Ballance House

About the museum

The Ballance House is a restored 19th-century homestead in the countryside near Glenavy and is the headquarters of the Ulster New Zealand Trust. John Ballance was born here in 1839 and became the 14th Premier of New Zealand, serving from 1891 until his death in office in 1893. He led the Liberal Party to power, supported votes for women and pushed for land reform. A blue plaque from the Ulster History Circle marks the house.

Visitors can see a restored 19th-century parlour and the exhibition Half a World From Here, which looks at the historical and cultural links between Ulster and New Zealand. The house is run by the Ulster New Zealand Trust, a registered charity funded by donations, events and visitors, and volunteers lead the tours.

The site also has a Tea Barn and a function room that can be hired, and it hosts talks, workshops and seasonal events.

Highlights

• Birthplace of New Zealand premier John Ballance
• Restored 19th-century parlour
• Exhibition Half a World From Here on Ulster–New Zealand links
• Volunteer-led guided tours
• Tea Barn and function room

Permanent exhibition

• Half a World From Here – Exhibition in the house on the historical and cultural links between Ulster and New Zealand and on John Ballance, with a restored 19th-century parlour.

Operated by

Ulster New Zealand Trust

Admission & discounts

Prices in sterling. Members of the Trust enter free. Cash, cheques and cards are accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor and a stair lift to the first floor of the exhibition. Seating is provided throughout the house, the exhibition is designed so that visually impaired visitors can get close to objects, and large-print information sheets are available for self-guided visits. Guide, assistance and companion animals are welcome.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

There is a baby changing table. Family tickets are available, and seasonal family events such as a Christmas event are held.

Getting there & parking

From the M1, leave at junction 9 (Moira) and follow the A26 towards Glenavy, then turn onto the A30 Lisburn Road; the house is about 2.5 miles along it and is signed with a brown tourist sign.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Light refreshments are served in the Tea Barn on Sunday afternoons from June to August.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 65 guests.

The Function Room seats 65 and the Tea Barn seats 60. Both, or the whole site, can be hired year-round for meetings, talks, workshops and family occasions, with a data projector and screen in the Function Room.

Plan your visit