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EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland

Ballyclare

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom · Europe

About Ballyclare

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.

About Ballyclare

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 District

Read 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.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Ballyclare

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Ballyclare?

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.

How do I plan a road trip to Ballyclare?

Plan your road trip to Ballyclare with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Ballyclare as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Ballyclare located?

Ballyclare is located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 54.7509 latitude, -5.9994 longitude.

What is the population of Ballyclare?

Ballyclare has a population of approximately 9,472 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
9,472
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
Northern Ireland
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
54.7509, -5.9994

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern IrelandTown

Worth the detour from Ballyclare

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

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

museum

Titanic Belfast

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

Ulster Transport 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

The Gobbins

A dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.

19 km · about 20 min drive

historic highway

Dundrod Circuit

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

Craigantlet Hillclimb

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

Antrim Coast Road

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

The Dark Hedges

An eerie tunnel of intertwined beech trees made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.

49 km · about 55 min drive

Driving roads near Ballyclare

  • 19 kmThe GobbinsA dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.
  • 20 kmDundrod CircuitA 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 kmCraigantlet HillclimbA 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.
  • 36 kmAntrim Coast RoadA breathtaking coastal drive hugging cliffs and beaches from Larne past the Glens of Antrim toward the Causeway.
  • 49 kmThe Dark HedgesAn eerie tunnel of intertwined beech trees made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.
  • 49 kmTorr Head Scenic RouteWhite-knuckle single-track coastal road off the main Causeway route between Ballycastle and Cushendun, clinging to steep headlands at Torr Head where Scotland's Mull of Kintyre looms just 12 miles across the sea.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

April to October

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Ballyclare.

Doagh

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5 km awayPop. 1,151

Carnmoney

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 km awayPop. 2,775

Templepatrick

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 1,627

Greenisland

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 5,073

Jordanstown

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

10 km awayPop. 5,494

Newtownabbey

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

12 km awayPop. 63,860

Carrickfergus

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 km awayPop. 29,208

Connor

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

14 km awayPop. 1,778

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence