Broughshane is a large village or intermediate settlement in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Broughshane is about 5.6 kilometres north-east of Ballymena, and 22.5 kilometres north of Antrim. It lies along the A42 road and is situated within the scenic valley of the River Braid, which has historically influenced both its landscape and economy. The surrounding countryside is dotted with rolling hills, fertile farmland, and small settlements, such as Buckna, Skerry, and Racavan, which historically formed part of its parish connections.
The area around Broughshane shows signs of prehistoric and early medieval settlement. Notably, at Dumfure (Dumfare) near the village, there is a large ancient earthwork mound, believed to be a motte or ceremonial site. The fertile river valley soil would have made it attractive for early farming communities, while its strategic location provided a natural route through Antrim.
Its name is derived from the Irish Bruach Sheáin (Shane's dwelling), a reference to a castle built by Shane mac Brian O'Neill, ruler of the Gaelic territory of Lower Clannaboy between 1595 and 1617. This castle once stood on the north side of the village street, although it is no longer in existence.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, Broghshane had developed into a small market town within the parish of Racavan, serving as a hub for local agriculture. Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837) describes it as a modest settlement of about 180 houses, with markets for butter and pork, as well as fairs held in June and September.
Historically, agriculture was the backbone of the village's economy, with butter, pork, and linen weaving playing significant roles. The village hosted regular markets and fairs, connecting it to the wider trading networks of Ulster, and its location on the coach road from Ballymena made it a convenient stop for travellers and merchants.
Today, Broughshane thrives as a residential and commuter village, with many residents working in nearby Ballymena and Belfast. Tourism plays an important role, aided by its reputation as the "Garden Village of Ulster." The village has won several awards, including Britain in Bloom's "Champion of Champions" and Channel 4's "UK Village of the Year" (2008). Local businesses include hospitality venues, small shops, and services, while agriculture remains an active presence in the surrounding countryside.
Historically and architecturally significant structures in Broughshane include the Presbyterian Church and Graveyard, which contains a memorial to Sir George White VC, a decorated soldier and hero of the Siege of Ladysmith, whose family was native to Broughshane. The Church of Skerry (Braid Union Church) is a 19th-century edifice with a spire, reflecting the area's rich religious diversity. Others include the Thatch Inn and Tullymore Lodge, which is just outside the village limits.
Broughshare is internationally recognised for its floral displays, community gardens, and environmental initiatives. Known as the "Garden Village of Ulster," its motto, People, Plants and Pride Growing Together reflects the strong civic spirit of its residents. Around the village, volunteers have created a sanctuary that houses every species of swan and rare geese, enhancing the village's appeal. Broughshane is celebrated for its volunteerism, tidy streets, and sense of local pride.
Recommended Resources
Cleggan Estate is situated on the northern slopes of the Antrim Hills above Broughshane, overlooking the Glens of Antrim, with panoramas of Slemish Mountain to the south, and, across the sea, the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. Originally built in 1822 by Earl O'Neill as a private lodge for his mistress and a base for grouse hunting, its heather moors declined after World War II, but were reborn as a driven partridge and pheasant shoot under Hugh O'Neill. Information on bookings is provided.
https://www.clegganshoot.com/
Based along Cloneytrace Road, just outside the village of Broughshane in the Ballymena area of County Antrim, Colin Turtle Photography is a professional studio specialising in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. Colin works closely with clients to create a style that reflects their individual tastes, offering packages for residents of Broughshane, nearby towns, and across Northern Ireland. Colin also photographs landscapes around Broughshane and across the region.
https://colinturtlephotography.zenfoliosite.com/
This is a private clinic in Broughshane, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, which is designed to provide a confidential and supportive environment for mental health and well-being. Operated by Catrina Bell, an accredited EMDR practitioner and BACP-accredited counsellor, who is BECK certified in trauma-focused therapies, and a clinical hypnotherapist with training in alternative mental health approaches, she provides counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, clinical hypnotherapy, and EMDR.
https://oaktreetherapiesni.com/
Situated outside Ballymena in the outskirts of Broughshane, County Antrim, the local vehicle service and repair garage is a BMW independent specialist offering car services and repairs, car and vehicle recovery, MOT preparation, auto diagnostics, electrical and mechanical repair, paint work, body repair, and dent removal services, among others. Its address, a map showing its location, telephone number, email address, and opening hours are stated on the web site.
https://tullymoreroadmotors.com/
The Broughshane & District Community Association champions the social, cultural, and environmental wellbeing of Broughshane, its core mission being to unite residents around community projects that enhance local pride, support small businesses, and promote biodiversity. It brings together volunteers, local organisations, and businesses to sponsor events, maintain public spaces and celebrate the heritage of the Braid Valley. Its site is a hub for residents and visitors.
https://www.broughshane.org.uk/
