Overview
Broughshane sits on the A42, just five kilometres northeast of Ballymena and roughly 40 km from Belfast. Its name comes from the Irish Bruach Sheáin (“Shane’s dwelling”), referencing a 16th-century castle belonging to Shane mac Brian O’Neill. Though the castle is long gone, the village has built a new reputation on community pride and horticultural excellence. Broughshane is widely known as the Garden Village of Ulster, operating under the motto People, Plants and Pride growing Together. The local effort has secured major accolades including the All-Ireland Tidy Town Award, multiple Britain in Bloom and Entente Florale titles, the Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions crown (2007 and 2012), and the Channel 4 UK Village of the Year title in 2018.
Walking & Wildlife in the Village
The village centre revolves around the River Braid, a lively spate river that cuts through the valley. Just behind Main Street, the Little Acorn Wood & Riverside Walk offers a peaceful escape. The path follows the riverbank and is a favourite with families, dog walkers and runners. The terrain is largely paved, making it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though a few woodland sections have uneven surfaces.
A short stroll from the high street leads to the Broughshane Waterfowl & Wildlife Trust. Volunteers transformed the area around the village pond into a dedicated sanctuary that now hosts nearly every species of swan alongside several rare types of geese. The trust runs a feeding platform where visitors can safely offer crumbs to the birds. Public toilets and free on-street parking are located nearby, and the grounds are fully accessible.
Raceview Mill & Heritage Business Park
One of Broughshane’s most striking landmarks is the 200-year-old Raceview Mill. Saved from demolition in 2013, the derelict woollen mill was carefully restored and reimagined as a vibrant heritage business park. Today it houses more than 35 local enterprises, including designers, food producers and craftspeople.
Key features of the site include:
- The Wool Tower – Launched in 2016, this unique wedding and events venue retains original vaulted ceilings, stone-tiled floors and exposed brickwork.
- The Butterfly Walk – A riverside path that winds from the mill back into the village, featuring a dedicated hedgehog habitat and nectar-rich planting.
- Heritage Gallery – A permanent exhibition showcasing local craftsmanship and industrial history, supported by the Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Flax – A popular steakhouse and coffee shop serving dishes sourced from Northern Ireland producers.
- Restored Waterwheel – Once buried under decades of silt, the historic wheel has been excavated and now stands as the tallest in Ireland.
The mill’s conservation work has earned it both a Heritage Angel Award and an Ulster Architectural Heritage Award.
Slemish Mountain & the Legend of St Patrick
Dominating the skyline to the north is Slemish Mountain, rising 437 metres (1,500 ft) above the surrounding fields. The peak forms the central core of an extinct volcano and is steeped in early Irish history. According to tradition, a young St Patrick was enslaved and worked as a shepherd on its slopes for six years before escaping. It was during this time, the legend says, that he turned to prayer and received the vision that would eventually lead him to return to Ireland as a missionary.
The summit trail is a 1.5-kilometre round trip that typically takes about an hour in good weather. The climb is steep and rocky, and the path can become very slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is essential. From the top, clear days reveal sweeping views across the Braid Valley, the Antrim and Scottish coasts to the east, and Lough Neagh and the Sperrin Mountains to the west. On 17 March, the mountain draws large crowds for the traditional St Patrick’s Day pilgrimage.
History & The Community Museum
Long before the garden displays and award ceremonies, the Braid Valley was a corridor for early settlers. Archaeological evidence shows Neolithic activity dating back 5,000 years, including a megalithic portal tomb in the townland of Ticloy, alongside stone axes and flint tools. By the early Christian period, local farmers had built ring-forts (raths) and cashels, with a well-preserved stone fort visible in the townland of Tamybuck.
For a closer look at the village’s more recent past, visit the Broughshane Community Museum. Located on the upper floor of Broughshane House since 2011, the museum holds thousands of artefacts covering local medicine, military history, agriculture and education. The collection highlights the village’s connection to notable figures such as Victoria Cross hero Sir George White VC and actor James Nesbitt, who grew up here before moving to Coleraine.
Fishing, Golf & Cycling
The River Braid supports healthy stocks of brown trout, seasonal salmon and migratory Dollaghan trout. Anglers can pick up a day licence for £10 at McNeills Hardware Store in the village. Peak runs for salmon and Dollaghan typically occur between July and October.
Golfers can reach Ballymena Golf Club, founded in 1903, with a 15-minute walk from the village’s western boundary. The 18-hole course frames the dramatic backdrop of Slemish and operates a visitor tee-time policy, so advance booking is recommended.
Cyclists can join the Slemish Cycling Route, a 21-mile (34 km) loop that follows NCN97 signage. Starting at the Ecos Centre Nature Park in Ballymena, the route passes through Broughshane, Buckna and the Antrim Plateau before climbing back to the mountain. The terrain is mostly smooth tarmac, suitable for families and casual riders, with public toilets at the start point and in Broughshane.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Broughshane is easily accessed via the A42, with direct links to the M2 motorway. Ballymena railway station is 6 km away, and Cullybackey station is 9 km south.
- Parking & Facilities: Free on-street parking is available around the village perimeter and at the Waterfowl Park. Public toilets are located at the wildlife trust, the museum entrance and the Slemish visitor area.
- Accessibility: Most village paths and the waterfowl sanctuary are paved and wheelchair-friendly. Little Acorn Wood has some uneven woodland sections.
- Contact: The Broughshane & District Community Association operates from Broughshane House, 70 Main Street (BT42 4JW). Tel: 028 2586 2777 | Email: broughshane@nacn.org
- Nearby: Combine a visit with the scenic routes of the Antrim Coast and Glens or a drive along the northern Antrim shoreline.
The village’s horticultural displays are at their peak from late May through September, making it an ideal time to walk the green corridors and visit the waterfowl pond. Anglers should plan ahead for the summer salmon runs, while walkers tackling Slemish will appreciate the drier, more stable footing typical of the warmer months.