Ballymena 400

Ballymena is marking a huge milestone this year – 400 years of stories, people, and place. But long before the busy town we know today, this area passed through many hands and had more than its fair share of twists and turns.

Back in the 1500s, the land around Ballymena changed ownership several times, with different leaders trying (and often failing!) to make their mark. Things finally started taking shape in the early 1600s when the Adair family arrived. They secured the land that would grow into what we now call Ballymena – and they wasted no time putting down roots.

In 1626, the Adairs were granted permission to run a Saturday market and two annual fairs. That might not sound like much now, but it was a big deal at the time and helped spark the growth of a lively settlement. A market house followed in 1684, setting Ballymena on its path to becoming the bustling market town we recognise today.

Over generations, the Adair family continued to help shape the town, contributing land and funds for churches, schools, parks and even a hotel. One of them, Sir Alexander Shafto Adair, was so fond of Ballymena that he called it the “city of the seven towers.”

Four centuries later, Ballymena has grown, changed, and evolved – but that same spirit of community and energy is still very much alive. And this year, we’re celebrating it all with a host of events to mark this incredible anniversary!