Ballymoney Museum

About the museum

Ballymoney Museum is run by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and is housed in Ballymoney Town Hall, which also contains a Visitor Information Centre. The permanent exhibition tells the story of the Ballymoney area from the Mesolithic period, the earliest settlement of the region, through to the age of motorcycles.

Among the subjects covered are the Derrykeighan Stone, an early inscribed stone that inspired the museum’s logo, the 1798 Rebellion, local involvement in the two World Wars, the Corfield Camera factory and the history of road racing in Ireland. A film archive by the Ballymoney filmmaker Charlie McAfee can be watched on a standalone computer, and a three-dimensional map of the town and its key buildings comes with an audio device called the Museum in a Box.

An upstairs community gallery with a history research area is used for temporary displays that focus on local community stories. The museum also offers digital access to archives, trails and learning resources through the Northern Ireland Community Archive.

Highlights

• Derrykeighan Stone, the inspiration for the museum’s logo
• Corfield Camera factory collection
• Ballymoney film archive of Charlie McAfee
• 3D map of Ballymoney with the Museum in a Box audio device
• History of road racing in Ireland
• Children’s area with sensory walls and dress-up

Permanent exhibition

• Ballymoney through time – Permanent exhibition on the history of the Ballymoney area from the Mesolithic period to motorcycles, including the Derrykeighan Stone, the 1798 Rebellion, the World Wars, the Corfield Camera factory and road racing.

Operated by

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Groups must pre-book by email.

Accessibility

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

Level access from the entrance to the reception and shop, and lifts to the first floor and community gallery. A Changing Places toilet is on the ground floor and an accessible toilet on the first floor. There is a hearing loop in the reception and shop area and braille signage throughout. The museum is autism friendly, has sensory backpacks to borrow and is a JAM Card friendly venue. One Blue Badge space is on the roadside by the entrance and there is a disabled parking area on the forecourt.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

A refurbished children’s area has sensory and tactile walls, a dress-up area, puzzles and a reading corner. Colouring sheets and a Makaton scavenger hunt are available, and baby changing facilities are provided.

Getting there & parking

Use postcode BT53 6BE for satnav. A bike stand is in front of the museum, and a free self-guided Ballymoney Heritage Trail is available at the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Gift shop that accepts major credit and debit cards. Free Wi-Fi is available. Seating without arms is provided in the galleries and the reception area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit