Why is Ballymena known as the "City of the Seven Towers"?

Ballymena is often known as "The City of the Seven Towers", although it has never officially held city status. The nickname comes from seven prominent towers and steeples that once dominated the town skyline and could be seen from miles around. The title is generally credited to Sir Shafto Adair in the 19th century.

The Original Seven Towers:

Ballymena Castle - The first Ballymena Castle, not the Adair one was built in 1721

The Castle that became the residence of the Adair family, was built in1877

Demolished in the early 20th century after being left vacant in 1955, It was demolished in 1957. The Castle itself had beautiful Stained Glass windows commemorating some of the Adair family. These can be found in other castle in Northern Ireland.

First Ballymena Presbyterian Church

It's distinctive tower was a major landmark. The original tower no longer exists. The church was located on Meeting House lane and was built in 1627. It was demolished in 1957, after a fire.

The Old Parish Church (Kirkinrola)

One of the oldest ecclesiastical sites in the area. The Old Parish Church in Ballymena is an important local historical site, still located on Church Street. Built in 1707 and consecrated in 1721, it served the Anglican congregation until the growing town required a larger facility. Key facts about the site include:The Tower: The nave was destroyed before 1933, but the church tower (added in 1822) still stands today as a façade. The Church Yard can be visited.

Key can be obtained from Roy in Outdoor Adventure.

Braid Water Spinning Mill

The mill's tall chimney was counted as one of the "towers." Built in 1865 and demolished in 1998, after it stopped manufacturing. The mill was demolished in 1998 / 1999. It was on the site that the Braidwater Retail Park, now stands, a reminder of Ballymena's linen and textile heritage, which was the biggest industrial influence of its time and the reason Ballymena became to be built.

St Patrick's Church of Ireland

Situated on Castle Street St Patrick's Church is still one of Ballymena's most recognisable landmarks. The ground was donated by the then Lord Adair in 1721, and the Foundation Stone of the present Church was laid on St. Patrick’s Day 1853.The original Bell stands as you enter the present church.

The Old Town Hall

The Town Halls that have stood on this site in Ballymena, throughout the years, were built on the original market house that had been built in 1684. The Town Halls, that have stood ever since were the ones with the steeple and became one of the seven towers. It was built in 1857 and was destroyed an accidental fire in 1919, after a celebration, welcoming the soldiers returning from World War One. The one that stands now was built in 1926 and still stands today with the new modern extension.

All Saints Roman Catholic Church

Still stands today and remains a prominent feature of the skyline, situated at the top of Broughshane Street in Ballymena. All Saints Parish in Ballymena, a cornerstone of the local Catholic community, traces its modern roots back to the 1800s. Father Bernard McAuley built the first chapel in the area, a structure whose original entrance pillars were later preserved. 1860: The current striking Gothic-style church building was constructed under the guidance of Father John Lynch.

1908: The church's iconic 37-hundredweight bell and bell tower were added.

1986: The original 1828 Parochial House was demolished. The steps and gates were built using the original stones to maintain a vital physical link to the past.

1990s and Beyond: The parish grounds underwent extensive renovations, including the creation of the permanent Parish Centre.

These seven structures became so closely associated with Ballymena that they were incorporated into the town's identity and even appear on civic heraldry.

Which Towers Survive Today?

Only three of the original seven towers remain:

The Old Parish Church

St Patrick's Church

All Saints Church

The other four—the Castle, Old Town Hall, First Presbyterian Church tower, and Braid Water Mill chimney—have disappeared over time.