In this category, we will discuss the town of Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The area around Ballymena has been inhabited since ancient times, evidenced by ringforts and standing stones, which suggest a long history of human activity.

Ballymena is situated in the heart of County Antrim, less than thirty miles north of Belfast. It is in the Braid Valley, surrounded by hills and lush countryside, with the River Braid flowing through the town.

The history of Ballymena dates back to the early medieval period, with its origins traced to the 5th century when Saint Patrick founded a church in the area. A monastery followed this. Vikings invaded the area and burned the church in 831.

In 1868, a gravedigger found a large stone slab on which a cross was carved with an inscription referring to Bishop Degen, who lived in Ireland during the 7th century. This stone is now on the porch of St. Patrick's Church of Ireland.

The Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland in the late 12th century, creating the Earldom of Ulster. They built a motte-and-bailey fort in the Harryville area of Ballymena. It is one of the best surviving examples of this type of fortification in Northern Ireland.

In 1315, Edward Bruce, brother of the Scottish King Robert the Bruce, invaded the Earldom of Ulster, defeating the Anglo-Norman Earl of Ulster.

In the 17th century, Ballymena was granted to the Adair family by King Charles I. The Adairs played a significant role in the town's development, establishing markets and fairs that contributed to its growth.

Several towns and villages surround Ballymena. To the north is Ballymoney, known for its historic buildings and proximity to the Dark Hedges. To the west, on the banks of the River Bann, is the town of Portglenone. Cullybackey is south, and the village of Broughshane is east of Ballymena.

In Northern Ireland, townlands are traditional land divisions, akin to localities that have been absorbed by a larger town, becoming neighbourhoods. Townlands that have become part of Ballymena include Ballee, Ballycreggy, Ballykeel, Ballyloughan, Bottom, Brocklamont, Carniny, Dunclug, Galgorm, and Town Parks of Ballymena.

Ballymena's name is derived from the Irish An Baile Meánach, meaning "the middle townland," highlighting its significance as a central hub.

Ballymena's historical economy was strongly rooted in agriculture and linen production. The town's markets and fairs attracted traders. Established in the 17th century, the Ballymena Saturday Market remains a vibrant part of the town's economic and social life.

Today, the town has a more diversified economy. While traditional industries like agriculture and textiles still play a role, the town also has manufacturing, retail, service, and tourism industries, the latter of which are boosted by Ballymena's historic sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural events.

Situated on the outskirts of Ballymena is Lissanoure Castle, which dates back to the 17th century. Guided tours of the castle and its gardens are available. Just outside of Ballymena is Gracehill Village. Known for its well-preserved Moravian architecture, the village includes historic buildings, a museum, and a beautiful church.

Other historical attractions in or very near to Ballymena include Cullybackey Railway Station. This old-style country station still exists, although it no longer serves as a fully operational station. The Ballymena Town Hall, Museum, and Arts Centre is in the centre of town, where it features exhibits on local history and art exhibitions and hosts various cultural events.

Ballymena is home to several educational institutions. Primary schools include Ballymena Primary School, Braidside Integrated Primary School, Dunclug Primary School, St. Brigid's Primary School, and St. Colmcille's Primary School, while its secondary schools include Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House Grammar School, Dunclug College, Slemish College, St. Louis Grammar School, and St. Patrick's College. Northern Regional College, a third-level educational institution, has five campuses in the north-east of Northern Ireland, including one in Ballymena.

Association football clubs in Ballymena include Ballymena United Football Club, Coaching for Christ, Southside Rangers Football Club, and Wakehurst Football Club. Ballymena Rugby Football Club is a local rugby union club. All Saints GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association club that competes in Gaelic football, Ladies Gaelic Football, hurling, and camogie. Other local sports clubs include the Ballymena Cricket Club, Ballymena Lawn Tennis Club, and Ballymena Bowling Club.

Topics related to Ballymena are the focus of this category, including local businesses, industries, schools, churches, museums, art galleries, entertainment venues, recreational and sports programmes, organisations, attractions, and events.

Categories

Recommended Resources

Search for Ballymena on Google or Bing