Major city · United Kingdom
BallymoneyBaile Monaidh
Use Ballymoney as a rail stop, not a base: one night on foot, or a car/taxi day for Dark Hedges. Without wheels, skip it as a base — the coast towns do it better.
Ballymoney is a commuter town of about 11,000 in County Antrim, on the Belfast–Coleraine rail line and the A26. Its one headline sight, the Dark Hedges, is 8 miles (13 km) northeast and needs a car or taxi. Most travellers sleep one night, see the museum and the Joey Dunlop memorial, then push on to the coast. Without a car, the town is a rail stop, not a base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Jan–Feb (wet, dark by 16:30)avoid Jan–Feb (wet, dark by 4:30 PM)
- Airports
- BFS · BHD · LDY
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ballymoney999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ballymoney, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyLow street crime; the real risks are rural lanes with no footpath, wet roads and long dark evenings in winter.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police, fire, ambulance · 101 Non-emergency police (PSNI) · 111 NHS non-emergency medical advice
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckBFS Belfast International (Aldergrove) (Bus or taxi to Antrim station, then hourly train to Ballymoney; about 1 h 30 min total (check)).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is walkable in 15 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–18 (≈ US$16–25)
- BeerPint of beer£5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across town£6–9 (≈ US$8–12)
- Museum or sight ticketBallymoney Museum entryFree
- Budget bedSelf-catering house (up to 4), a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- Mid-range bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£130 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedB&B or hotel double room, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £65 (≈ US$90) · Mid £130 (≈ US$180) · High £260 (≈ US$350)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BFS Belfast International (Aldergrove) (Bus or taxi to Antrim station, then hourly train to Ballymoney; about 1 h 30 min total (check)) · BHD George Best Belfast City (Bus or taxi to Belfast Grand Central, then hourly train; about 2 h 15 min total (check)) · LDY City of Derry (No rail link at the airport; bus or taxi to Derry station, then train via Coleraine — check connections)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Apr (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ballymoney: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
14 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is walkable in 15 minutes. Bus 373 loops the town five times on weekdays and is of little use to visitors. Dark Hedges, Derrykeighan and Kilrea need a car, taxi or bike; there is no bus to the Hedges.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Dark Hedges
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
Car or taxi via A26 and B147; no bus
Go before 09:00 or after 18:00 for space; park at Hedges Hotel, about £5 by card.Go before 9:00 AM or after 6:00 PM for space; park at Hedges Hotel, about £5 by card.
Ballycastle
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min by car
Drive A44; by public transport, train to Coleraine then bus — check the connection
Ferries to Rathlin Island; the coast road is the point of the trip.
Portrush
goDoor to door: About 55 min
Train to Coleraine, change for Portrush
Beaches and the arcades; easy by rail.
Bushmills and Giant's Causeway
goDoor to door: About 1 h 30 min
Train to Coleraine, then bus 402; or drive
A full day; the distillery and the causeway are 3 km (1.9 mi) apart.A full day; the distillery and the causeway are 1.9 mi (3 km) apart.
Belfast
goDoor to door: About 1 h 20 min
Hourly train from Ballymoney station
Do it as a day out, not a transfer.
Derry
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h 40 min
Train via Coleraine
Walls, museums and a different city; sleep one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Main St / High St)
Walk to the station, pubs and museum; the Manor Hotel is the only hotel in town.
Dark Hedges / Stranocum
Hedges Hotel and glamping pods; you need a car for everything else.
Kilrea and the Bann valley
10 km (6.2 mi) south; quiet village base with no rail link, so a car is needed.6.2 mi (10 km) south; quiet village base with no rail link, so a car is needed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £65–95 (≈ US$90–130) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- Mid
- £110–170 (≈ US$150–250) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- High
- £200 (≈ US$300)+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Trip budget
| B&B or hotel double room1 × 1 night × £130 | £130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £130 | £260 |
| Train Belfast Grand Central → Ballymoney, one way2 × £15 · check | £30 |
| Taxi Ballymoney → Dark Hedges, one way1 × £20 · check | £20 |
| Dark Hedges car park, card on exit1 × £5 · check | £5 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 · check | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £47 |
| Trip total≈ £256 per person per day, bed included | £512≈ US$700 |
check
2026 estimate in pounds, marked check where no local price is confirmed; flights and long-distance trains excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–18 (≈ US$16–25) |
| Fish and chips | £11–16 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Pint of beer | £5–6.50 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Train Ballymoney → Belfast, one way | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Taxi across town | £6–9 (≈ US$8–12) |
| Ballymoney Museum entry | Free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bregagh Lane at Dark Hedges is closed to traffic; park at Hedges Hotel and pay about £5 (≈ US$7) by card on exit.
- Road races close nearby highways: Northwest 200 in May, Armoy in late July. Expect diversions.
- Rural lanes have no footpath and poor lighting; walk facing traffic and wear something visible.
- Many town-centre kitchens stop serving by 21:00; the chip shop is the late option.Many town-centre kitchens stop serving by 9:00 PM; the chip shop is the late option.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999
- Non-emergency police (PSNI)
- 101
- NHS non-emergency medical advice
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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BallymoneyBaile Monaidh
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999
- Non-emergency police101
- NHS advice111
Embassy
No embassies in Ballymoney. US citizens: consulate general in Belfast; other countries: embassies in London or Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Ballymoney → Belfast Grand Central: about £10–15 (≈ US$14–20), 80 min (check)
- Train Ballymoney → Coleraine: about £5–7 (≈ US$7–10), 20 min (check)
- Taxi Ballymoney → Dark Hedges: about £20 (≈ US$30) one way (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Excuse me — Excuse me
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the station? — Where is the station?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
English is the everyday language; a few Irish and Ulster-Scots words appear on signs.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ballymoney. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Jan–Feb (wet, dark by 16:30) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BFS and BHD: last train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Dark Hedges access page with the parking charge, the lane closure and the best hours, plus a no-car verdict.
- Place pages with verified hours for Ballymoney Museum, the Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden and Derrykeighan Old Church.
- Eat pages with last orders for the town centre and the late chip shop, so a 21:30 arrival has one answer.
Sources
Ask about Ballymoney
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