffs: Georgian architecture, ancient tombs, a living heritage trail.
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Nature & outdoors: Beech-lined avenues, riverside walks, and proximity to the spectacular Causeway Coast.
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Local culture: Festivals, farming traditions, motorsport heritage (birthplace of Joey Dunlop).
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Great base: Less touristy but packed with character, with easy access to Northern Ireland’s top attractions.
Planning a visit? Drop in at the Visitor Centre (inside Town Hall) for maps, show tickets, and guided heritage walks. Want dining or lodging suggestions? Just say the word!