Location: Ballymena
Top Things to do in Ballymena
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Ballymena, Northern Ireland
Ballymena /ˌbæliˈmiːnə/ (from Irish: an Baile Meánach, meaning "the middle townland", Irish pronunciation: [ən̪ˠ ˈbˠalʲə ˈmˠaːn̪ˠəx]) is a large town in County Antrim, and the eighth largest in Northern Ireland. It is part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. It had a population of 29,467 people in the 2011 Census.
Restaurants in Ballymena
1. The Front Page Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By TA-BELFAST - Belfast, United Kingdom
Called into The Front Page for a few pints of Stout (Guinness). What a spot. On walking in; warmly welcome with nice heat and ambience, and what seems to be a nice yet regular local pub clientele with some great craic. Would def recommend this pub which is listed as “The Community Pub of the Year” which it clearly it seems to be. Visiting Ballymena ... give it a try, you’ll be made most welcome ! Go Team Front Page - well done you lot ! Be back soon !
2. Hot Milk Forge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Hot Milk Forge is a Blacksmithing School based in the Glens Of Antrim. Hot Milk runs evening and weekend classes in Basic to Advanced Artist Blacksmithing! Hot Milk Forge offers Evening and Weekend Classes in Blacksmithing with an artistic twist. Evening classes are open to everyone above the age of 16. Participants are encouraged to learn the traditional skills not just because the celebration of wrought iron work is a worthy idea but also because only blacksmithing can introduce you to the full potential of steel as a creative medium. We weld with a fire at hot milk forge not with electricity. Imagine making your own fire side set, wrought iron gate, gifts for your partner, sculpture....the list goes on. Hot Milk Forge was established by Artist Blacksmith Eamonn Higgins. Eamonn has been a professional Artist/Sculptor since 2003 and for 10 years Blacksmithing has formed an integral part of Eamonn's practice with public works scattered across the UK and his commercial works collected internationally. Founding Tutor of Tannaghmore Blacksmiths Workshop (Highly Commended in the National Craft Skills Awards) Eamonn has been demonstrating and teaching blacksmithing as part of his Public Art practice as long as he has been blacksmithing, in 2014 on completion of a 2 year artist residency in the University of Ulster Eamonn decided it was time his blacksmithing classes had a permanent home Hot Milk Forge was born. But why is it called Hot Milk Forge? Hot Milk Forge is Located on Eamonn's family farm, the workshop is where the first Milking Parlour was located many moons ago. If thats not enough Eamonn made as much effort as he could to upcycle old parts and equipment from the farm into the building of the forges.
Reviewed By rerwin - Austin, United States
Our family of four (two boys ages 14 and 17) attended a private tour and demonstration at Hot Milk Forge where we experienced the traditional craft of blacksmithing and bladesmithing. Eamonn, a professional artist/sculptor since 2003, comes from a long line of farmers from the Glenravel area. He has diversified the Higgins’ family farm into the Blacksmith/Bladesmithing School and Sculpture Studio as well as a small farm that raises rare Irish Breed Cattle and rare breed sheep. The heat from the fires provided a needed break from the cold Irish weather while our family intently listened to the history of the ancient craft and was able to take part in using some of the tools on display. The overall excursion was a feast for the senses! We highly recommend a Hot Milk Forge excursion on your visit to Northern Ireland!
3. Midtown Makers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Midtown Makers Studio & Shop is a Craft Collective which sells Handcrafted, Unique, Bespoke items such as Ceramics, Textiles, Beads & Jewellery, Memory Bears & Cushions, Paintings, Embroidery, Melts & Candles,Hand Made Soap, Decoupage & Crocheted items. plus much, much more. We are a collection of local artists from All Over Northern Ireland, starting up our very own businesses.
Reviewed By elainepM8797NU
This shop is packed with great hand crafted gifts I was spoiled for choice. Got little wooden animal related gift. Fabulous card. A painting and there are also craft supplies. A few months ago I also attended a jewellery making workshop and came home with a beautiful necklace. Earrings and bracelet
4. Raceview Karting
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
5. Flossy Treats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Come in to our vintage style sweet shop that has all the old fashioned sweets you can dream of. Try our fantastic home made fudge and chocolates, and if you like it then book into one of our many chocolate workshops and learn how to make chocolate truffles, bars and lollipops.
Reviewed By 461jemmar
Ordered sweets to make little valentines hamper for my kids. Prompt delivery. Would order from here again.
6. Fairhill Shopping Centre
7. The Braid Arts Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 818robinm - Belfast, United Kingdom
Had a fantastic night the Braid is very intimate and a good place to go for a concert would go back for a concert
8. Ballymena Central Library
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 41 reviews
To find out more about the library including opening times and holidays please visit the Libraries NI website.
Reviewed By Kwatson100 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Good library with computers and you can hire dvds and cd's good selection of books to chose from also definitely worth a visit.
9. Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By StephenL06 - Ballymena, United Kingdom
A truly wonderful facility that by virtue of being on my doorstep means I enjoy the luxury of being a member so that I can visit whenever I please. This is my sanctuary, my 'go to' place where I can escape the demands and pressures of the outside world and take care of my physical and mental wellbeing. Staff are very welcoming, professional, friendly and courteous. The facilities are as good as any I've seen anywhere on my travels (and I've travelled extensively). There is a great range of options in the thermal village including a 25m pool, a large sauna with glass frontage overlooking the river Maine, a large steam room, 3 jacuzzis, a hydropool, caldariun, aroma room, sanarium, ice room, infrared heated seating, the Orangery for relaxation, water beds... and more... the list is extensive. On site you can also have lunch or a coffee in the dome shaped restaurant Elements, although this is a little on the expensive side. Everywhere is always spotlessly clean and tidy. There is also a decent but small gym on site with static and free weights options and the usual cardio equipment. There are a limited number of treatments on offer and while these are high quality they are expensive so I tend to only avail when there are special offers. Overall though I highly recommend Galgorm Resort and Spa as somewhere you can go to get away from it all and spend time just focusing on you.
10. IMC Cinema
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 27 reviews
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