Ballymoney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballymoney
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 Ballymoney Town Hall |
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 Ballymoney
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| Population | 11,048 (2021 census) |
| • Belfast | 48 mi (77 km) |
| District |
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| County | |
| Country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BALLYMONEY |
| Postcode district | BT55 |
| Dialling code | 028 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| EU Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament |
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| NI Assembly |
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Ballymoney is a lively town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Its name comes from the Irish words Baile Monaidh, which means 'townland of the moor'. It is part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.
Ballymoney is located on the main road between Coleraine and Ballymena. It has good road and train links to big cities like Belfast and Derry. In 2021, about 11,048 people lived in Ballymoney.
This town is known for its long-running festivals. The Ballymoney Drama Festival, started in 1933, is the oldest drama festival in Ireland. The Ballymoney Show, which began in 1902, is one of the oldest agricultural shows in Northern Ireland.
Contents
History of Ballymoney
Ballymoney has a rich history. The town has grown over many years. It has seen changes in how people live and work.
People in Ballymoney
How Many People Live Here?
On March 21, 2021, the town of Ballymoney had 11,048 residents.
- About 71.9% of people were raised in a Protestant or other Christian faith.
- Around 16% were raised in the Catholic Christian faith.
- Many people felt they had a British national identity (68.9%).
- A good number also felt they had a Northern Irish identity (37.8%).
- Some people identified as Irish (7.3%). People could choose more than one identity.
Important Buildings in Ballymoney
Ballymoney town centre has several old and interesting buildings.
- An old church tower from 1637 is the oldest building still standing.
- The town clock and masonic hall were built in 1775. This building was used for markets, as a courthouse, and even a school.
- Ballymoney Town Hall was built in 1866.
Learning in Ballymoney
Ballymoney has many schools for different age groups.
Primary Schools
- Ballymoney Primary School, also called Ballymoney Model, has about 360 students.
- Garryduff Primary School is for students aged 4–11. It is located just outside Ballymoney.
- Landhead Primary School teaches students aged 5 to 11 years.
- Leaney Primary School is part of the Eco-Schools program. This program helps students learn about protecting the environment.
- Lislagan Primary School is a controlled school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11.
- St. Brigid's Primary School is located on Castle Street.
Secondary Schools
- Ballymoney High School
- Dalriada School
- Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Ballymoney
College
- Northern Regional College, Ballymoney campus, offers further education.
Sports in Ballymoney
Football is popular in Ballymoney. Local clubs include Ballymoney United F.C. and Glebe Rangers F.C..
Getting Around Ballymoney
Ballymoney railway station first opened in 1855. It was updated and reopened in 1990. Ballymoney was also once connected to Ballycastle by a special narrow gauge railway. This railway ran for 17 miles and closed in 1950.
Business and News in Ballymoney
Maine Soft Drinks Ltd is a company based in the Ballymoney area. The Ballymoney Chronicle is a local newspaper. It started in 1844 and is very popular in the area.
Famous People from Ballymoney
Many talented people have come from Ballymoney.
Arts and Media
- Patrick Boyle (1905–1982), a well-known novelist.
- George Shiels (1881–1949), a popular playwright from the early 1900s.
- James Young (1918–1974), a famous comedian.
Sports
- Adrian Archibald (born 1969), a motorcycle racer.
- Stephen Carson (born 1980), a former footballer for Northern Ireland Under-21.
- Peter Chambers (born 1990), a rower who won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Karen Corr (born 1969), a skilled pool and snooker player.
- Stephen Dooley (born 1991), a professional footballer.
- Michael Dunlop (born 1989), a motorcycle racer, son of Robert Dunlop.
- Joey Dunlop (1952–2000), known as the "King of the Road," he won a record 26 times at the Isle of Man TT race.
- Robert Dunlop (1960–2008), a motorcycle racer and Joey Dunlop's brother.
- William Dunlop (1985–2018), a motorcycle racer and Robert Dunlop's son.
- Mabel Harrison (1886–1972), a golfer.
- James Hopkins (1901–1943), a professional footballer.
- Gary Kelly (born 1989), a Bowls World Cup Singles champion.
- Gareth McAuley (born 1992), a sport shooter.
- Bridget McKeever (born 1983), a former international field hockey player for Ireland.
- Dino Morelli (born 1973), a racing car driver.
- Jim Platt (born 1952), a former goalkeeper for Middlesbrough and Northern Ireland.
- Damien Quinn (born 1980), a captain of the Antrim senior hurling team.
- Chris Turner (born 1987), a former footballer for Northern Ireland Under-21.
- Davy Tweed (1959–2021), a rugby player.
Town Friends Around the World
Ballymoney has "twin towns" in different countries. This means they have a special friendly connection.
Benbrook, Texas, United States
Douglas, Isle of Man
Taguig, Philippines
Vannes, France
See also
In Spanish: Ballymoney para niños
