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!

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Number of results: 6

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Ballymena 400 Poetry Workshop

1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena

Address

Mid-Antrim Museum and Arts Centre at The Braid, The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5EJ

Telephone
028 2563 5077

tic.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Poetry Workshop

Dates

From:
31 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00

Price
Price £5.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Ballymena 400

Ballymena

Address

Town Centre and People's Park, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6JA

Telephone
+44 (0) 300 1245000

events@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Family Fun

Join us on Saturday 23 May as Ballymena marks 400 years with a full day of celebration for all ages.

Dates

From:
23 May 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00

Price
Free

More Info
Create your own clay crest

1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena

Address

Mid-Antrim Museum and Arts Centre at The Braid, The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5EJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2563 5028

BraidMuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Workshop

Create your own clay crest

Dates

From:
16 May 2026Open 10:30 - 12:15

Price
Free

More Info
400 Years of Ballymena History Walking Tour - story of the 'Seven Towers'

Ballymena

Address

The Harmony Hub, Broadway, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6DS

Telephone
+44 (0) 7392 597078

alastairdonaghytours@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Guided Walk

Join Alastair Donaghy Walks and Talks on a Ballymena 400th Anniversary walking tour, uncovering the City of the Seven Towers through historic landmarks, hidden stories, and local heritage.

Dates

From:
10 May 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00

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Fused glass workshop with Eleanor-Jayne McCartney

1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena

Address

Mid-Antrim Museum and Arts Centre at The Braid, The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5EJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2563 5028

BraidMuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Fused-glass workshop

Dates

From:
8 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00

Price
Price £10.00 Per Ticket

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Ulster Potato Basket Workshop

Cullybackey

Address

President Arthur Homestead, 21A Dreen Road, Cullybackey, County Antrim, BT42 1FX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8262

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Workshop

Basket Weaving Workshop by Welig Heritage Crafts as part of Ballymena 400 Celebrations.

Dates

From:
27 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00

Price
Price £60.00 Per Ticket

More Info