Ballymoney (My one of the favourite place)

Ballymoney (dark hedges)

Ballymoney is a small town located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It's part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area and has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here are some key facts and highlights:

📍 Location & Geography

• Situated in Northern Ireland, about 50 miles north of Belfast.

• Close to major tourist destinations like The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, and Portrush.

🏛️ History

• Ballymoney is one of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, with roots dating back to medieval times.

• It was an important settlement during the Ulster Plantation in the 17th century.

• Known for its strong Presbyterian heritage and links to Irish nationalism and the United Irishmen in the late 1700s.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community & Culture

• Population: Around 10,000–12,000 people.

• A traditionally agricultural area, though tourism and small industry have grown.

• The town is proud of its Ulster-Scots heritage.

• Hosts events like the Ballymoney Agricultural Show and local sports, including football, rugby, and motorcycling.

🏍️ Motorcycling History

• Ballymoney is closely associated with the Dunlop family, especially Joey Dunlop, the legendary motorcycle racer.

• Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden honors his legacy.

🚆 Transport

• Served by the Ballymoney railway station (on the Belfast–Londonderry line).

• Easily accessible via the A26 road.

🏰 Things to See Nearby

• Dark Hedges – famous from Game of Thrones, about 15 minutes away.

• Giant’s Causeway – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Ballymoney Museum – small but informative local museum.

• Riverside Park – green space with walking paths and leisure areas.

Here are some of the best places to visit in and around Ballymoney, from iconic photo‑ops to peaceful parks and rich heritage sites:

🌳 1. The Dark Hedges

A dramatic avenue of interlocking beech trees planted in the 18th century near Armoy. This atmospheric spot gained global fame as a Game of Thrones filming location and is perfect for scenic strolls and photos Connolly Cove+14expedia+14Visit Ballymoney+14.

🌷 2. Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden

A serene green space dedicated to motorcycle legend Joey Dunlop. Welcoming to families, it’s ideal for a quiet walk and reflection on his legacy expedia+5expedia+5TripHobo+5.

🌿 3. Benvarden Garden & Historic Ringforts

Offering a charming 18th-century walled garden with rose beds and cottages, alongside ancient ringforts such as Moneycannon and Stranocum nearby Visit Ballymoney.

🏛️ 4. Ballymoney Town Hall & Museum

Housed in a Grade B1 Italianate building from 1866, the museum shares local history from Stone Age to modern times and features exhibits tied to significant events like the 1798 Rebellion expedia+3Wikipedia+3Tripadvisor+3.

🚴 5. Riverside Park & National Cycle Route 96

This 20–30 acre park beside the River Bann features scenic walking paths, a duck pond, playground, and cycling-friendly routes ideal for families and nature lovers Tripadvisor+8Ireland Guide+8Visit Ballymoney+8.

⚜️ 6. Craigs Dolmen & Neolithic Sites

About 8 km south of Ballymoney, Craigs Dolmen is an impressive prehistoric passage tomb over 4,000 years old—an evocative glimpse into ancient Ireland expedia+10Wikipedia+10Visit Ballymoney+10.

⛳ 7. Gracehill House & Golf Club

Heritage and leisure in one: Gracehill House, a classical 18th‑century residence with scenic grounds, plus the nearby Gracehill Golf Club offering a peaceful round of golf expedia+1expedia+1.

🌾 8. Leslie Open Farm & Garry Bog Nature Reserve

Family‑friendly options—Leslie Open Farm features animals and nature trails, while nearby Garry Bog offers lovely walks and bird‑watching Ireland Guide+1expedia+1.

🍽️ Local Highlights & Hidden Gems

• Joey’s Bar: A lively bar commemorating the Dunlop dynasty; a favorite with motorcycling fans TripHobo+1Tripadvisor+1.

• Local Market: On Saturdays, explore fresh local produce, crafts, and a taste of Ballymoney life Discovering Ireland+9LoyalTrips+9expedia+9.

• The Old Church: Dating back to the 17th century, offering a tranquil glimpse of historic architecture .

🗺️ Suggested Itinerary Snapshot

Time	Activity
Morning	Start at the Museum & Town Hall, stroll Riverside Park/eat a café brunch
Midday	Drive to The Dark Hedges – walk and photograph
Afternoon	Return via Benvarden Garden; visit ringforts or Craigs Dolmen
Evening	Stop at Joey’s Bar for local food/drink, relax in the Memorial Garden

Ballymoney, though small, has some unique specialities—rooted in its heritage, landscape, local produce, and motorcycling legacy. Here's what makes Ballymoney special:

🏍️ 1. Motorcycling Heritage

• Joey Dunlop, one of the most famous motorcycle racers in history, was from Ballymoney.

