Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Ballymena is a market town, lying on the River Braid in County Antrim. It is within the townlands of Town Parks, Brocklamont, Ballykeel, Bottom, Dunclug, Carniny, Ballyloughanin, Galgorm, Galgorm Parks, Ballee and Tullaghgarley and the civil parishes of Kirkinriola, Ballyclug and Ahoghill. In 1607, James I granted the native Irish chief, Ruairí Óg MacQuillan, the Ballymena Estate. The estate eventually passed to William Adair, a Scottish laird. In 1626 Charles I confirmed the grant of the Ballymena Estate to Adair, giving him the right to hold a market every Saturday, which continues. St Patrick's Church (C of I), which dates from 1855, replaced the first Anglican church in the town, built in 1707 and now a ruin. The First Ballymena Presbyterian Church building dates from 1859, though the congregation was established around 1627. The first Roman Catholic chapel was consecrated in 1827. The present Gothic style All Saints Church was dedicated in 1860. The linen weaving industry became important to the town's economy during the 19th century. The neoclassical style Ballymena Town Hall dates from 1924, replacing the 1684 market hall. The 20th century saw the town grow substantially, though the latter part of the century saw its traditional industries decline. The actor Liam Neeson was born in Ballymena in 1952. The town is within the council area of Mid and East Antrim.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Antrim
Lat, Long: 54.864027,-6.275848
Grid Reference: D 1075 0317
Townland: Town Parks TD
Civil Parish: Kirkinriola CP
Council Area: Mid and East Antrim CA
Police Area: Northern Ireland PA
Devolved Legislature:  Northern Ireland Assembly

GBPN ID: 321572
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Ballymena,_Antrim_321572

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