Overview
The Diamond sits at the heart of Ballymoney, a vibrant market town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Framed by the Town Hall, the Masonic Hall and the iconic Town Clock, the square has long been the social and commercial hub of the community. Today it serves as the focal point of the Ballymoney Heritage Trail – a 2.5‑mile self‑guided walk that strings together sixteen historic sites, from 17th‑century churches to the Joey Dunlop Memorial garden.
History
Ballymoney’s origins stretch back to the early 1600s, but The Diamond only acquired its present‑day layout in the Georgian era, when the town’s merchants commissioned a formal square surrounded by civic buildings. The Town Hall, erected in 1866, still houses the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) where visitors can collect a free heritage guide (phone 028 2766 0230). Over the centuries the square has hosted markets, fairs and political gatherings, cementing its role as the town’s communal heart.
What to See & Do
Walking the heritage trail begins at the Townhead Street Car Park opposite the TIC. Pick up the free guide and follow the numbered points of interest:
- Ballymoney Town Hall – a striking red‑brick building with a clock tower that dominates the skyline.
- St James’s Presbyterian Church – a fine example of early‑19th‑century ecclesiastical architecture.
- Northern Bank Building on the High‑Street/Charlotte‑Street junction.
- Ballymoney Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Old Court House on Charlotte Street.
- The Diamond – pause to admire the Masonic Hall and the Town Clock on the right‑hand side of the square.
- The Old Bankhouse on Church Street, followed by the Old Church Tower (dating to 1637) and St Patrick’s Parish Church.
- Trinity Presbyterian Church near the roundabout at Rodeing Foot.
- Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden – a tribute to the legendary motorcycle racer, located near the traffic lights on Seymour Street.
- Ballymoney Methodist Church and the historic Railway Station Building.
- Church of Our Lady & St Patrick and the adjacent Kirgan Monument in the Castle Street graveyard.
The trail loops back via Main Street to the original car park, allowing you to explore the square at your own pace. Along the way you’ll encounter accessible toilet facilities, cafés and small shops that spill onto the footpaths, making it easy to rest and refresh.
Practical Information
- Admission: Free (parking may incur a charge).
- Opening Hours: The square is open 24 hours; the heritage guide is available during the Town Hall’s opening times (generally 9 am‑5 pm, Monday‑Saturday).
- Accessibility: All footpaths are public and level; accessible toilets are located near the Town Hall. Signage for the trail is provided at the Town Hall entrance.
- Getting There: The Diamond is a short walk from the Townhead Street Car Park (address: Townhead Street Car Park, Ballymoney, BT53 6BE). Public transport options include local bus services to Ballymoney town centre; the nearest airports are Belfast International and City of Derry.
- Facilities: Free Wi‑Fi at the Town Hall, accessible toilets, and a range of cafés and restaurants surrounding the square.
- Guide Availability: Free printed guides can be collected from the TIC (phone 028 2766 0230) or downloaded from the official page Ballymoney Heritage Trail.
- Nearby Attractions: After the trail, consider a visit to the Dunlop Memorial Gardens, Riverside Park, or the Ballymoney Museum – all within a 10‑minute walk.
Events and Festivals
The Diamond is a focal point for several seasonal events:
- Black Santa Sit‑Out (December): Each year the Salvation Army and local charities set up a Black Santa donation stand on the square. The sit‑out runs through the festive week, offering a chance to contribute to seven local charities while enjoying a cup of tea and the Christmas atmosphere.
- Ould Lammas Fair (August): One of the town’s biggest summer events, the fair spreads across The Diamond and surrounding streets, featuring market stalls, live music, food vendors and traditional Irish games.
- Community Markets: Throughout spring and summer, the square hosts weekly farmers’ markets showcasing local produce, crafts and artisanal foods.
Motorbike Heritage
Ballymoney’s link to motor‑sport runs deep. The Diamond was the start‑ and finish‑point for historic reliability trials – long‑distance endurance events held on public roads. A classic 125‑mile course began at the square, winding through Coleraine, Downhill, Magilligan, Limavady, Dungiven, Maghera, Kilrea, Rasharkin, Glarryford, Clough, Newtowncrumlin, Orra Lodge, Glendun, Ballycastle, Glenshesk and Armoy, before returning to Ballymoney. The trials welcomed both motorcycles and cars and were open to all classes.
The most notable event took place in 1924, when the Ulster Motor Cycle Club organised a trial that saw over 100 bikes, many with sidecars, roar through the town and surrounding countryside. This legacy is celebrated in nearby Armoy, a village renowned for its motor‑bike legends.
The Diamond’s role in these historic rides adds an extra layer of interest for visitors keen on Northern Ireland’s motor‑sport heritage.
Nearby Places to Explore
- Armoy – motor‑bike heritage and scenic walks.
- Antrim Castle – a short drive north, offering castle ruins and woodland walks.
- Ballycastle – coastal town with a heritage trail of its own.
The Diamond’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Ballymoney’s cultural offerings and the wider Antrim region.