Ballymoney factfile

How to get to Ballymoney
Ballymoney, a small town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, lies just off the A26 between Coleraine and Ballymena. A short 12-mile jaunt to the coast, the town is just under 60 miles from Belfast and approximately 38 miles east of Derry.

How Ballymoney got its name
Ballymoney's name is said to come from the Gaelic Baile Monaidh, which roughly translates as "the settlement of the bog". But don't be put off by this less than flattering description—Ballymoney has also been more kindly translated as "townland of the moor".

Shopping in Ballymoney
Despite its compact size, Ballymoney is bursting at the seams with stores to help separate even the most reluctant shopper from their cash.

The town's shopping hub has a great mix of well-known high street names, distinctive family-run independent stores and stylish boutiques.

An abundance of free car parking at both ends of town only adds to Ballymoney's shopping appeal.

Eating and drinking in Ballymoney
For a taste of Antrim hospitality, check out any of Ballymoney's bars, restaurants or cosy pubs—where you can enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music—or sample coffee and homemade scones in one of the town's cafes. The town also offers award-winning takeaways.

Sports and leisure in Ballymoney
There's lots for sports enthusiasts to enjoy in Ballymoney. A traditional pastime is angling, with game and coarse fishing available at several spots in the town. Golf, canoeing, bowling, tennis and shooting are also available, and the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre adds swimming, snooker, squash and more to the list.

Ballymoney hosts the annual NI Milk Cup football tournament, one of the most prestigious international youth football competitions in the world. Familiar names that once played in the Milk Cup include Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Damien Duff.

Famous people from Ballymoney
"King of the Road" Joey Dunlop is one of Ballymoney's most famous sons. The five-time World Motorcycle Champion and 24-time Ulster Grand Prix winner was tragically killed during a race in 2000. A bronze statue was unveiled in a memorial garden dedicated to the racer in Ballymoney in 2002.

Actor and comedian Jimmy Young was also born in Ballymoney, as was popular playwright George Shiels.