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Beyond The Legend

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Experience adventures

  1. Situated in Cullybackey, just outside Ballymena, this beautifully restored 18th-century thatched cottage is the official ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, who went on to become the 21st President of the United States. Recently awarded professional museum status, this unique local cottage offers a captivating bridge between rural Ulster life and the American presidency.
    1. Houses by the square in Gracehill
      Gracehill, an 18th-century Moravian settlement near Ballymena, is Northern Ireland's first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its preserved Georgian architecture, historic sites, and book guided tours.
      1. Slemish Market Garden, located at Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena prides itself on using traditional methods to grow seasonal fruit, vegetables and cottage garden plants onsite. Fresh produce plus transplants and potted plants are available for sale.
        1. Night time exterior of the Thatch Inn Bar & Restaurant - white building with thatched roof and lights on in the upper windows
          18th century thatched, family friendly bar and restaurant set in the award winning village of Broughshane with a great choice of menu and unique historic features.
          1. 2 guests in outdoor wooden hot tub and barrel‑shaped sauna set among tall trees at sunset, with steam rising from the warm water.
            The Spa at Galgorm is a true haven of peace and tranquillity where every conceivable aspect of our guest’s journey has been taken into consideration when designing our spaces, treatments and packages.
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          2. Midtown Makers shop front from outside
            Midtown Makers Gift Shop, is one of Northern Ireland's foremost handmade craft and gift shops, located on Church Street in Ballymena with over 50 individual artists and craft makers selling their unique products.
            Things to see & do near Slemish

            Highlights

            ⁠Rosegift Studios - Pottery Wheel Studio
            LocationPortglenone

            Rosegift Studios in Portglenone offers pottery wheel classes, paint-your-own pottery, and canvas…

            Man smiling standing in front of 4 different ice-creams.
            LocationGlarryford

            Discover the story behind the Creamery Can ice-cream located in Glarryford, en-route from Ballymena…

            Jake O'Kane - Subtle As A Sledgehammer Tour
            LocationBallymena

            Jake O'Kane - Subtle As A Sledgehammer Tour

            White concrete exterior of Ballymena Central Library
            LocationBallymena

            Explore County Antrim's rich history at Ballymena Central Library’s Heritage Collection with maps,…

            Ecos Trail Cycling Route
            LocationBroughshane Road , Ballymena

            A rural journey across the Antrim Plateau to the North Channel.

            Heritage walking tour around Galgorm Resort with Glenburn Tours
            LocationBallymena

            Explore Galgorm’s linen‑rooted past with qualified guide George from Glenburn Tours, tracing its…

            2 guests in outdoor wooden hot tub and barrel‑shaped sauna set among tall trees at sunset, with steam rising from the warm water.
            LocationBallymena

            The Spa at Galgorm is a true haven of peace and tranquillity where every conceivable aspect of our…

            The People’s Park
            LocationBallymena

            A historic 45-acre Green Flag Award-winning park in the heart of Ballymena, featuring scenic…

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            LocationBallymena

            Ballymena BID’s Halloween Trail returns on Friday 30 October, offering a free afternoon of family…

            welcome to Ballymena of the 'seven Towers'
            LocationBallymena

            Join Alastair Donaghy’s immersive Ballymena walking tours—rich in history, storytelling, and local…

            River Bann Tours
            LocationPortglenone

            River Bann Tours offer boat trips on the Lower Bann based at Portglenone Marina. Tickets can be…

            Jenny Bristow Cookery School Experience
            LocationCullybackey

            Join Jenny for a unique cookery event at her home, nestled in the rolling green countryside outside…

            Exclusive NI Tours
            LocationBroughshane

            We provide luxury XJ Jaguars and Range Rovers for bespoke tours throughout Northern Ireland or…

            Glass fronted entrance doors and brick exterior of IMC Cinema in Ballymena
            LocationBallymena
            Broughshane Waterfowl Park
            LocationBroughshane

            Special waterfowl pond and woodland in Broughshane, run by volunteers with lots of wildlife and…

            Slemish Cycling Route
            LocationBallymena

            Scenic countryside circular route with stiff climbs.

