Ballymena

Also known as The Mena

Ballymena ( ; from , meaning 'the middle townland') is a town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 31,205 at the 2021 United Kingdom census, making it the seventh largest town in Northern Ireland by population. It is part of the Borough of Mid and East Antrim.

Key facts

UK place.official_name: Ballymena
UK place.irish_name: an Baile Meánach
UK place.static_image_name: Ballymena town hall.jpg
UK place.static_image_caption: Ballymena Town Hall, with the new Braid Arts Centre behind
UK place.population: 31,205
UK place.population_ref: (2021 census)
UK place.map_type: Northern Ireland
UK place.belfast_distance: SE
UK place.irish_grid_reference: D1003
UK place.unitary_northern_ireland: Mid and East Antrim
UK place.country: Northern Ireland
UK place.post_town: BALLYMENA

Article

28 sections

Contents

History
Early history
Early modern era
20th century
21st century
Economy
Demographics
2021 census
2011 census
Education
Transport
Sport
Townlands
Climate
Notable people
Arts and media
Politics
Academia and science
Religion
Military
Business
Sport
International relations
Twin towns
See also
References
Other sources
External links

The town was built on the Braid River, on land given to the Adair family by King Charles I in 1626, with a right to hold two annual fairs and a Saturday market in perpetuity. Surrounding villages are Cullybackey, Ahoghill, Broughshane, and Kells-Connor.