• The Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden and Joey’s Bar (owned by his family) are local landmarks.

• The town is a pilgrimage site for motorbike fans, especially during events like the North West 200.

🥔 2. Traditional Ulster Cuisine

Ballymoney and its surroundings are known for:

• Ulster Fry – a full Irish breakfast with soda bread and potato bread.

• Champ – mashed potatoes with scallions and butter.

• Dulse & Yellowman – classic Northern Irish seaside snacks (often found at fairs or markets nearby).

• Local bakeries and butchers are proud of their handmade breads, sausages, and pies.

🧑‍🌾 3. Agricultural Produce

• The town is deeply agricultural—expect high-quality lamb, beef, and dairy products.

• The Ballymoney Agricultural Show, held annually, celebrates farming culture with livestock competitions and local food.

🧑‍🎨 4. Ulster-Scots & Artisan Crafts

• Ballymoney has a strong Ulster-Scots cultural influence, reflected in language, music, and folk traditions.

• Local artisans produce handcrafted goods, like pottery, woolen items, and heritage tools.

🏛️ 5. Historic Sites & Legends

• Ancient sites like Craigs Dolmen and Moneycannon Fort are part of Ballymoney’s archaeological richness.

• Legends and stories tied to Celtic, Viking, and plantation-era history are still shared locally.

📻 6. Local Music & Storytelling

• Ballymoney has a tradition of folk music and storytelling, often celebrated at community events.

• Some pubs still host live traditional music sessions, especially during summer.

🛍️ 7. Unique Local Shops

• The town features several independent shops, antique stores, and farm markets where you can buy:

  • Locally sourced jams, honey, and crafts.

  • Artisan cheeses and meat products.

Here’s a tasty and thoughtful guide to Ballymoney’s local flavors, gift ideas, and market scene:

🍽️ Local Foods to Try

• Ulster Fry – A hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, soda & potato bread; look out for this staple at cafés and local markets.

• Handmade pies, breads & baked goods – Common at Castlecroft's Country Market stalls Reddit+15AllEvents+15Reddit+15.

• Farm-produced meat & dairy – Locally sourced lamb, beef, artisan cheese, and fresh eggs are often sold directly from producers Big Barn+1McNally Family Farm+1.

• Scott’s Crispy Onions & Morelli Ice Cream – Made nearby and often found in farm shops or market stalls Big Barn.

• The Chocolate Manor – Handcrafted Belgian chocolates, great for a sweet treat or a gift CCGHT+6Big Barn+6Reddit+6.

🎁 Gift Ideas to Take Home

• Local preserves & artisan foods like jams, chutneys, honey, and baked goods from the Country Market Airfield Estate+1Reddit+1.

• Chocolate Manor's Belgian chocolates—luxury and delicious .

• Scott’s Crispy Onions – A tasty souvenir from the region's specialty foods Ireland Guide+7Big Barn+7Reddit+7.

• Irish-themed crafts – Think handcrafted pottery, knitwear, or Celtic jewelry (especially Ulster-Scots influenced) available from local artisans Wikipedia+2Reddit+2Reddit+2.

• Handcrafted jewelry – Look for makers like Steensons Jewellers in the wider Antrim Coast area The Top Tours+12CCGHT+12Reddit+12.

• Locally-made wool items or craft pottery – Unique Ulster-Scots artisan pieces are often on display at these markets.

🗓️ Local Market Schedule

Ballymoney Country Market (Castlecroft Square)

• Next dates:

  • Friday 25 July 2025, 11 am – 3 pm

  • Future markets: 10 Oct & 12 Dec 2025 NNCG

• Features a mix of farm produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, gifts, vintage finds, and more.

Origin Farmers Market (Castlecroft/Main Street)

• Every last Saturday of the month, 11 am – 2 pm

• Focuses on local produce—vegetables, meat, dairy—as well as baked goods & crafts AllEvents.

