Situated on the River Maine, Cullybackey (Cullybacky) is a large village, technically an intermediate settlement, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Cullybackey is in the Mid and East Antrim district, just under five kilometres north-west of Ballymena. It is positioned on the River Maine, a tributary of the River Bann, which historically provided both water power and fertile land. The surrounding landscape is characterised by rolling farmland, with the river valley shaping both settlement and industry.
Nearby settlements include Ahoghill, Portglenone, and Randalstown, all of which share cultural and economic ties with Cullybackey.
The area around Cullybackey was once part of the ancient kingdom of Dál nAraidi, a polity of the early medieval period in Ulster. Archaeological evidence discovered in the wider district suggest long-standing habitation, with vitrified substances and traces of iron-working noted in historical accounts, pointing to early industrial activity. The name itself is derived from the Irish Coill na Baice (wood of the river bend), likely a reference to the natural environment and teh settlement's antiquity.
During the medieval and early modern periods, Cullybackey developed as a small rural settlement within the parish of Ahoghill. Its location on the River Maine made it suitable for milling and agriculture. Linen became central to the village's economy in the 18th century, reflecting the broader Ulster linen industry. Records from the late 1700s mention Cullybackey House, the residence of John Dickey, who raised a local volunteer corps in 1778. By the mid-1800s, Cullybackey had around fifty homes, a Presbyterian meeting house, and a fair for the linen trade. Industrial activity centred around linen mills powered by the river, which shaped the village's social and economic life. The decline of the linen industry in the 20th century altered the character of the village, though it retained its role as a local service hub. Emigration and changing agricultural practices also influenced its demographic and cultural profile. Today, Cullybackey has a population of about 2,600 (2021 census), functioning as a commuter settlement for Ballymena, while maintaining its distinct identity.
Places of historical, architectural, and societal interest in Cullybackey include Arthur Cottage (the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President of the United States, preserved as a modest example of 18th-century rural architecture), Cunningham Memorial Presbyterian Church (built in 1881 by the Cunningham sisters in memory of their mother, this church reflects both religious devotion and the philanthropic traditions of local families), Cullybackey House (though altered over time, it remains a reminder of the landed families and volunteer movements of the late 18th century), the River Maine, and former linen mills set along the river. While many mills no longer operate, their remains testify to the industrial heritage that once defined the village.
Other significant places in Cullybackey include the old Methodist church on the banks of the river, which opened in 1839 as the Original Secession Church, later becoming the United Free Church of Scotland, and becoming Methodist in 1923 when the United Free clergy withdrew from Ireland. Craigs Church of Ireland, built in 1840, includes an old graveyard that contains "The Strangers Plot," where the poor of the parish were buried. There is also the Cullybackey Millennium Riverwalk.
Topics related to the intermediate settlement of Cullybackey, Northern Ireland, are appropriate for this part of our web guide, including local businesses, industries, churches, libraries, museums, historical places, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, events, and recreational or sporting venues or programmes.
Recommended Resources
Cullybackey & District Historical Society
Established to gather and preserve the social, economic, and industrial history of Cullybackey and its neighbouring townlands, celebrating local landmarks and stories, the Society is a local volunteer group that meets monthly and maintains its website and Facebook groups, on which historical articles, event information, and membership details are shared, along with local heritage, industrial, church, and educational history, photographs, and other resources.
https://cullybackeyhistory.co.uk/
Cullybackey College is a controlled post-primary school in Cullybackey, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, serving students aged 11-18 with a focus on academic and vocational pathways. Its official website lists contact details, admission information, and recent developments. The college's website emphasizes its positive, warm atmosphere and aims to develop each pupil's academic potential and wider opportunities for success. Key features include a mix of academic subjects and vocational options.
https://cullybackeycollege.org.uk/
The congregation that later became Cullybackey Methodist traces its roots to the early 1800s, with a local congregation recorded as being founded around 1810, and a stone meeting house was opened in 1839 as a Presbyterian/Original Secession meeting house, which later became a United Free Presbyterian congregation, and then Methodist in the 1920s. The original building (often called the Old Methodist Church) sits in a corner nook by the river side, and has a historic graveyard.
https://cullybackeymethodist.co.uk/
Cullybackey Reformed Presbyterian Church
The Reformed Presbyterian presence in Cullybackey dates back to the late 18th century; a meeting house was first erected in 1789, originally known as the Pound Meeting House. The building was renovated and extended in 1887. Today, the church is an active Reformed Presbyterian congregation with regular Sunday worship services at 11:30 am and 6:30 pm on 1st and 3rd Sundays, while the church maintains an online presence with service recordings, announcements, and contact details.
https://www.cullybackeyrpc.org/
Cuningham Memorial Presbyterian
The historic Presbyterian congregation is based on Main Street in Cullybackey, County Antrim, where it serves the community with regular worship, live-streamed services, and active online presence. The church building was commissioned by sisters Catherine and Jane Cuningham in memory of their mother, Anne Cuningham. The foundation was laid in 1880, and the church was dedicated in 1881, replacing an earlier meeting house on the same site. Schedules and contacts are posted.
http://www.cuninghammemorial.org.uk/
Based in the village of Cullybackey, Northern Ireland, Johnston Plant is a small agricultural machinery dealer that sells new and used tractors, diggers, telehandlers, and related farm equipment, offering delivery across Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Europe, by arrangement. Its products, brands, equipment types, and services are featured on its website, along with its address and location, opening hours, policy information, and contact details.
http://www.johnstonplantsales.com/
Also listed as Meadowview B&B, the family-run bed and breakfast facility is located in Cullybackey, near Ballymena, offering en-suite rooms, a residents' lounge, and a garden, ideal for exploring the North Antrim coast and Glens of Antrim. It is a modern bungalow-style B&B that promises a "home from home" atmosphere for up to six guests across two large en-suite rooms and a family room. Available are on-site parking, wi-fi, and options for a cot or highchair upon request.
https://www.meadowviewbandb.com/
Phillips Heating and Stoves is a Cullybackey-based heating showroom and installer offering stoves, fireplaces, flues, and installation services. Its website highlight its showroom near Ballymena, along with telephone contact, location, and regular opening hours. The business positions itself as a full-service heating showroom serving Northern Ireland. Its product range, services, and contact details are offered, along with its installation and building work.
https://www.phillipsheatingni.com/
