'''Ballymena''' is a town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Get in
Ballymena is close to both Belfast and Belfast International Airport.
There is a bus and train station, and the M2 runs by the town
Get around
Driving in Ballymena can be confusing as there are many one-way streets and frequent lane changes. However, the town is well signposted. Like anywhere, taxis are expensive. There are frequent buses throughout the area and the town is self is small enough to navigate on foot.
Do
Ballymena's shops rival those of Belfast and Antrim, and there are two large shopping centres, the Tower Centre and the Fairhill.
There are many restaurants, take-aways, and pubs open late as well as a cinema and bowling alley. Nightlife in terms of clubs is poor, but Belfast and the North Coast aren't far away.
The Tourist Information is located in the Town Hall, Linenhall Street.
Eat
As any Western city, there are plenty of the major food chains such as McDonalds, Subway, Burger King and Starbucks, as well as quaint cafes and coffee shops.
'''Nobel's cafe''', Church street. Great for a traditional Ulster Fry at excellent prices.
Drink
'''The Cabin Bar'''
Sleep
Main hotels in the town are '''Galgorm Manor''', '''Tullyglass''', '''Hotel One''' and '''The Adair Arms'''.
There are no hostels but plenty of medium priced guest houses.
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Get out
The M2 runs by the town so the North Coast and Belfast are easily accessible
Only a few miles away is the village of '''Broughshane''', well-known in the summer months for its flowers.
'''Portglenone Forest''' is famous for the bluebells that carpet it in the spring.
For panoramic views of the whole county and the east coast, and if clear enough, Scotland, head out to '''Slemish Mountain'''.