Overview
Broughshane, often billed as the Garden Village of Ulster, sits at the foot of Slemish Mountain in County Antrim. With a population of just under 3,000, the village punches above its weight, boasting a string of national horticultural awards – Ulster in Bloom, Britain in Bloom, Entente Florale, Nations in Bloom and the coveted Champion of Champions title. Its streets are lined with colourful beds, ornamental shrubs and a network of green corridors that invite both locals and visitors to linger.
The village is easily reached via the A42, a short 5 km (3 mi) drive north‑east of Ballymena and roughly 40 km from Belfast. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Braid Valley, the rugged Antrim coastline and the historic sites that pepper the surrounding countryside.
The Broughshane website, supported by the LEADER Rural Development Programme, offers an interactive map and up‑to‑date information on events, accommodation and local businesses.
History
The name Broughshane derives from the Irish Bruach Sheáin – “Shane’s dwelling”. It references a 16th‑century castle belonging to Shane mac Brian O’Neill, ruler of Lower Clannaboy. Though the castle has long vanished, its legacy lives on in the village’s architecture, most notably the thatched Thatch Inn, a Grade B+ listed building that once served as a planter’s house and later housed a Masonic Lodge.
From the 1970s onward, volunteers transformed the area around the village pond into a thriving wildlife sanctuary and began a concerted effort to beautify public spaces. This community‑led drive earned Broughshane a place on the All‑Ireland Tidy Town Award roll of honour and underpins the award‑winning garden displays that attract visitors each year.
What to See & Do
Little Acorn Wood & Riverside Walk
Just behind Main Street, the Little Acorn Wood winds alongside the River Braid. The path is popular with families, joggers and dog‑walkers, offering soothing sounds of flowing water and the occasional splash from resident waterfowl.
Broughshane Waterfowl & Wildlife Trust
A short stroll from the village centre lies the Waterfowl Park, a tranquil haven where visitors can observe swans, geese and a variety of native birds. The Trust’s mission is to link wildlife appreciation with local art, culture and history. The park is volunteer‑run and includes a feeding platform where visitors can safely offer crumbs to the birds.
Raceview Mill, Wool Tower & Butterfly Walk
The 200‑year‑old Raceview Mill was rescued from demolition in 2013 and reborn as a hub for tourism, crafts and enterprise. Its Wool Tower, launched in 2016, provides a unique wedding venue with vaulted ceilings, stone‑tiled floors and exposed brickwork.
Adjacent to the mill, the Butterfly Walk follows the riverbank, leading back into the heart of Broughshane. Along the route, a dedicated hedgehog habitat and colourful butterfly gardens add a touch of wildlife wonder.
Heritage Business Park at Raceview Mill
Today the mill forms part of a vibrant Heritage Business Park that hosts more than 35 local enterprises, from designers to food producers. Highlights include:
- Heritage Gallery – a permanent exhibition celebrating local craftsmanship and history, funded by the Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Flax – an award‑winning steakhouse and coffee shop serving locally sourced dishes.
- Wool Tower – a sought‑after venue for weddings and conferences.
- Water‑wheel rescue – the mill’s historic water‑wheel, once buried, has been restored and now stands as the tallest in Ireland.
The site has received the Heritage Angel Award and the Ulster Architectural Heritage Award for its conservation work.
Broughshane Community Museum
Housed on the upper level of Broughshane House since 2011, the Community Museum showcases thousands of artefacts spanning medicine, military history, agriculture and education. It offers a vivid narrative of the village’s evolution and its notable sons, from Victoria Cross hero Sir George White to actor James Nesbitt.
Slemish Mountain
Just six kilometres away, Slemish Mountain looms over the village. Legend holds that St Patrick, after being captured and enslaved, tended sheep on its slopes. Today, hikers ascend the well‑marked trail for sweeping panoramas of the Braid Valley and the Antrim coastline.
Ballymena Golf Club
Founded in 1903 and a 15‑minute walk from Broughshane’s western edge, Ballymena Golf Club offers a championship‑standard 18‑hole course framed by the dramatic backdrop of Slemish. Golfers can enjoy both challenging play and spectacular scenery. (Check the club’s visitor policy before arriving.)
Fishing on the River Braid
The River Braid, a spate river averaging nine metres in diameter, supports healthy stocks of brown trout, migratory Dollaghan and seasonal salmon. Day licences are sold at McNeills Hardware Store for £10.
| Activity | Cost | Where to Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| River Braid day fishing licence | £10 | McNeills Hardware Store |
Local Pubs & Social Spots
The Thatch Inn remains a village landmark, its thatched roof and historic interiors offering a cosy spot for a pint of locally brewed ale.
Cycling
The Slemish Cycling Route is a 21‑mile (34 km) loop that starts and finishes at the Ecos Centre Nature Park in Ballymena. Following NCN97 signs, the route passes through Broughshane, Buckna and the Antrim Plateau before heading back to Slemish Mountain.
Key features from the official route guide:
- Start point – Ecos Centre Nature Park, signed from the A42 at Junction 11.
- Terrain – Mainly smooth tarmac, suitable for families and casual cyclists.
- Facilities – Public toilets at the Ecos Centre and in Broughshane; refreshment stops at cafés and the Thatch Inn.
- Points of interest – Little Acorn Wood, River Braid, the Waterfowl Park, Raceview Mill, and the summit of Slemish.
- Accessibility – Accessible toilet facilities are provided at both the start point and in Broughshane.
The route is well‑signposted and provides a scenic alternative to the hill‑top walk up Slemish.
Community Events
Broughshane’s strong volunteer spirit is evident in its annual horticultural award ceremony and seasonal garden displays. In March 2021 the village organised a National Day of Reflection at the former police station, where residents laid flowers to honour those lost during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The event was coordinated by local volunteers and highlighted the village’s close‑knit community.
Accommodation
Broughshane offers a range of self‑catering guest houses, many of which are listed on the village website:
- Burndavis Lodge – 198 Raceview Road, Ballymena (BT42 4HY)
- Rosslare Cottage – 105A Knowhead Road, Broughshane (BT43 7JD)
- West Wing – 40 Carnlough Road, Broughshane (BT43 7HF)
- Slemish Cottage – The Cuttings, Broughshane (BT42 4PA)
- The Halt at Halfway House – Carnlough Rd, Broughshane (BT43 7JW)
All properties are family‑run, pet‑friendly on request, and can be booked directly via the contact details on the village site.
Practical Information
- Access: The A42 links directly to Ballymena and the M2 motorway to Belfast. Nearest railway stations are Ballymena (6 km) and Cullybackey (9 km).
- Parking: Free on‑street parking is available around the village perimeter and at the Waterfowl Park. Limited spaces exist near Raceview Mill and the museum.
- Toilets: Public toilets are provided at the Waterfowl Park, the museum entrance and at the Slemish Mountain visitor area (as noted on the cycling route).
- Accessibility: The wildlife sanctuary and most village paths are paved and wheelchair‑friendly; Little Acorn Wood has some uneven sections.
- Licences: Angling licences must be purchased on the day of fishing; cash is accepted at McNeills Hardware Store.
- Golf: Ballymena Golf Club operates a members‑only policy but welcomes visitors on designated tee‑times – contact the club via its Facebook page for bookings.
- Events: Seasonal garden displays, community fairs and the annual horticultural award ceremony are listed on the village website. Check the site for up‑to‑date event listings.
- Nearby attractions: Combine a visit with Ballymena Castle, the Antrim Coast and Glens, or a drive along the Antrim coastline.
For up‑to‑date event listings, accommodation options and detailed maps, visit the official site: Broughshane Visitor Information.