            Path through the forest with green trees and loads of bluebells
            LocationPortglenone

            Portglenone Forest continues a history of tree cover on this site established since records began.…

            Ballymena Weekly Variety Market
            LocationBallymena

            Ballymena Variety Market is a friendly weekly market held every Saturday at Ballymoney Car Park.…

            exhibtion text
            Location1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena

            Ordinary People : Extraordinary History exhibition developed by Cullybackey Community Partnership…

            Ballymena Parish Church
            LocationBallymena

            Self guided murder mystery trail from Whodunit Hunts on foot in Ballymena. See historic buildings,…

            Heritage walking tour around Galgorm Resort with Glenburn Tours
            LocationBallymena

            Explore Galgorm’s linen‑rooted past with qualified guide George from Glenburn Tours, tracing its…

            Galgorm Castle Golf Club
            LocationBallymena

            Galgorm Castle Golf Club is an exciting mixture of the new and the old. This 18 hole, 6930 yards…

            Red and Cream sign on building stating Broughshane Museum - Revolutionaries, Refugees, Royalty, Military Heroes and a Patron Saint.
            LocationBroughshane

            Housed on the top floor of Broughshane House, Broughshane House has thousands of items in its…

            Black metal Buttermilk Bridge Riverside Path sign with writing in yellow and image of a bridge with cow and milk maid crossing
            LocationBrougshane

            Broughshane is known as the "Garden Village of Ulster" thanks to its floral displays. Over 75,000…

            Places to eat & drink near Slemish

            More Highlights

            Milanos Ballymena
            LocationBallymena

            Milanos Ballymena offers authentic Italian dishes in a cosy, stylish setting, serving fresh pizzas,…

            The Corner Bakery Coffee Shop
            LocationBallymena

            The Corner Bakery in Ballymena offers great coffee, fresh bakes, and flavour‑packed lunches in a…

            Rosegift Studios - Pottery Painting Coffee Shop
            LocationPortglenone

            Rosegift Studios Coffee Shop in Main Street, Portglenone offers a unique blend of coffee,…

            Tullyglass Hotel Dining Experience
            LocationBallymena

            At Tullyglass Hotel we offer our guests both informal and formal dining options throughout the day.…

            Image of Dining Area in Adair Arms Hotel
            LocationBallymena

            An extensive menu of fresh locally sourced, quality ingredients served in our spacious, relaxing…

            M & M's @ Ballymena Golf Club
            LocationBroughshane

            M&M's Restaurant at Ballymena Golf Club in Broughshane offers a diverse menu, function room for 150…

            Cafe @ Creative Gardens Galgorm Castle
            LocationBallymena

            Creative Gardens Galgorm Café serves fresh, home‑cooked meals, alongside daily baked scones, cakes…

            Stone cottage with people dining outside at picnic tables.
            LocationGlarryford

            The Creamery Can, is located in Glarryford, en-route from Ballymena to the Causeway and is a quaint…

            Fullans Department Store & Coffee Lounge
            LocationPortglenone

            Fullan’s Department Store & Coffee Lounge in Portglenone offers luxury gifts, homeware, and…

            Gillies Restaurant at Galgorm
            LocationBallymena

            Awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, Gillies Restaurant offers an elevated style of…

            The Fiddler's Rest Bar & Restaurant
            LocationPortglenone

            The Fiddler's Rest in Portglenone offers authentic Irish hospitality with tasty meals, local brews,…

            Juliano's
            LocationBallymena

            Juliano’s offers a warm, welcoming stop in Ballymena, with tempting desserts, generous hot…

            The Ticket Bakehouse
            LocationCullybackey

            The Ticket Bakehouse is a cosy café in Cullybackey’s restored railway ticket office, offering fresh…

            Exterior of Brew Coffee Shop with seating area and herald trumpeters
            LocationBroughshane

            Welcome to BREW in Broughshane, where sustainabiy sourced coffee, premium teas, and homemade…

            Millside Restaurant Gracehill
            LocationGracehill

            Millside Restaurant is an award winning family run business in the historic village of Gracehill,…

            Red exterior of O'Connells Bar in Portglenone.
            LocationPortglenone

            O'Connell's Bar on Main Street, Portglenone, offers a warm Irish pub vibe with live sports, pool, a…

            McKendry's Lounge & Bar
            LocationBallymena

            Located in the heart of Galgorm, McKendry’s Lounge & Bar offers the warm ambience and atmosphere of…

            Eden Rooftop Bar
            LocationBallymena

            Eden Rooftop Bar in Ballymena, part of the Grouse Complex, offers stylish all-weather fun with live…

            Origin Nightclub
            LocationBallymena

            This nightclub is the centrepiece of Ballymena’s weekend nightlife.

