Being the eighth biggest town in Northern Ireland, UK, Ballymena prides itself on having unique and attractive endowments, thus making it a preferred travel destination. This city is also home to Liam Neeson, a prolific award-winning actor, famous for movies like Taken and The Commuter. Some of the town’s places of interest include Peoples Park, Tower Centre Shopping Centre, Ballymena Raceway, and Mid-Antrim Museum, that are frequented by both natives and tourists. In addition, you can engage in leisure activities like shopping, hiking, bird watching, and cycling, to kill time and create cherishable memories. A tour around the metropolis will expose you to interesting historical events as well as Christianity’s influence on the locals. Below are the best things to do in Ballymena, UK, for unforgettable experiences.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Climb Slemish Mountain
Paths up Slemish Mountain lead you to destinations with fresh air and stunning views of the region. The mountain is only 1500 feet (457 m) tall, thus offering an easy climb that’s ideal even for beginners. Additionally, it’s endowed with numerous routes, each with a different adventure. The region around it is also perfect for taking pictures and videos. Carry warm clothing as it sometimes gets cold.
Slemish Mountain
Address: Antrim, Northern Ireland
2. Visit Glenarm Gardens
Glenarm Gardens houses one of the long-standing walled gardens in Ireland. By visiting this establishment, you’ll learn local history as well as interact with locals and other tourists. Pass by their gift shop for unique and pocket-friendly items. Taste local cuisines at the facility’s restaurant that’s in a modern setting and with helpful and friendly staff. You’ll also find a variety of gluten-free foods at the eatery.
Glenarm Castle
Address: 2 Castle Ln, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0BQ, United Kingdom
Website: Glenarm Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
3. Unwind at Lissanoure Castle Estate
Relax at this privately owned establishment that’s endowed with a luscious green garden, lake, trees, and seating areas. As it’s located far away from the busy city, you’ll be in for a peaceful treat that’s perfect for relaxing. In addition, it’s also spacious, clean, and well maintained, making it even more attractive. The fact that it’s a picturesque location makes it possible for you to take amazing photos and videos to post on social media. Being a venue for numerous wedding ceremonies, you might witness a couple tying the knot, which is always a good feeling.
Lissanoure Castle Estate
Address: Ballyveely Rd, Loughguile, Ballymena BT44 9JW, United Kingdom
Website: Lissanoure Castle Estate
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Explore Glenariff Forest Park
Covering over 1000 hectares (2471 acres), this public park is endowed with lakes, trees, a waterfall, and hiking trails, making it an ideal location for exploration. It’s also a perfect spot for relaxing and self-reflection as it’s peaceful and quiet. Moreover, it’s home to fun outdoor leisure activities like fishing, horse riding, and hiking. You can easily get to the park using a car, taxi, or bus.
Glenariff Forest Park
Address: Glenariff Forest Park, Glenarrife Rd Northern Ireland, County Antrim
Website: Glenariff Forest Park
5. Dine at Galgorm Castle and Golf Estate
This 17th-century castle has a high-end bar and grill that serves delicious meals and drinks. Among its tastefully cooked cuisines are tacos, chicken, burgers, fries, and salads, prepared using fresh and organic ingredients. Their bar serves a range of tasty beverages that include beers, cocktails, and spirits. Apart from that, the establishment is clean and well decorated, bringing out an accomodating ambiance. Take advantage of their happy hour and enjoy discounted prices on food and booze.
Galgorm Castle and Golf Estate
Address: Galgorm Rd, Galgorm Parks, Ballymena BT42 1HL, United Kingdom
Website: Galgorm Castle and Golf Estate
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm; Sat: 6:30am - 7pm; Sun: 8am - 7pm
6. Relax at Ballymena Memorial Park and Obelisk
If you’re into reminiscing and self-reflection, this is an ideal spot for you. It’s quiet, clean, and peaceful, making it attractive to both locals and visitors. With its numerous trees and flowers, you’ll be in for a cool environment with fresh air. Furthermore, the park is conveniently located, opposite Ballymena Police Station and near Ballymena Train Station; adding to its glamour. There are also eateries and pubs close by.
Ballymena Memorial Park and Obelisk
Address: 23 Galgorm Rd, Ballymena BT43 5EY, United Kingdom
7. Visit Layd Old Church
If you’re a history lover then you’ll enjoy this place. Layd Old Church dates back to the 13th century, and it has served as a church parish. A stroll around it takes you back in time to ancient graveyards, carvings, and ruins. Besides the breathtaking views, it’s also a good place to learn about the region’s history. To add to its allure, you’ll enjoy free parking at the facility.
Layd Old Church
Address: Layd Church, Cushendall, Ballymena BT44 0NH, United Kingdom
8. Stroll along The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail
This well thought out park is home to endowments such as forests and gardens, thus a great venue for relaxing outdoors. As it has plenty of things for kids to see and do, you can be sure to see and interact with them. You’ll be attended to by a kind and helpful staff who will make you feel appreciated. The facility’s trails are beautifully done, thus sparking the imagination of both the young and old. There are picnic tables spread all over the place, where you can sit and enjoy the serene environment. In addition, they have an affordable entrance fee.
The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail
Address: Galgorm Castle, Toadstool, Galgorm Parks BT42 1HL, United Kingdom
Website: The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
9. Tour Cushendun Village
This small coastal village is a well-kept National Trust area. It’s worth roaming around to see its endowments that include pubs, cottages, and sandy beaches. Interestingly enough, caves near Cushendun have been used as a background in the Game of Thrones series. Being along the coast, you’ll see water animals like seals and dolphins. Explore the town’s nightlife by visiting entertainment joints that spread out across it. With a population of only 138 people, according to the 2001 census, you’ll be in for a peaceful and quiet environment that’s free of overcrowding.
Cushendun Village
Address: Ballymena BT44 0PJ, UK
10. Escape to Dooey’s Cairn
Dooey’s Cairn is a Neolithic tomb serving as one of the landmarks in Ballymena. Interestingly, it’s named in honor of Andrew Dooey, who was the landowner. If you like history and exploration then you’ll love this spot. It’s an interesting and well-maintained location that’s a picture of ancient times. You’ll see memorial chambers, pits, and cremation passages that were used by early inhabitants of the region. Apart from that, there are old publications with information about the region and early settlers, written by excavators and archaeologists.
Dooey’s Cairn
Address: 12-, 16 Presbytery Ln, Ballymena BT44 9DZ, United Kingdom
Website: Dooey’s Cairn
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri: 9am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
The captivating Ballymena
As there’s something for everyone in Ballymena, don’t wait to hear stories from people who have experienced the city’s charms. You’ll be spoilt for choice of things you can indulge in to have a great time. And if you’re already in town, engage in one of the above leisure activities, if not all, and you won’t go wrong.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to