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 At the base of the Antrim Mountains and forty miles from the centre of Belfast, lies Ballymena. Its population of 25,000 earns Ballymena its position as one of the largest towns in the area. The town has grown from its early development around the linen industry and today the main employers of Ballymena are the retail outlets which make it such a popular shopping town.
Built upon land belonging to the estate bestowed upon William Adair of Kinhilt, Scotland by Charles I, the town has seen its share of excitement. In 1798, it was held by a group of United Irishmen who had defeated British forces in a street battle there.
Today, many visitors to the town include a trip to the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President of the USA, within their itineraries. Lying north west of the village of Cullybackey, if you travel along the B62 from Ballymena you will find this restored 18th century farmhouse. If you have time you should also try to visit Slemish Mountain, Portglenone Forest and the People's Park.
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