castle
Carrickfergus Castle
One of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, guarding Belfast Lough for over 800 years from its commanding waterfront position.
13 km · about 25 min drive
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom · Europe
Ballyclare works well as a base: 10 minutes from Doagh, 49km from The Dark Hedges.
Ballyclare is a town located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. With a population of 9,472, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Ballyclare sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Ballyclare to your route.
Ballyclare (from Irish Bealach Cláir, meaning 'pass of the plain') is a town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 10,850 according to the 2021 census, and is located within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area. It is part of, and the principal settlement in the Ballyclare DistrictRead more
Electoral Area.
It sits on the river Six Mile Water. The town probably owes its origins to its being a crossing point of the river, the strategic importance of which is shown by existence of a small Norman motte on the south side of the river and presently located in the War Memorial Park. The broad main street dates from the 17th century. In the centre of the town is the Market Square with the Town Hall. The town grew in the 19th century with the coming of the railway and it became an important industrial town with a large paper mill in the South West of the town and a large Linen Bleach Green. These factories gave their names to the roads leading to them, the Mill Road and the Green Road, but have been closed for some time. It is now a local service centre with a significant dormitory role in relation to Belfast. It is the main focus within the rural area for shopping, education and recreation. To the north is the remnant of Craig Hill, which once provided a wooded backdrop but is now covered with modern housing. Much of the Craig Hill has been quarried for its basalt.
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Ballyclare offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Ballyclare is located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 54.7509 latitude, -5.9994 longitude.
Ballyclare has a population of approximately 9,472 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
castle
One of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, guarding Belfast Lough for over 800 years from its commanding waterfront position.
13 km · about 25 min drive
museum
World-leading visitor attraction in a striking angular building on the exact spot where RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912.
17 km · about 20 min drive
museum
Major transport museum at Cultra near Belfast, home to a gull-winged DeLorean DMC-12 built just miles away, Irish-built cars, locomotives and a renowned Titanic exhibition.
17 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
A dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.
19 km · about 20 min drive
historic highway
A 11.9km loop of Northern Irish country lanes still used for the Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle races, with jumps, stone walls and hedges inches from the racing line. Open public roads the rest of the year.
20 km · about 25 min drive
historic highway
A hillclimb on public roads in the hills above Belfast, running since 1946 and closed to traffic only on event days. The narrow climb gives long views over Belfast Lough.
20 km · about 25 min drive
coastal drive
A breathtaking coastal drive hugging cliffs and beaches from Larne past the Glens of Antrim toward the Causeway.
36 km · about 40 min drive
famous road
An eerie tunnel of intertwined beech trees made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.
49 km · about 55 min drive
April to October
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