Ballymena

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory

General Information

Ballymena is a large town located in the Antrim County of Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and is known locally as the 'City of the Seven Towers' due to its highly visible historical seven towers. The seven towers of the past were Ballymena Castle, First Ballymena Presbyterian Church, The Old Parish Church, The Braid Water Mill, St. Patrick's Church, the Old Town Hall and the All Saints Roman Catholic Church. Presently there are only three of the original towers which remain – the All Saints, St. Patrick's and the Old Parish Church.

This town is a popular shopping mecca within Northern Ireland, with the center of town having many historical buildings such as the Town Hall which dates back to 1924, with fantastic retail outlets.

Ballymena sits near the base of the 1,500 foot high Slemish Mountain and volcanic plug, which provides great hiking opportunities for those avid hikers. The town holds the largest two-day agricultural show in Ireland and is extremely popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Things to do and see in Ballymena

There are many attractions in and around Ballymena to keep all ages of tourists entertained. Some of the activities are :-

Morrow's Shop Museum – items depicting the town’s history
People's Park – includes sports facilities, children’s playground and a man-made lake
Memorial Park – commemorates those who lost their lives in the First World War.
Leisure Centre
Multiplex Cinema
Arthur Cottage – restored 18^th-century ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21^st President of the United States of America
Portglenone Forest – spectacular beech and oak trees

Please see the activities directory for more information.

Accommodation in Ballymena

There is a large variety of accommodation options in and around this town; from bed and breakfasts and hotels to inns. Please view the accommodation directory which gives tourists an extensive choice.

Restaurants and Businesses in Ballymena

There are several restaurants for the fine diner, as well as some wonderful street dining and the many pubs which provide superb local fare.

There are many businesses in the city which provide various outlets from retail to industry and wholesale, maintaining strong farming, agricultural and textile industry ties.

View the restaurant and business directories for more information, or add your own free business listing.

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory