Ballymena, NIR - Postcode - BT44 9BD - Post Codes & Zip Codes List

Description of Ballymena

The name Ballymena  meaning "the middle townland" comes from the Irish word báile meánach.

A town in Northern Ireland's County Antrim. You'll find it inside the boundaries of Mid and East Antrim Borough.

The town was founded on property that King Charles I granted to the Adair family in 1626, along with the permanent right to host two yearly fairs and a free Saturday market. The Saturday market is still active in 2018. Ballymena is a major retail center in Northern Ireland and the home of the Ballymena United Football Club.

Large communities including Cullybackey, Galgorm, Ahoghill, and Broughshane are included in Ballymena's total size of 632 square kilometers (244 square miles). Population-wise, it was the eighth largest town in Northern Ireland in 2011, with a total of 29,551 residents.

History of Ballymena

Ballymena's written history begins in the Early Christian era, between the fifth and seventh centuries. Both Camphill Fort in the townland of Ballee and the ringforts in the townland of Ballykeel may be traced back to this period. Within a 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) radius of Ballymena's downtown, several souterrain sites have been discovered.

There are various signs of Early Christian settlement in the ancient parish church and graveyard located two miles (3.2 kilometers) to the north in the townland of Kirkinriola, including a souterrain. In the same year, 1868, a gravedigger unearthed a massive stone slab bearing the carvings of a cross and the words "ord do degen." This person is the 7th-century Irish bishop Degen. St. Patrick's Church of Ireland on Castle Street presently has this stone in its doorway.

About eight miles (13 kilometers) south of Ballymena, in the town of Connor, a church was established at the end of the 5th century. Then, in the following century, a monastery was established in Templemoyle, Kells. But the church in Ballymena was destroyed by Norse invaders in 831.

After conquering England a century earlier, the Normans pushed north and took over much of present-day County Antrim and County Down in the 12th century. Together, they built the foundation for what would become the Earldom of Ulster. They constructed massive earthen mounds called mottes, topped with turrets made of wood, to use as fortifications throughout this campaign. Northern Ireland is home to some excellent examples of motte and bailey fortifications, including one in the Harryville (Ulster-Scots: Herrieville) area.

Brother of "Robert the Bruce," King Robert I of Scotland, Edward Bruce invaded Ireland in 1315. Edward defeated Richard De Burgo, the Norman Earl of Ulster, and his army on September 10, 1315, at the Battle of Tawnybrack, which took place five miles (8.0 km) south of Ballymena at Kells.

Economy of Ballymena

Ballymena has a rich history as a market town. Losses in employment in Ballymena's industrial sector first appeared in the 1980s and have since been repeated in the 2010s.

The cities of Broughshane (home of Michelin), Galgorm (home to JTI Gallaher), and Wrightbus (home to Wright Brothers), were all notable for their respective employers. 320 people lost their jobs after big construction firm Patton Group filed for bankruptcy in November 2012.There would be a total of 877 people out of work as a result of JTI Gallagher's announcement in October 2014. Approximately 850 people lost their employment when Michelin announced in November 2015 that they will be closing their Ballymena manufacturing after 50 years.

County Antrim Places and PostCode / Zipcode List

--

Description of Antrim

Named after the town of Antrim (Irish: Aontroim, meaning "lone ridge"), County Antrim is one of the six counties that make up Northern Ireland and one of the thirty-two counties that make up the Republic of Ireland. The county has a total area of 3,086 square kilometers (1,192 square miles), and its population is somewhere around 618,000. It is located alongside the north-east shore of Lough Neagh. 

The population density in County Antrim is 203 ppk (526 ppmi). In addition to being a part of the ancient province of Ulster, it is also one of Ireland's thirty-two "traditional counties."

Isolated and rugged, the Glens of Antrim are home to nature lovers, while the Giant's Causeway is a one-of-a-kind environment and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whiskey is distilled in Bushmills, and Portrush serves as a popular coastal resort and nightlife district. County Antrim contains the vast bulk of Northern Ireland's capital city, Belfast, while County Down contains the remaining portions.

A majority of its residents identify as Protestant, making it one of just two counties on the entire island to do so as of the 2001 census. County Down, to the south, is the other.

Geography of Antrim

East Antrim is where you'll find the county's highest peaks, but the hills cover a considerable percentage of the county overall. Knocklayd (514 meters/1,690 feet), Slieveanorra (508 meters/1,670 feet), Trostan (550 meters/1,800 feet), Slemish (1,430 meters/4,437 feet), Agnew's Hill (474 meters/1,580 feet), and Divis (478 meters/15,880 feet) are the highest peaks running north to south along the range (1,570 ft). The inland slope is gentle, but the range ends in abrupt and virtually vertical declivities on the northern shore, making for some of the world's most beautiful coastline, which stands in stark contrast to the more rounded western coastline with its continuous cliff faces. The most remarkable cliffs are those formed of perpendicular basaltic columns, extending for many miles, and most strikingly displayed in Fair Head and the celebrated Giant's Causeway. The hills rise suddenly but less abruptly on the eastern coast, and the craters are larger and deeper inland. Portrush (with famous golf links), Portballintrae, and Ballycastle can be found on the west coast; on the east coast, you'll find Cushendun, Cushall, and Waterfoot on Red Bay, Carnlough and Glenarm, Larne on the Sea of Moyne, and Whitehead on Belfast Lough. The springtime easterly winds can be a problem for all of them. The sole island of size is the L-shaped Rathlin Island, off Ballycastle, 11 km (6.8 mi) in total length by 2 km (1.2 km) maximum breadth, 7 km (4.3 mi) from the coast, and of similar basaltic and limestone formation to that of the mainland. There is enough arable land there to sustain a modest population. Larne Lough and the North Channel are separated by the peninsula of Islandmagee.

The fertile lowlands are found in the valleys of the rivers Bann and Lagan, with the shores of Lough Neagh in between. Both of these rivers have their origins in County Down, and they are the only ones worth considering. The latter empties into Belfast Lough, whereas the former drains into Lough Neagh. Toome, located at the river's mouth, serves as a hub for commercial and recreational fishing on the Bann and in Lough Neagh (particularly for salmon and eels). The "Small Lake" of Lough Beg may be seen just below this location, located at an elevation of about 4.5 m (15 ft) below that of Lough Neagh.

Antrim Tourism

Antrim is a historic town located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is known for its rich heritage, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Here's a guide to tourism in Antrim, Northern Ireland:

1. Antrim Castle Gardens: Antrim Castle Gardens is a beautifully landscaped park that surrounds the ruins of Antrim Castle. It features walking trails, a large lake, and lovely gardens, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and picnics.

2. Lough Neagh: Antrim is situated on the shores of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, bird-watching, and boat trips on the lake.

3. Clotworthy House: Located within Antrim Castle Gardens, Clotworthy House is a historic mansion with exhibitions and a tea room. It offers insights into the history of Antrim and its connection to the O'Neill family.

4. The Round Tower: The Antrim Round Tower is a well-preserved tower that dates back to the 10th century. It's an important historical site and provides panoramic views of the town.

5. Riverside Marina: Riverside Marina on the Sixmile Water River offers boating and sailing opportunities, making it a great destination for water enthusiasts.

6. Massereene Golf Club: If you're a golfer, you can enjoy a round of golf at the Massereene Golf Club, a picturesque course located near the town.

7. Antrim Forum: The Antrim Forum is a leisure and recreation center with facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and sports courts.

8. Historic Sites: Antrim has various historic sites, including the Old Courthouse and Steeple Tower, which provide insights into the town's history.

9. Local Shops and Dining: The town offers a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, where you can sample local cuisine and shop for souvenirs.

10. Walking and Cycling: The Antrim area provides opportunities for walking and cycling, with scenic routes and trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

11. Nearby Attractions: Antrim is well-located for visiting nearby attractions like the Giant's Causeway, Belfast, and the Causeway Coastal Route.

Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a charming town with a mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and leisure activities. Whether you're interested in exploring its historical heritage, enjoying outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing by the shores of Lough Neagh, Antrim offers a range of attractions and experiences for visitors.

Northern Ireland, UK Description

Northern Ireland is a constituent state of the United Kingdom, located in the island of Ireland's northeastern quadrant, on the western continental periphery commonly referred to as Atlantic Europe. It is the only part of the United Kingdom that is not part of the European Union. Northern Ireland is occasionally referred to as Ulster, despite the fact that it consists of only six of the nine counties that comprised that historic Irish province.

A long history of newcomers and emigrants has shaped Northern Ireland, which has welcomed Celts from Europe's continental shores as well as Vikings, Normans, and Anglo-Saxons. Over the course of the 17th century, thousands of Scottish Presbyterians were forcibly resettled and English military garrisons were established, resulting in the institutionalization of the ethnic, religious, and political divisions that eventually led to violent conflict.

Since the 1920s, when Northern Ireland was officially separated from the Republic of Ireland, the region has been wracked by sectarian violence. It doesn't matter how serious Northern Ireland's peacemaking efforts have been since the mid-1990s; those who are familiar with the shibboleths and cultural codes that define its peoples are the best equipped to navigate the region, dictating which football (soccer) team to root for, which whiskey to sip, and which song to sing. An old graffito once scrawled on the walls of Belfast captures the complexities of those political markers: "If you are not confused, you do not understand the situation." Outsiders are increasingly familiar with Northern Ireland because of its contributions to world culture, including poetry by Seamus Heaney and music by Van Morrison. However, Northern Ireland's political fortunes have improved since then, and with that improvement has come a flourishing of the arts.

Located in Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast, a modern city whose historic core was severely damaged by aerial bombardment during World War II. Belfast, once known for its shipyards (where the Titanic was built), has seen a significant reduction in the size of its industrial base. Aesthetically, the city is similar to Northern Ireland's other major cities, Londonderry (also known as Derry locally and historically) and Armagh, in that it is adorned with parks and orderly residential neighborhoods. It is even more beautiful in Northern Ireland's countryside: lush, fertile, and dotted with rivers and lakes. These features, as well as the country's folk and artistic traditions, have found poetic expression in the country's folk and artistic traditions.

Geographical Description of Northern Ireland

On the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland occupies approximately one-sixth of the total land area. It is separated from Scotland, which is also a part of the United Kingdom, on the east by the narrow North Channel, which is only 13 miles (21 kilometers) wide at one point and forms a natural border with the Republic of Ireland. The Irish Sea separates Northern Ireland from England and Wales on the east and southeast, respectively, and the Atlantic Ocean separates it from the rest of the world on the north. The Republic of Ireland forms the southern and western borders of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In terms of topography, Northern Ireland can be thought of as a saucer with its center at Lough (lake) Neagh, and the highlands can be considered the inverted rim of that saucer. On the rim of the saucer, five of Ireland's six historic counties—Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone and Londonderry—converge to form the lake, and each has its own highland region that extends from its shores. Towards the north and east, Antrim's mountains (which are actually a plateau) rise steeply from the sea and slope upward. It reaches an elevation of 1,817 feet (554 bmetres) at Trostan, with the plateau terminating in an impressive basalt and chalk cliff coastline, broken by a series of glaciated valleys known as glens and facing Scotland, but otherwise isolated from the remainder of Northern Ireland. Slieve Croob (which rises to 1,745 feet (532 metres) in the southeast) and the Mourne Mountains (which reach an elevation of 2,789 feet (850 metres) at Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland's highest point) are all within two miles (3 kilometers) of each other in the southwest. In the southeast, the rounded landscape of drumlins—smooth, elongated mounds left by the final Pleistocene glaciation' South of Carlingford Lough, this magnificent landscape of granite peaks is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

The scenery is gentler south of Lough Neagh, but the land rises to a height of 1,886 feet (575 metres) in Slieve Gullion, near the Irish border, where the land rises to 1,886 feet (575 metres). West of Lough Neagh, the land gently rises to the more rounded Sperrin Mountains; Sawel, at 2,224 feet (678 metres), is the highest of several 2,000-foot-plus hills in the area; Sawel is also the highest point in the area (610 metres). Located in the far southwest, historically known as County Fermanagh, the region is geographically centered on the basin of Lough Erne, in a drumlin-strewn area surrounded by hills rising to more than 1,000 feet (300 metres) in elevation.

The Economy of Northern Ireland

Because of its close ties to the rest of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland's economy is inextricably intertwined with it. Trade between Northern Ireland and its closest neighbor, the Republic of Ireland, has grown significantly in recent years despite the fact that economic ties between the two countries have historically been underdeveloped. Northern Ireland's economy has long been underperforming in comparison to the rest of the United Kingdom, owing largely to political and social unrest on the island of Ireland. The International Fund for Ireland was established in the 1980s by the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland to aid in the development of the country's economy. Providing economic assistance to the entire island, with a particular emphasis on Northern Ireland, the fund's mission is to alleviate poverty. The European Union also provides financial assistance to the Northern Ireland government and its citizens.