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This northeastern community has over 25,000 residents, categorizing Ballymena as a large town in Northern Ireland. Settlements began in the 5th century and the remains of earthen houses and hill forts exist today. During this time, Ballymena had a church and a monastery until the Vikings burned the church looking for riches in 831 AD.
The Normans arrived in the 1100s, claiming the lands for the core of the Ulster Kingdom. They moved earth into tall mounds and constructed timber towers atop these mounds for defense. The native Celts soon adopted this form architecture. The Celts and Normans battled for supremacy and the Celts defeated Earl Courcy twice.
Edward Bruce claimed the land for Scotland in 1315 and defeated the Norman army just south of Ballymena. In 1576, Sir Thomas Smith aquired the land from Elizabeth I. The territory formerly belonged to the O’Neill family. English settlers arrived and a farming community developed. Land production failed and the territory once again returned to the crown. James I bestowed the property to Irish chieftain Rugiri Og MacQuillan in 1607. The community eventually passed to William Adair, whose family possessed the land for hundreds of years. Adair constructed a castle as protection over the River Braid. Ballymena held weekly markets from 1626.
In 1696, Adair raised a regiment of foot soldiers and fought with William III at the Battle of Boyne. By 1704, the population grew to 800. The community constructed the first Protestant Church three years later. In 1740, the castle burned down and in 1798, 10,000 United Irishmen stormed Ballymena and captured the market house. Railway service came to Ballymena in 1848. Robert Adair began construction on a new castle in 1865. Ballymena aquired borough status in 1937. Many war evacuees arrived and settled in Ballymena during World War II.
Famous former Ballymena residents include actors Llaim Neeson and James Nesbitt.
Activities and Attractions
The beautiful area has landscape that varies from the waterfront at Portglenone Marina to the top of Slemish Mountain. Salmon and trout teem the local waters and anglers regularly catch fish using flys, spinners, shrimp and worms. Boaters with all types of vessels also enjoy cruising and exploring the river. Visitors also enjoy pleasant walks along the river path, which leads to local parks and scenic woodlands. Take a walk through the countryside and hike up Slemish Mountain. Many believe St. Patrick learned sheep herding skills here as a boy before becoming a favoured and renown saint.
The People’s Park always has something going on, as the location features art exhibits and live theatre performances. The site features a bowling green, tennis courts and play areas, along with a pond favoured by local ducks and geese. The park also has picnic areas and public restrooms.
The Ballymena Town Hall, Museum and Arts Centre journeys through history by exploring specific topics related to cultures and periods in time. Learn what impact early man had on the environment by the use of primitive tools and housing. Explore local legends depicting ghosts, infamous people and known crminals.
Guests have the chance to tour a medival residence constructed in 1636 by the McDonnell family. The family still lives here, but opens the facilty for visitor exploration. See the painted ceilings and unusual statues positioned near the ceilings of rooms. Note the differences between the Scotch and Norman designs. Hear the history of the McDonnells, who came to the area over 600 years ago. Equate names with faces in the wide collection of family paintings and portraits. Take a walk through the walled gardens featuring carefully selected flowering plants, kitchen herbs and orchard trees. The landscape also displays monuments, sculptures and varied water features.
Places to Stay and Dining
Centrally located Ballymena hotels include historic Victorian buildings, which continue exuding the overall refinement of the era. Whether hosting a conference or enjoying a weekend retreat, facilities gladly accommodate guests.
The Leighinmohr Restaurant offers traditional meals prepared with an elegant touch. Luncheon menus include roasted beef sirloin with Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Guests desiring vegetarian options might try a basil, ricotta and spinach crepe served with a creamy parmesan sauce.
Accommodation in Ballymena
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