Ballymena

Ballymena is the largest town in Mid and East Antrim, around 15 miles south of Ballymoney on the main Belfast road, founded in 1626.

Ecos Nature Park

A 220-acre park on the edge of town with over 8km of walking and cycling paths through woodland, wetland, and meadow. The interpretive centre runs on solar and biomass power, with a reed-bed water treatment system and an organic market garden — genuinely built around its own environmental practice, not just themed around it. There’s also a garden centre, farm shop, and café on site.

President Arthur Homestead

In nearby Cullybackey, about 4 miles from Ballymena, the restored President Arthur Homestead marks the birthplace of the family of Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President of the United States. His father left for America in 1815 at 19; Chester Arthur was born in Vermont in 1829 and served as president from 1881 to 1885, having become vice president under James Garfield. The cottage shows how the family lived in the late 18th century, with open-fire baking demonstrations for visitors.

Getting there

Ballymena sits on the main Belfast–Derry road and rail corridor — a straightforward drive or train journey from Ballymoney via the A26.