History at the Museum and on the Trail

Ballymoney Museum is located in the Town Hall. Its permanent exhibition covers the history of the region from the earliest times and includes the mysterious Derrykeighan Stone. The exhibition’s broad timespan and this named artefact provide two specific points of connection with regional history. The Town Hall also has its own cultural history: following its official reopening, it became the venue for the Ballymoney Drama Festival. The history of the building therefore sits alongside the regional history covered by the permanent exhibition.

The Ballymoney Heritage Trail offers a different perspective. This self-guided walk through the town’s architectural heritage is 2.5 miles long and starts at Townhead Street Car Park. The museum and the trail focus on different aspects of history: the permanent exhibition covers the history of the region from the earliest times, while the trail focuses on the town’s built heritage. When planning your time in Ballymoney, you can choose between a topic spanning a broad historical period and a walk exploring the town’s architecture.

Parkland and Paths

Riverside Park covers around 40 acres, or 16 hectares, of open parkland. The Ballymoney River runs alongside the park for its entire length. A shared cycling and walking path runs through the park and forms part of NCN Route 96. The park was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2015. Unlike the Heritage Trail, the focus here is not on architectural heritage, but on open parkland and a path shared by cyclists and pedestrians.

Motorcycle Racing and Remembrance

Motorcycle racing history is another clear focus. Dunlop Memorial Gardens offer visitors a place to reflect on international motorcycle racing legends. Joey Dunlop was born in Ballymoney in 1952. In February 2022, a life-size statue of William Dunlop was unveiled in Dunlop Memorial Gardens. Robert Dunlop Memorial Garden features a polished granite obelisk and a bronze sculpture of Robert. These memorials present the subject in different forms: a biographical connection, a statue and a sculpture.

Events and Surroundings

The Ballymoney Show takes place every year on the first weekend in June and also hosts the YFCU Northern Ireland football championships. The exact programme may vary from one edition to another; if the show is the reason for your trip, check the date and programme details for the relevant year before making plans. As a reason to visit, the show differs from the historical themes of the museum and the Heritage Trail: here, a recurring date and the specific edition determine the details of your plans. By purchasing a Swim Ticket in advance, you can book swimming times at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.

Rosepark Farm is nearby at 98 Bravallen Road, about four miles outside Ballymoney. Its approximate distance places it outside the town and provides a separate point of reference for further planning.

Discover more destinations: Carnlough, Larne, Newtownabbey, Aldergrove, Templepatrick, Antrim, Dunadry, Crumlin

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