Step into a town where time bends gracefully between ancient stones and lively artistry: Ballymoney, County Antrim, has been center stage for Ireland's oldest drama festival since 1933, drawing theater lovers year after year. Nestled in Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast and Glens - a UNESCO World Heritage landscape - this small town (population ~11,000) is a quiet powerhouse of history and natural wonder. Wander its Georgian streets past the 1637 church tower, still standing sentinel over the market square, or tour the 18th-century manor house where guided tours unveil centuries of Antrim's stories for just Β£5.50.
Just beyond Ballymoney's charm lies Ireland's most famous natural masterpiece: the Giant's Causeway's basalt columns rise dramatically less than an hour's drive away, while Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge dangles daringly over seabird cliffs. For those who love a twist of drama offstage, this is the birthplace of motorcycle legend Joey Dunlop and novelist Patrick Boyle - a place where heritage runs as deep as the Antrim Mountains framing the horizon. Whether you're tracing history in Ballymoney Museum's exhibits or chasing coastal trails under Atlantic skies, this unassuming town offers a portal to Northern Ireland's soul, steeped in stories waiting to be discovered. Come for the plays; stay for the light on the Causeway Coast at dusk.
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Things to See and Do
Ballymoney Museum
Housed in the Town Hall Arts Centre, this museum showcases Bronze Age artifacts, items from the United Irish Rebellion of 1798, and memorabilia related to Irish motor cycle racing. Free admission.
Portstewart Strand
Pristine golden beach along the Causeway Coastal Route, popular for surfing, horseback riding, and coastal walks with dune ecosystems.
Ballymoney Visitor Information Centre
Free visitor hub with maps, guides in multiple languages, Giant's Causeway ticket booking, ancestry research facilities, and Wi-Fi access.
Old Church Tower
Dating back to 1637, this historic tower features an inscription: 'THIS CHVRCH WAS BVLDED TO THE GLORYE OF GOD 1637. It's the oldest surviving building in Ballymoney and open for visits.
Lissanoure Castle
14th-century castle built in 1300 AD, later home to the Macartney family. Remnants offer insights into medieval and post-medieval Irish history.
Craigs Dolmen
A Neolithic portal dolmen located near Ballymoney, featuring massive capstones resting on tall portal stones. Part of Northern Ireland's ancient landscape.
Manor House & Town Clock Complex
Built in 1775 by Randal William MacDonnell, this complex includes a manor house that served as a court, school, and town hall. Guided tours (45 minutes) explore its multi-functional history.
Antrim Mountains
A scenic hiking destination east of Ballymoney, offering trails through rugged landscapes and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Dungobery Hill
Historic site of a rebel gathering during the 1798 United Irishmen Rising. Offers scenic views and historical interpretation.
Ballymoney Drama Festival
The oldest drama festival in Ireland (founded 1933), hosted annually at the Town Hall Arts Centre. A celebration of theater and local culture.
Ballymoney Show
One of Northern Ireland's oldest agricultural shows, founded in 1902. Highlights include livestock competitions, craft stalls, and rural traditions.
Drumquern Chi-Rho Stone
Early Christian site featuring a carved Chi-Rho symbol (combining the first two letters of Christ's name), dating to around 500 AD. Part of local religious heritage.
Knockahollet Motte & Bailey
Norman-era fortified structure dating from the 12th century. The earthwork remains provide evidence of early defensive architecture in Ulster.
River Bann Walkways
The River Bann flows through the town, offering scenic walking routes and angling opportunities along its banks.
Benvarden Rath (Ring Fort)
Ancient Early Christian ring fort with earthwork defenses. Provides evidence of settlement patterns from 5th''10th centuries AD.
Ballymoney Town Hall
A striking Georgian building erected in 1866, hosting events like the annual Drama Festival. Features a mix of architectural styles.
Getting There
Air
The nearest airports are Belfast International Airport (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), both located in Northern Ireland. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi/bus to Ballymoney.
- Belfast International Airport is about 30 miles from Ballymoney.
Rail
Ballymoney has a railway station with connections to Belfast and Derry.
- The town is a station on the Northern Counties railway.
Bus
You can take a bus from Belfast or other nearby towns to Ballymoney.
- The Translink website provides information on public transportation options in Northern Ireland.
Car
Ballymoney is located near the A26 road, which connects to the M2 motorway.
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The town is approximately 48 miles from Belfast and 64 miles from Belfast International Airport.
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Driving distances from major cities:
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Belfast: 64 miles (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
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Derry: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
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Other nearby towns, such as Coleraine and Ballymena, are also accessible by car.
Events & Festivals 2025
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History
Ballymoney's history dates back to 1556, when an English expedition recorded a "bishop's house, which was with a castle and a church joined together in one, called Ballymonyn". This early settlement was destroyed in the Irish Rebellion of 1641, leaving no remaining structures. However, a tower from a 1637 church built by Sir Randall MacDonnell still stands, making it the town's oldest surviving structure.
Following the devastation of the Tudor Conquest of Ulster, Sir Randall invited lowland Scottish settlers to the area. These newcomers brought their own distinct culture and faith, which differed from both the native Irish and the Roman Catholic MacDonnells. In 1718, a group of Presbyterian ministers and their congregations set sail from Ballymoney to start new lives in New England, marking one of the early waves of "Scots-Irish" migration to the Americas.
As the 18th century progressed, discontent among the town's residents grew, inspired by the American colonial revolt. The Volunteer militia was formed, and later, the Society of United Irishmen emerged, with leading residents administering a pledge to secure equal representation for all Irish people, regardless of faith. When the Society called for insurrection in 1798, locals assembled on Dungobery Hill, armed with makeshift weapons, but quickly dispersed upon hearing news of the rebel defeat at Antrim town. Government reprisals followed, with the town being burned and many rebels either hanged or transported to the West Indies or New South Wales.
By the mid-19th century, Ballymoney had become a thriving market town, with a long-established linen trade supplying the London market. The town's economy also relied heavily on grain, butter, pork, and general provisions, with transportation facilitated by the River Bann. As the Great Famine took hold in 1847, the Ballymoney Workhouse became overcrowded, with 870 inmates at one point, subject to demanding work regimes. The workhouse eventually closed in 1918.
In the late 19th century, issues of tenant rights and Home Rule for Ireland gained prominence, led by figures like Rev. James Brown Armour, a friend of Charles Stewart Parnell. Today, visitors can explore the town's history at the Ballymoney Museum, which features exhibits on the 1798 rebellion and the Great Famine. The old church tower, dating back to 1637, and the 18th-century Town Hall are among the town's historic landmarks, offering a glimpse into Ballymoney's complex and fascinating past.
The town is also connected to notable historical figures, including James McKinley, grandfather of US President William McKinley, who was born in Ballymoney. The town's architecture reflects its history, with the old parish church and marketplace dating back to 1637 and 1775, respectively. Ballymoney's cultural heritage is still celebrated today, with festivals and events throughout the year showcasing the town's music, art, and literature.