Tommy Fleming - The Encore Tour
Enjoy Tommy Fleming's live folk concert on The Encore Tour at the Tullyglass House Hotel.
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Start your day with a traditional fried breakfast, complete with soda bread and potato bread, at a local diner.
Drop by a local bakery on the high street for traditional sodas, wheaten bread, and sweet treats.
Many traditional pubs and hotel restaurants in the area serve a hearty carvery roast on Sundays.
A popular mall offering a wide range of well-known high street fashion brands and cafes.
Another central mall with a good mix of independent shops and national retail chains.
A large, beautifully landscaped Victorian park with a lake, great for a peaceful afternoon walk.
Take a quiet walk around the lush, expansive grounds surrounding this historic estate just outside town.
Water temperature…
Enjoy Tommy Fleming's live folk concert on The Encore Tour at the Tullyglass House Hotel.
Annual agricultural show in late May at Ballymena Livestock Market, run by the County Antrim Agricultural Association, with livestock competitions, local food and family entertainment.
Ballymena is a prominent town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, recognized as one of the region's most important commercial and shopping hubs. The town was formally established in 1626 by a royal charter from King Charles I, though the surrounding area has been inhabited since early medieval times. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Ballymena experienced significant growth driven by the linen industry, which earned it a reputation as a wealthy industrial center. A major architectural landmark is the Ballymena Town Hall, featuring a distinctive clock tower, which was rebuilt in neoclassical style following a major fire in 1928. The town also holds strong associations with Saint Patrick; the nearby Slemish Mountain is famously the site where he worked as a young slave tending sheep. Today, Ballymena is a bustling urban center home to major retail destinations like the Fairhill and Tower Centre. Despite economic shifts, it remains a cultural anchor in Antrim, noted for its strong Presbyterian heritage and as the birthplace of notable figures such as actor Liam Neeson.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 108 | 85 | 82 | 66 | 80 | 92 | 105 | 114 | 90 | 120 | 117 | 109 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day in Ballymena's cultural heart, The Braid Centre. Stroll through history, passing the war memorial to St. Patrick's Church. After lunch, People's Park invites you to relax. End your day with a longer walk to the Ecos Centre, a hub of sustainability set in beautiful parkland.
Start your day dry at The Braid Arts Centre, exploring exhibits while the rain falls outside. At midday, the town centre's covered spots provide a perfect refuge for lunch. In the afternoon, a brisk walk through People's Park with an umbrella offers a fresh experience. End your evening in a cozy central pub, safe from the damp Northern Irish weather.
Enjoy a crisp winter morning at The Braid Museum, where the indoor heating is welcoming. Midday lunch in the town centre warms you up for a short walk to the wintry St. Patrick's. As the sun sets around 4 PM, visit People's Park during the last golden hour. Your evening is best spent enjoying the warm hospitality in Ballymena's illuminated streets.
Grab a bike and start at People's Park. Cycle into the centre to explore The Braid and St. Patrick's Church. Continue north to the expansive Ecos Park for a lunch break. In the afternoon, a longer ride takes you west for a view of the historic Galgorm Castle before returning to the town centre for a well-earned coffee.
A rainy cycling day starts at People's Park, where wet paths require extra caution. The Braid Centre provides a dry cultural break from the showers. Midday, pedal to St. Patrick's and the Ecos Centre, where nature looks vibrant in the rain. A quick view of Galgorm Castle in the mist rounds off the tour before warming up with a hot drink in the centre.
Start well-layered at People's Park for a crisp winter ride. The Braid Centre offers a much-needed warm-up break in a historical setting. Midday, cycle through the clear air to St. Patrick's and Ecos Park, where frost covers the meadows. A quick trip to Galgorm Castle before the light fades leads you back to the centre for a well-deserved hot chocolate.
A car gives you the freedom to explore Ballymena's surroundings. Start with a piece of American history at Arthur Cottage. Then venture to the iconic Slemish Mountain for a memorable hike. After lunch in picturesque Broughshane, drive into Ballymena's centre to explore its key sights on foot. End the day with a visit to the majestic Galgorm Castle.
A rainy day by car starts comfortably at Arthur Cottage. Next is Slemish Mountain, where low clouds create a mystical mood (a quick photo stop is enough). Lunch in dry Broughshane prepares you for the Braid Museum. End your day visiting St. Patrick's and the Galgorm grounds, staying shielded from the Northern Irish rain.
Start your winter tour at the atmospheric Arthur Cottage. Next is Slemish Mountain, often covered in frost or snow (careful on the access road). A warming lunch in Broughshane readies you for the Braid Museum. As it gets dark early, visit St. Patrick's and Galgorm Castle under the lights, giving the historic sites a special glow.