            Exterior of Bob & Berts Coffee Shop with seats at front windows
            LocationBallymena

            Bob & Berts Ballymena offers early‑morning convenience, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service.…

            The Blackstone Bar
            LocationBallymena

            The Blackstone Bar is located in Hill Street just off the main shopping area of Ballymena, boasts a…

            The Pizza Parlour
            LocationBallymena

            A Ballymena favourite since 1981, The Pizza Parlour serves fresh, flavour-packed pizzas, burgers,…

            Night time exterior of the Thatch Inn Bar & Restaurant - white building with thatched roof and lights on in the upper windows
            LocationBroughshane

            18th century thatched, family friendly bar and restaurant set in the award winning village of…

            Places to stay near Slemish

            More Highlights

            Knocknagreena Coachhouse
            LocationBallymena

            Knocknagreena Coach House is situated on the Broughshane Road in Ballymena, County Antrim. Our…

            Crebilly Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            Is there anything more quintessentially Irish than to gather around the table, to gulp mugs of…

            Byrestown Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            Byrestown Cottage is located on a small farm, close to the village of Kells and the town of…

            Criagdun Castle Courtyard - The Groom's House
            LocationBallymena

            The Grooms house set in the beautiful estate of Craigdun Castle, Co Antrim a three bedroom, four…

            Russellstown Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            Comfortably furnished semi detached rural cottage in peaceful and picturesque location. With…

            Portglenone Marina Motorhome Pitches
            LocationPortglenone

            Portglenone Marina offers a peaceful riverside retreat for motorhome travellers with six pitches,…

            The River Bann Retreat
            LocationPortglenone

            The spacious waterside lodges are the perfect space to kick back and unwind from everyday life.…

            Galgorm - Forest Dens
            LocationBallymena

            Tucked away beyond the River Maine, the Forest Dens are peacefully positioned amongst Galgorm Wood,…

            Gracehill Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            Situated within the historic village of Gracehill and halfway between Belfast and the Causeway…

            Ballyconnelly Cottages
            LocationCullybackey

            We look forward to welcoming you to our peaceful family home. We are conveniently located 5 minutes…

            Night time exterior of entrance to Ross Park Hotel in Kells with car parked outside
            LocationBallymena

            Situated in 10 acres of grounds in the beautiful County Antrim countryside within easy reach of the…

            The Howe
            LocationBallymena

            B&B house situated on a small farm in a peaceful scenic setting with views of Slemish mountain and…

            Cullybackey Flats
            LocationCullybackey

            Our bright, modern flat is centrally located in the historic village of Cullybackey, just half a…

            The Cabin
            LocationBallymena

            Located mid-way between Belfast & The Causeway Coast, The Cabin is a cosy secluded retreat for…

            Galgorm Riverside Cottage with outdoor hot tub overlooking the river
            LocationBallymena

            Settled alongside the babbling River Maine, the Riverside Cottage offers a blend of countryside…

            Accommodation Portglenone
            LocationBallymena

            Welcome to Firgrove, the perfect stay for you and your family sleeping up to 9 people. Make use of…

            Oranmore Guest House
            LocationBallymena

            Oranmore Guesthouse is located on the tree lined Galgorm Road in Ballymena with excellent parking…

            6 Mount Pleasant
            LocationBallymena

            A home away from home, Located 4 minutes drive from Portglenone Village, convenient to airports,…

            A couple perched on the edge of a hot tub elevated above the Forest floor. Views behind them of the River Maine.
            LocationBallymena

            Galgorm is one Ireland's premier Resorts, set in 550 acres of lush parkland near Northern Ireland’s…

            Private outdoor hot tub at Charles Lanyon Lodge, Galgorm
            LocationBallymena

            Located on the ground of Galgorm, Charles Lanyon Lodge offers an exclusive, luxurious retreat.…

            Colestone Cabins - The Stag
            LocationBallymena

            The Stag boasts a fabulous outdoor area which includes unlimited use of your private exclusive…

            Ash lodge building
            LocationBallymena

            Ash Lodge is ideal whether you're visiting for a peaceful break in the surrounding countryside or…

            Cullybackey Railway Station
            LocationCullybackey

            The Railway Sleeper is located in the unique setting of Cullybackey Railway Station, which is…

            Sunbeam
            LocationBallymena

            Sunbeam Cottage, built in 1856 and once owned by the 1st Earl of Antrim, offers cosy accommodation…

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