Situated in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, the Town of Ballymoney is a civil parish in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The town's name is derived from the Irish Baile Monaidh, meaning "townland of the moor.
Long before modern roads and markets, early hunter-gatherers were drawn to the area's abundant natural resources. Archaeological evidence gathered from sites such as Dooey's Cairn and Craigs Dolmen points to human activities in the area during the Mesolithic and Neolithic eras, when early settlers were transitioning from foraging to farming, clearing the dense woodlands, and building some of the earliest communal monuments in the area.
There were significant advancements in civilization during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Discoveries of ornamental metalwork and intricately carved stones suggest the presence of a flourishing local craftsmanship and trade.
The Christianisation of the area, highlighted by the establishment of early churches, became a cornerstone for the community's identity. This period was further marked by turbulent times, including Viking raids along the River Bann and the subsequent arrival of the Normans, whose fortifications and motte-and-bailey structures laid the strategic and cultural groundwork for the coming centuries.
Economically, Ballymoney has transitioned from its ancient agrarian roots to a modern, multifaceted local economy. Traditionally, the town served as an agricultural center due to its fertile lands and favorable climate. Even today, its bond with the land is celebrated yearly through the Ballymoney Show, an agricultural exhibition that began in 1902. At the same time, modern commerce, manufacturing, and cultural initiatives such as the Ballymoney Drama Festival, established in 1933, have broadened the community's agricultural base.
Geographically, Ballymoney occupies a strategic focus within Northern Ireland, positioned along the main thoroughfare connecting Coleraine and Ballymena. This route links the town to major urban centres like Belfast and Derry, helping to ensure its economic vitality.
One of the town's most cherished landmarks is an old church tower built in 1637 by Sir Randall MacDonnell, which is its oldest surviving structure. In addition, remnants of Norman fortifications, such as the motte-and-bailey sites at Drumart and Knockahollet, and an early castle constructed at Lissanoure in the 14th century, link to a time of conquest and cultural transformation.
From its early habitation by Mesolithic wanderers and Neolithic pioneers to the complex layers of Bronze Age innovations, the artistry of the Iron Age, early Christian fervor, Viking attacks, and Norman fortifications, every part of Ballymoney's history contribute to its modern identity.
Businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, historical places, libraries, art galleries, entertainment venues, sports and recreation programmes, organisations, and events in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, are appropriate topics for this category.
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The free online resource is dedicated to exploring and tracing genealogical records for the Ballymoney region in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The site was developed to help individuals research their family heritage, particularly those whose ancestors once called Ballymoney home. It features historical maps, timelines, and detailed records of local families and emigrants. Besides serving family historians, the site highlights the region's landscape and heritage.
http://www.ballymoneyancestry.com/
An independent store in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, Pet & Country offers a refined collection of pet supplies, fashion for women and kids, giftware, and lifestyle products. Its address, opening hours, and contacts are provided, and its online product catalog is sorted by women's clothing, kids' clothing, dogs, cats, gifts and toys, new arrivals, and sale items. Other products include home decor, soft furnishings and storage products, dining products, and self-care items.
https://petandcountrystore.com/
Situated on over 70 acres in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, the family-run attraction offers a mixture of nature, animal interactions, and fun activities for visitors of all ages. It includes petting areas where children can handle animals like rabbits and reptiles, a large pond with ducks, geese, and swans, and the Blue Lagoon, an inland beach. Other features include play areas, trails, zip lines, and Ruby's Tearoom, serving. homemade scones, and other treats. Hours and prices are provided.
https://roseparkfarm.co.uk/
The Rotary Club of Ballymoney is a long-standing branch of the global Rotary International, dedicated to service and community imprtovement. Chartered in 1965, the club is engaged in networking, philanthropy, and leadership in Ballymoney, a Northern Irish market town near the Causeway Coast. The club meets regularly, usually on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, as well as breakfast and evening meetings at various venues. Membership information and contacts are provided.
http://www.ballymoneyrotary.org/
The blast and shot cleaning company is based in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. The company specialises in on-site and off-site blast cleaning and paint spraying services throughout Northern Ireland. Established for over thirty years, the company holds SSPC accreditation for industrial standards, and its services include shot blasting, bead blasting, and paint spraying for various materials, including metal, wood, and stone. A photo portfolio of its work is presented.
https://samscottcontracts.co.uk/
