Overview
Ballymoney (Irish: Baile Monaidh, meaning “homestead on the peatland”) sits on the A26 between Belfast and Coleraine, acting as a gateway to the dramatic Causeway Coast. With a 2021 population of 11,048, the town blends a proud Protestant‑unionist heritage with a bustling cultural calendar that includes the oldest drama festival in Ireland and the historic Ballymoney Show. Its compact centre is easy to explore on foot, and the surrounding countryside offers iconic sights such as the Dark Hedges, a short drive away.
History
The town’s origins trace back to the mid‑16th century, when an English expedition recorded a bishop’s house, castle and church at “Ballymonyn”. The original structures vanished after the 1641 rebellion, but a tower from the 1637 church built by Sir Randal MacDonnell survives as Ballymoney’s oldest standing building.
In the early 17th century, lowland Scottish settlers arrived under the auspices of the MacDonnells, establishing a Presbyterian community that would later fuel emigration to New England (the 1718 departure of five ships). The town’s residents were active in the Volunteer militia, the United Irishmen movement of the 1790s, and later in tenant‑right campaigns. By the 19th century Ballymoney had become a thriving market town with a linen trade linked to London, grain, butter and pork exports, and a railway connection to Belfast and Derry by 1860.
The 20th century saw industrial change – from the last flax‑spinning mill (1959) to a brief stint as Ireland’s only camera manufacturer (K.G. Corfield, 1965‑71). The town also endured the Troubles, suffering 14 conflict‑related deaths, most tragically the 1998 UVF petrol‑bomb attack that killed three children. In recent decades Ballymoney has attracted new investment, notably a €6.8 million expansion of McAuley Engineering (2015) and a £9 million upgrade of Terex’s metal‑fabrication plant (2022).
What to See & Do
Ballymoney Heritage Trail
The self‑guided Ballymoney Heritage Trail is a 2.5‑mile walk that strings together 16 historic points of interest. Starting at Townhead Street Car Park, visitors can view:
- Ballymoney Town Hall (1866) – a Georgian‑style civic building that now houses the Arts, Museum and Visitor Information Centre.
- Old Church Tower (1637) – the town’s oldest surviving structure, offering a glimpse of early Presbyterian worship.
- Masonic Hall & Town Clock (1775) – commissioned by the 6th Earl of Antrim, this landmark dominates the town square.
- St James’s Presbyterian Church, Reformed Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church and several other denominational chapels, illustrating the town’s rich ecclesiastical tapestry.
- Old Court House, Northern Bank Building, Old Bankhouse – remnants of Ballymoney’s commercial past.
- Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden – a tribute to the legendary motor‑bike racer born in the town.
- Church of Our Lady & St Patrick and the Kirgan Monument – reflecting the modest Catholic presence. All sites are on public footpaths, with free toilets and accessible signage at the Town Hall. A free guide can be collected from the Tourist Information Centre (028 2766 0230) or downloaded online.
Dark Hedges (8 mi NE)
Just a short drive north‑east lies the Dark Hedges, an atmospheric beech‑tree avenue planted around 1775 by the Stuart family to impress visitors to Gracehill House. The tunnel‑like canopy has featured in Game of Thrones (Season 2, Episode 1) and is one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed natural wonders. The road is pedestrian‑only; parking is available at the nearby Dark Hedges Estate or The Hedges Hotel (charges may apply). Entry is free, but visitors are asked to respect the “Leave No Trace” guidelines.
Motor‑Sport Legacy
Ballymoney’s name is synonymous with motorcycle racing, thanks to Joey Dunlop, a 24‑time Ulster Grand Prix winner and beloved philanthropist. The Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden and the Dunlop Memorial Gardens near Castle Street celebrate his achievements. While the town no longer hosts a permanent circuit, the nearby Northwest 200 road race (May) and Armoy Road Races (July) draw enthusiasts from across the island.
Cultural Highlights
- Ballymoney Drama Festival (March) – the oldest drama festival in Ireland, showcasing local and touring productions.
- Ballymoney Show (June) – one of Northern Ireland’s oldest agricultural fairs, featuring livestock, crafts and live music.
- Ballymoney Museum – located in the Town Hall Arts Centre, it offers exhibits on the town’s linen heritage, the workhouse era and notable personalities.
Outdoor Recreation
- Riverside Park – 30 acres of riverside walks, a boating lake and canoeing facilities.
- Ballymoney Golf Club – a 9‑hole course on the town’s southeast edge, open to visitors (check the club’s website for tee‑time details).
- Kartsport Karting & Activity Centre – a family‑friendly karting venue a short drive from the centre.
Practical Information
Getting Here
- By Train: Hourly services run from Belfast Great Victoria Street via Antrim and Ballymena, taking about 80 minutes to Ballymoney. The refurbished Ballymoney railway station (opened 1990) is a short walk from the Town Hall.
- By Bus: Goldline Bus 218/219 connects Belfast Europa Station to Ballymoney (90 min) and continues to Coleraine. Local Bus 373 circulates the town four times daily.
- By Car: The A26 (formerly the Belfast‑Coleraine road) provides direct access; the journey from Belfast takes roughly one hour.
- Airports: Belfast International Airport and City Airport are the nearest international gateways; both offer car‑hire and shuttle services.
Visitor Information Centre
The Ballymoney Visitor Information Centre is housed in the Town Hall Arts, Museum and Visitor Information building (1 Townhead Street). It offers free maps, brochures, multilingual literature and ticket‑booking services for the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick‑a‑Rede. Facilities include free Wi‑Fi, a gift shop, accessible toilets and lifts.
Opening Hours
| Day | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 09:00 – 13:00, 13:30 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Public Holidays | Closed (Christmas 25‑28 Dec, New Year’s Day) |
Closed for lunch 13:00‑13:30.
Parking & Accessibility
- On‑site parking is available adjacent to the Town Hall (charges may apply).
- All public footpaths on the Heritage Trail are wheelchair‑accessible; accessible toilets are located at the Visitor Centre.
- Signage for the trail is provided at the Town Hall.
Practical Tips (embedded in prose)
When planning a visit to the Dark Hedges, aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest periods, especially on weekends. The Heritage Trail is best explored at a leisurely pace, allowing time to read the interpretive panels at each historic building. If you wish to attend a motor‑sport event, check the official race calendars for the Northwest 200 (May) and Armoy Road Races (July) as road closures can affect travel routes.
Nearby Attractions
- Giant’s Causeway (≈30 km north) – UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bushmills Distillery – the world’s oldest licensed whisky distillery.
- Portstewart & Portrush – coastal towns with beaches, golf and the historic Portstewart Strand.
Ballymoney may be modest in size, but its layered history, vibrant cultural calendar and proximity to some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landscapes make it an essential stop on any Causeway Coast itinerary.