Attractions and Places To See around Ballymoney - Top 4

The area around Ballymoney offers several natural highlights. You can find peace and serenity at Altnaheglish Reservoir, located within the Banagher Forest, which is home to some of Ireland's oldest ancient oak woodlands. Other natural features include Garry Bog Nature Reserve, an internationally important peatland, and Riverside Park, a pleasant urban park in Ballymoney. For more rugged landscapes, explore Slieveanorra and Croaghan, known for their intact blanket bogs and diverse plant life.

Yes, Ballymoney and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Learmount Castle, a stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion from the 1830s. Don't miss Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb, one of the best-preserved court tombs in the Causeway Coast area, dating back thousands of years. The Ballymoney Town Hall also houses the Ballymoney Museum, which explores the area's history from Mesolithic times to the present. Further afield, the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle are a popular historical landmark.

Families can enjoy a visit to the Damhead Miniature Railway, which is rated as a top attraction. The pleasant Riverside Park in Ballymoney offers open space for recreation. For a unique experience, the iconic Dark Hedges, famous from 'Game of Thrones,' provides a picturesque setting for a family stroll. Many of the walking trails, such as those around Altnaheglish Reservoir, are also suitable for families.

For breathtaking vistas, head to Sperrin Road, a mountain pass offering cracking views of Barnes Top, Knockanbane Mountain, and Sawel Mountain. The iconic Dark Hedges provides a unique and picturesque natural tunnel. Further along the coast, the Giant's Causeway offers stunning coastal views with its unique basalt columns, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge provides dramatic sea views from a height.

Yes, there are several walking opportunities. The Ballymoney Heritage Trail is a 2.5-mile self-guided tour through the town's built heritage. For nature walks, you can explore the trails around Altnaheglish Reservoir in Banagher Forest. The nearby Learmount Park, surrounding Learmount Castle, also features gravel and mixed terrain tracks. For more detailed hiking options, explore the easy hikes around Ballymoney.

The region offers various cycling routes, particularly in the Sperrins area. You can find routes like the 'Draperstown, Gortin and Plumbridge loop' or the 'Lough Neagh loop from Dungiven'. Learmount Park, near Learmount Castle, also has suitable tracks for cycling. For more information on road cycling, check out the road cycling routes around Ballymoney.

Yes, there are several running trails. The Banagher Glen Forest Trail is a moderate 11.8 km option. Other trails include loops in Loughermore Forest and around Ness Waterfall. These trails offer diverse terrain for runners. You can find more details on running trails around Ballymoney.

In Ballymoney town, you can visit the Ballymoney Museum, located within the Town Hall, which showcases local history, including the 1798 Rebellion and motorcycle road racing. The Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden honors the famous motorcyclist. The Ballymoney Heritage Trail also guides visitors through the town's significant historical buildings and sites.

The best time to visit Ballymoney and the wider Causeway Coast area is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, ideal for outdoor activities, but attractions can be busier. Winter can be cold and wet, but offers a dramatic landscape.

Yes, Ballymoney is a great base for exploring 'Game of Thrones' filming locations. The most famous is The Dark Hedges, an iconic avenue of beech trees. Gracehill House also features one of the 'Game of Thrones' doors. Other nearby sites include Dunluce Castle and Ballintoy Harbour, which were used for various scenes in the series.

Beyond the well-known sites, consider exploring Garry Bog Nature Reserve for its unique peatland ecosystem and wildlife. Benvarden Garden offers a lovely green space for outdoor exploration. Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient history without the crowds of larger attractions. The Slieve na mBan American Airmen Memorial is another poignant, lesser-known site.

The primary museum is the Ballymoney Museum, located in the Town Hall. It covers a wide range of local history, from ancient times to modern events like the World Wars and motorcycle racing. It also offers a History Resource Area for genealogical research. For more information, you can visit the Ballymoney Museum website.