Ballymena is a lively market town set on the Braid River and alive with art, music and culture. Discover the town’s past at the local history museum and catch a show at the performing arts centre. For nature lovers, Ballymena is a launchpad to dramatic landscapes like the Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Things to do in Ballymena
Brush up on local history at the Braid, a multi-use complex housed in a striking contemporary building. Museum exhibits cover several millennia of history, from the Stone Age to modern times. Enjoy theatrical performances, music concerts and more at the Braid Arts Centre. The complex also houses the visitor’s centre, which is a go-to resource for information on local attractions, events and insider recommendations.
Ballymena is a gateway to the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The AONB protects some of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Ireland. The scenery ranges from rugged headlands and soaring sea cliffs to flower-strewn plateaus and rolling green valleys.
The world-famous Causeway Coast is at your doorstep in Ballymena. The town is an easy day trip from Giant's Causeway, a geological phenomenon formed by volcanic action. Tens of thousands of hexagon-shaped basalt columns stud the coast and showcase the incredible natural history of Northern Ireland.
Explore scenic riverside trails in Ecos Nature Park. The flat, family-friendly trails meander through more than 80 hectares of parkland. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and spot birds like skylarks, lapwing and meadow pipits. Clouds of butterflies descend on the wildflower-covered meadows in the spring and summer.
Getting around Ballymena
Ballymena is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in County Antrim, a 30-minute drive from Belfast. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Ballymena and explore County Antrim at your own pace. Belfast International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.