Ballymena Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in Northern Ireland
About Ballymena
In IrishBaile Meánachmeans "the middle townland" and it is more or less central in the historic county, standing midway between Belfast and Derry. It was one of the earliest Plantation towns; in 1626 the area passed to the Adair family, who held it until 1904. Ballymena is best known as the buckle of the "Bible Belt" of Northern Ireland, and the powerbase of The Reverend Dr Ian Paisley (1926-2014). To call him a Protestant and Unionist does not begin to describe the biliousness of his position. In a political and religious career spanning over 60 years, he was fanatically opposed to civil rights or any other concessions to the Roman Catholic minority population, and he encouraged the formation of Protestant militias. He founded the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, a bible-literalist sec
Top Attractions in Ballymena
Explore the best things to see and do in Ballymena:
- ★The Braid
Where to Eat in Ballymena
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Gatto's
- 🍴Nobel Cafe
Where to Stay in Ballymena
- 🏨Adair Arms
- 🏨Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort
- 🏨Leighinmohr House Hotel
- 🏨Oranmore Guest House
- 🏨Tullyglass Hotel
Ballymena Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: