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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

            Exclusive NI Tours
            LocationBroughshane

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

            welcome to Ballymena of the 'seven Towers'
            LocationBallymena

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

            Ecos Trail Cycling Route
            LocationBroughshane Road , Ballymena

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

            Exterior of Galgorm Castle
            LocationBallymena

            Explore over 400 years of history at Galgorm Castle & Grounds in Ballymena with Glenburn Tours.…

            ⁠Rosegift Studios - Pottery Wheel Studio
            LocationPortglenone

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

            Miniville Play Sign featuring the words plus llustrated images of ice cream van, shop, church, house and castle.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover Mini Ville, a magical play hub in Carrickfergus, where children explore themed buildings,…

            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…

            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…

            White concrete exterior of Ballymena Central Library
            LocationBallymena

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

            Honeybees Playtown
            LocationBallymena

            Honeybees Playtown in Ballymena offers an exciting indoor play experience for children 0-10,…

            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…

            Gail from The Pantry at Bramble Hill at Balmoral Show standing in front of a display stand with a branded apron and another demonstrator
            LocationGlarryford

            Gail at The Pantry @ Bramble Hill offers homely and traditional baking demonstrations either in in…

            The People’s Park
            LocationBallymena

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

            Jenny Bristow Cookery School Experience
            LocationCullybackey

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

            Sewing machine and patchwork quilt in progress at Midtown Makers workshop
            LocationBallymena

            At Midtown Makers Gift Shop, we offer a diverse range of craft workshops designed to inspire…

            Galgorm Castle Golf Club
            LocationBallymena

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

            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…

            Exterior of Galgorm Castle
            LocationBallymena

            Explore over 400 years of history at Galgorm Castle & Grounds in Ballymena with Glenburn Tours.…

            Portglenone Marina
            LocationPortglenone

            Portglenone Marina, 9 miles from Ballymena, offers 35 serviced berths, riverside views, top-class…

            Alastair Donaghy leading a Ballymena Walking Tour with tour participants standing in a graveyard
            LocationBallymena

            Alastair Donaghy, Ballymena native and history enthusiast, offers bespoke walking tours and talks…

            exhibtion text
            Location1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena

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

            President Arthur Homestead
            LocationCullybackey

            Situated in Cullybackey, just outside Ballymena, this beautifully restored 18th-century thatched…

            Icons of the 70s Show
            Location1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena

            Icons of the 70s Show

            Ballymena Golf Club
            LocationBroughshane

            Ballymena Golf Club, founded in 1903 near Broughshane, offers a scenic 18-hole course with views of…

            Places to eat & drink near Slemish

            More Highlights

            Rococo
            LocationBallymena

            Fantastic family owned restaurant, in the heart of Ballymena town centre, offering a great…

            Follow Coffee Co
            LocationBallymena

            Freshly roasted locally produced speciality coffee and food in comfortable surroundings within the…

            Grey exterior of Winnies 1975 with large window displays
            LocationBroughshane

            Winnies 1975 is a quaint café and gift shop set in the heart of Broughshane, which was crowned UK…

            Afternoon tea in the Ross Park Hotel served on silver stand with white crockery and tablecloth
            LocationKells

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

            The Smoking Monkey Cocktail & Sports Bar
            LocationBallymena

            Ballymena's newest cocktail and sports bar, The Smoking Monkey, is a space like no other in the…

            McKendry's Lounge & Bar
            LocationBallymena

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

            The Grouse Restaurant & Bar
            LocationBallymena

            The Grouse Restaurant & Bar has long been a favourite for food, drinks and live entertainment in…

            Fratelli at Galgorm
            LocationBallymena

            Fratelli Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar oozes rustic Italian charm with a contemporary edge, welcoming…

            Cafe @ Creative Gardens Galgorm Castle
            LocationBallymena

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

            Castle Kitchen and Bar at Galgorm
            LocationBallymena

            The distinct warmth, and ambience of Castle Kitchen + Bar make it a space for all occasions and…

            The Carrie Restaurant
            LocationKells

            Discover The Carrie Restaurant in Kells, offering breakfast, lunch, evening meals and Sunday roasts…

            SHOT Licensed Cafe
            LocationBallymena

            SHOT is a licensed Ballymena café serving quality brunch, coffee, and cocktails with vegan,…

            The Corner Bakery Coffee Shop
            LocationBallymena

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

            Tullyglass Hotel Dining Experience
            LocationBallymena

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

            Oldstone Coffee & Play
            LocationClough

            Oldstone Coffee and Play in Clough offers a cosy coffee shop serving local drinks and bakes,…

            Shop front of Morelli's @ Mandy's with black frames and purple signage.
            LocationBroughshane

            At Morelli's @ Mandy's in Broughshane, enjoy all-day frys, hearty meals, light bites, savoury…

            Middletown Coffee Co.
            LocationBallymena

            'A must visit location when on a Northern Ireland Coffee Tour’ - Middletown is more than quality…

            Beer garden and outside eating area of Flax restaurant in Broughshane
            LocationBroughshane

            Indulge in FLAX Steakhouse at Raceview Mill, Broughshane, where culinary excellence meets relaxed…

            Exterior stone walls and glass doors / windows to Blend & Brew in Portglenone
            LocationPortglenone

            A modern and quirky coffee shop situated in Portglenone serving breakfast, brunch, brews & bakes…

            Serving counter and tables and chairs in main eating area of the The Secret Garden Cafe
            LocationBallymena

            The Secret Garden Cafe located in the grounds of Ecos Nature Park in Ballymena operates 7 days a…

            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…

            Flax Coffee Co (Ballymena)
            LocationBallymena

            Flax Coffee Co on Church Street, Ballymena serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a dog-friendly,…

            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…

            Places to stay near Slemish

            More Highlights

            Colestone Cabins - The Stag
            LocationBallymena

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

            Galgorm - The Oaks Residence
            LocationBallymena

            As you arrive at the iconic entrance to Galgorm Resort, you’re met by our hidden gem, The Oaks…

            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…

            Front View of Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            Located in peaceful sheep farming countryside just outside the award winning village of Broughshane…

            Accommodation Portglenone
            LocationBallymena

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

            Byrestown Cottage
            LocationBallymena

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

            Tullyglass Hotel and Residences
            LocationBallymena

            The hotel is an imposing country residence dating from 1890 which has been sympathetically…

            Broughshane Aire de Service at Houston’s Mill
            LocationBroughshane

            This is an authorised motorhome service point and overnight parking stop approved by Northern…

            Laurel Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            2-bedroom country cottage situated in the peaceful countryside yet just 5 miles from the busy…

            The Howe
            LocationBallymena

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

            The Cabin
            LocationBallymena

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

            Sunbeam
            LocationBallymena

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

            Living Area
            LocationBallymena

            Looking for a stylish and convenient place to stay while exploring Northern Ireland's top…

            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…

            Aerial photograph showing cluster of cottages including Oona's Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            Oona's cottage is a charming one bedroom cottage nestled in the beautiful countryside of County…

            Cullybackey Railway Station
            LocationCullybackey

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

            Oranmore Guest House
            LocationBallymena

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

            Comfy Cottage
            LocationBallymena

            This comfy property is perfectly located for exploring NI by car, cycle or public transport. A few…

            Quarrytown Lodge
            LocationBallymena

            Situated in a rural area, on an elevated site with panoramic views of the countryside. It has a…

            Pinegrove Lodge B&B Ballymena
            LocationBallymena

            A warm welcome awaits you at Pinegrove Lodge Guest Accommodation which is situated in a quiet…

            The River Bann Retreat
            LocationPortglenone

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

            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…

            Exterior of Linen Merchants Residence at Galgorm
            LocationBallymena

            Linen Merchants Residence offers comfort, privacy and luxury for up to 10 guests in this striking…

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