✔️ Suggested “Market Morning” Itinerary

1. Start with breakfast at a café serving Ulster Fry.

2. Head to the Origin Farmers Market (last Saturday) or Ballymoney Country Market (e.g., July 25).

3. Explore stalls: pick up local meats, cheeses, baked goods, preserves, and crafts.

4. Grab a coffee or pastry, stroll the town, and soak in the atmosphere.

5. Swing by a nearby gift shop or artisan stall offering pottery, wool, or jewelry.

Here are some excellent cafés and artisan shops in and around Ballymoney that pair perfectly with local foods, gifts, and market visits:

☕ Top Cafés

Founded Coffee (4a Bendooragh Rd, Ballymoney)

• Rated superb for both coffee and food—don’t miss their latte, lemon‑drizzle cake, avocado toast, pancakes, or banana bread Sluurpy UK+15Restaurantji+15ballymoney.cylex-uk.co.uk+15.

• Great for dietary needs, including gluten‑free and veggie options .

Ground Espresso Bar (4 High St)

• Highly recommended via Google/Tripadvisor—friendly baristas, early opening (8:30 AM), tray bakes, scones, and breakfast sandwiches ballymoney.cylex-uk.co.uk+3Wanderlog+3Sluurpy UK+3.

• Comfortable, clean, and ideal for a coffee break between touring the Causeway Coast.

The Clock Tower Café (High St)

• A beloved local gem—fresh cooked breakfasts, hearty salads, and tray‑bakes.

• Tripadvisor reviewers say:

  “Food quality … beyond top notch … Salad bar is the best, healthiest and most varied … only the best and freshest items,” and“Fantastic Christmas wrap … well worth the £7.50” Tripadvisor+6gastroranking.co.uk+6Wanderlog+6Tripadvisor+7Tripadvisor+7Sluurpy UK+7Sluurpy UK+3Wanderlog+3Wanderlog+3.

Monty’s Ballymoney

• Not just café-level—high praise for breakfast and lunch, big portions, excellent coffee, and steak dinners.

• Visitors note it’s a “hidden gem” and a “go‑to place” for fry-ups and friendly service Tripadvisor.

🛍️ Artisan & Gift Shops

While Ballymoney’s craft scene is mostly present at market stalls, here are some reliable sources:

• Local Country & Farmers Markets – Ideal for picking up artisan preserves, honey, jams, breads, cheese, and chocolates (like from Chocolate Manor and Scott’s Crispy Onions).

• Independent Craft Shops – Explore high street shops selling woolens, Celtic jewelry, and small pottery pieces—often Ulster‑Scots inspired.

• Garden Centre Combo – At Woven Mill Café (in Armoy), you can pick up plants and sometimes locally made crafts after brunch Tripadvisor+10Tripadvisor+10Tripadvisor+10.

🗺️ Craft-Focused Stops (Nearby)

• Woven Mill Café + Garden Centre (97A Drones Rd, Armoy)Enjoy homemade scones, cooked breakfast, and maybe find pottery or gift items in the adjoining garden centre – praised for atmosphere and friendly staff Tripadvisor+11Tripadvisor+11Restaurantji+11.

• The Pantry at the Dark HedgesA small but well-appointed café near the iconic trees—perfect stop after sightseeing, with quality coffee and bacon baps Wanderlog+3gastroranking.co.uk+3Restaurantji+3.

🗓️ Suggested Plan

1. Morning: Kick off with an Ulster Fry at Monty’s or The Clock Tower.

2. Mid-morning: Head to Ground Espresso Bar or Founded Coffee for quality coffee and pastries.

3. Late morning: Visit local markets (e.g., Country Market) to shop for artisan foods and crafts.

4. Afternoon: Drive to Woven Mill Café for tea and scones, scout for home/gift items, or stop near the Dark Hedges and hit The Pantry.

🧭 Conclusion on Ballymoney

Ballymoney may be a small town, but it’s rich in character, culture, and charm. Nestled in Northern Ireland’s lush countryside and close to iconic landmarks like the Dark Hedges and Giant’s Causeway, it's a perfect base for exploring the Causeway Coast—and a destination worth discovering in its own right.

Why Ballymoney is Worth a Visit:

• 🏍️ Legendary motorcycling heritage, especially through Joey Dunlop.

• 🌳 Natural beauty, parks, and proximity to historic and scenic sites.

• 🧁 Local flavor through traditional Ulster foods, artisan goods, and friendly cafés.

• 🎁 Markets and crafts offering authentic gifts, produce, and handmade treasures.

• 🕰️ Deep roots in Irish and Ulster-Scots history, with welcoming locals and a strong sense of identity.

Whether you're passing through or staying for a few days, Ballymoney offers a warm, memorable slice of Northern Irish life—unhurried, authentic, and proud of its heritage.

Thanks for reading!!