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
EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland
Ballyclare
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Ballyclare
Ballyclare works well as a base: 10 minutes from Doagh, 35km from Causeway Coastal Route (A2 Antrim Coast Road).
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 market town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area, approximately 13 miles (21 km) north-northwest of Belfast. The town had a population of 10,850 according to the 2021 census. ItRead more
is the principal settlement in the Ballyclare District 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.
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
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Ballyclare
8 notable places within an hour's 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
waterfall
Glenariff Forest Park
The 'Queen of the Glens', with a boardwalk waterfall trail through a wooded gorge above the Antrim coast.
30 km · about 35 min drive
famous road
Causeway Coastal Route (A2 Antrim Coast Road)
A cliff-edge road cut in the 1830s between Larne and Ballycastle, running under the Glens of Antrim with the Scottish coast in view.
35 km · about 40 min drive
Driving roads near Ballyclare
7 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 60km.
- 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.
- 35 kmCauseway Coastal Route (A2 Antrim Coast Road)A cliff-edge road cut in the 1830s between Larne and Ballycastle, running under the Glens of Antrim with the Scottish coast in view.
- 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.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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