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More About Ballymena

More about Ballymena

Ballymena is classified as a Large Town by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (ie with population of between 18,000 and 75,000 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 28,717 people living in Ballymena.

Ballymena boasts some fine educational establishments, including three Grammar schools, one comprehensive, integrated college and a number of secondary schools.
• Ballymena Academy
• Cambridge House Grammar School
• Saint Louis Grammar School
• Slemish College
• Dunclug College
• Ballee High School
• St Patricks College
• Cullybackey High
• North East Institute

A large town in the centre of County Antrim, Ballymena has long been known as the "city of the seven towers". Three of the towers remain today, all on churches. And this really sums up Ballymena - an ancient place whose history survives among its many modern buildings.

The town is famous for exceptional shopping, from small boutiques selling clothes and jewellery to two large shopping complexes. Ballymena is a major centre for business, administration and manufacturing, but it also has a thriving arts programme based at the Town Hall, and lots of family fun too.

The Ecos Centre combines environmental education with a range of entertainments dotted around the lakes and river in a 150-acre country park. The People's Park, meanwhile, provides traditional attractions in the company of wild ducks and geese, as well as art festivals, live music and a youngsters' Teddy Toddle walk.

The Seven Towers Leisure Centre caters for all ages, the Ballymena Showgrounds host sports and other special events, and Sportsbowl offers tenpin bowling, snooker and arcade games. Walking, cycling, golf, riding, fishing and water sports are all enjoyed in and around Ballymena, and the outlying villages - and Slemish mountain - make for wonderful sightseeing.
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