Look local: The City of Seven Towers

Ballymena is nestled in the Glens of Antrim on the banks of the River Braid, providing easy access to some of Northern Ireland’s finest countryside and Belfast, some 24 miles south-east. The town is built on land given to the Adair family by King Charles I in 1626, evolving into a small market town and becoming a major player in the linen industry in the 19th century. Known locally as the ‘City of Seven Towers’ due to its distinctive historic buildings, of which only three still exist, Ballymena maintains its strong farming, agricultural and textile roots. Central Ballymena is characterised by traditional terraced housing and two impressive shopping centres, as well as the expansive People’s Park, near the centre.