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4- and 5-star hotels in Ballymena
A shortlist of the 4- and 5-star hotels and country stays in and around Ballymena, in County Antrim. It is for couples, families and business travellers who want a comfortable base for the town, the Glens and the north coast.
Staying in Ballymena
Ballymena is a town in County Antrim known for its linen and engineering heritage and its 'City of the Seven Towers' nickname. The town centre has independent shops, cafes, restaurants, the Braid Arts Centre and the Tower Centre shopping complex, while the surrounding countryside offers scenic drives and outdoor activities.
These hotels sit in different corners of the area. Galgorm and Oranmore lie on the Galgorm Road side, Dieskirt Farm, Laurel Country Cottage and Adair House sit nearer the town, and the rest are country houses, cottages and apartments out towards Glenarm, Cushendall, Carnlough and Glenariffe. That spread suits couples after a spa or country break, families wanting space and kitchens, and business travellers who prefer the town centre and the main roads.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Galgorm
136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereGalgorm is the five-star option, 11.4 km from the centre, and guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 4,997 reviews. An indoor pool and jacuzzi make it easy to unwind after a day out, while the garden, golf course and fishing suit anyone who wants to spend the time outdoors. Family rooms, cots and a 24-hour front desk keep the stay straightforward for parents, and pets are allowed. It suits travellers who want the most facilities on this list and a longer, more leisurely stay.
See GalgormRiver Bann Retreat
Ballymacombs Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereRiver Bann Retreat sits 20.0 km from Ballymena beside the water, and for a five-star property it leans into the setting: fishing on site, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Kitchens and kitchenettes in the accommodation make longer stays simple, and the balcony or patio gives you somewhere to sit at the end of the day. Bike rental and canoe hire are available if you would rather be out on the river than beside it. Couples and small groups who want self-contained space will get the most from it.
See River Bann RetreatOranmore
147 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereOranmore is a four-star guesthouse 10.0 km from the centre and among the closest properties here. A restaurant and bar mean meals are covered without driving into town, and the garden and picnic area add somewhere to sit outside. Badminton and a golf course nearby appeal to guests who like to stay active, while family rooms, cots and high chairs make it workable with children. Pets are accepted. It suits couples and families who want a conventional guesthouse base within easy reach of Ballymena.
See OranmoreDieskirt Farm
104 Glen Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Why stay hereDieskirt Farm is a four-star working farm property on Glen Road, 13.2 km from the centre. Note the surcharge shown for the stay. Its distance from Ballymena puts it firmly in open country, so it best suits guests with their own transport who want somewhere quiet rather than a town base. With no other facilities listed, come for the rural setting itself and plan your days out from there.
See Dieskirt FarmKilmore Country House
10 Glasmullan Road Glenariffe, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereKilmore Country House occupies a four-star country house on Glasmullan Road in Glenariffe, 14.9 km from the centre. Its spa is the standout, backed by fishing and horse riding for guests who want to be active, and a lounge and garden for those who do not. The location deep in the Glens makes it a natural fit for walkers and riders exploring the Antrim coast. Couples looking for a quiet, facilities-rich house with breakfast will find it well set up.
See Kilmore Country HouseAntrim Coast Apartments
24 Mill Street Cushendall, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAntrim Coast Apartments in Cushendall, 19.1 km from the centre, is a four-star self-catering property. Full kitchens with dishwashers and ovens let you cook properly, and the balcony or patio faces the river. Slippers, towels and toiletries are provided, which trims what you need to pack. This is a practical choice for families or friends who want apartment space and independence on the coast, and it works well as a base for several nights of exploring the Glens.
See Antrim Coast ApartmentsCranny Corner
46 Croft Road Carnlough, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereCranny Corner is a four-star property on Croft Road in Carnlough, 14.7 km from the centre, within reach of the beach. A full kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave suits self-caterers, and a washing machine helps on longer trips. The fireplace gives the place a warm centre in the evenings, and the garden is there for finer days. Pets are allowed, which widens the options for guests travelling with a dog. Families and small groups wanting a coastal village base will find it fits.
See Cranny CornerFurther.Space At Glenarm Castle
2 Castle Lane Glenarm, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereFurther.Space At Glenarm Castle is a four-star property on Castle Lane in Glenarm, 14.3 km from the centre, and it is the most accessible option on this list, with wheelchair access. Free parking is available and there is a picnic area on site. Those are the facilities listed, so come for the Glenarm Castle setting and the coast rather than for on-site leisure amenities. It suits guests who need step-free access and want a quiet stay close to the castle grounds.
See Further.Space At Glenarm CastleLaurel Country Cottage
104 Ballywatermoy Road Ballymena, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereLaurel Country Cottage is a four-star cottage 10.7 km from the centre, and it is unusually well equipped for activities: archery, aerobics, bowling, canoeing, fishing, horse riding and squash all feature, with a golf course and the beach nearby. Inside there is a kitchen with oven and microwave, a fireplace and a patio, plus family rooms and high chairs. Guests who want to fill their days with sport and still eat in will get the most from it. It suits families and active groups.
See Laurel Country CottageAdair House
Demesne Avenue 16, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereAdair House is a four-star property on Demesne Avenue, just 8.5 km from the centre, making it the closest to Ballymena of the houses here. A kitchen and kitchenette, dishwasher and washing machine make it genuinely self-contained for a longer stay, and the terrace, patio and garden give you outdoor space. Express check-in speeds up arrival, and family rooms and high chairs are on hand for children. It suits families or couples who would rather stay in a house close to town than in a rural retreat.
See Adair HouseDalriada Crescent
21 Dalriada Crescent, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereDalriada Crescent is a four-star house on Dalriada Crescent, 19.4 km from the centre, and it looks out to the sea. Canoeing, fishing, horse riding and tennis are all available, with the beach and a golf course nearby, so days fill easily. Inside, a kitchen with dishwasher and oven, a fireplace and a terrace make it comfortable for longer stays. The washing machine and family-friendly layout suit groups. It is a good match for active families and friends who want coastal space and their own cooking.
See Dalriada CrescentHawthorn Hollow
186 Garryduff Road, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereHawthorn Hollow is a four-star property on Garryduff Road, 19.3 km from the centre, and its swimming pool is the draw, with a jacuzzi as well. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, oven and microwave, and the patio and garden open the stay outwards, while a washing machine covers longer trips. Bathrobes are provided, which is a small comfort that lifts a self-catering break. Couples and families wanting a quieter rural base with a pool will find it fits well.
See Hawthorn HollowChannel Vista
1 Channel Vista, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereChannel Vista is a four-star house on Channel Vista, 15.3 km from the centre, looking out to the sea. The beach is nearby, and canoeing, fishing and horse riding are all on offer, so this is one for guests who want to be in the water or on the coast. The garden and family rooms suit children. It beckons families and groups who like coastal activity.
See Channel VistaThe Lookout Glenarm
24 Channel Vista Cloney Glenarm, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Lookout Glenarm is a four-star house on Channel Vista in Cloney, Glenarm, 15.3 km from the centre, and it faces the sea. The beach is nearby, with fishing available and a kitchen and separate dishwasher for self-catering, along with a fireplace and terrace for the evenings. A washing machine and family rooms make it work for a longer family stay rather than a single night. Guests who want sea views, their own cooking and space to spread out will get the most from it.
See The Lookout GlenarmThe Captains Cottage Cushendall
10 Dalriada Avenue, Ballymena, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Captains Cottage Cushendall is a four-star cottage on Dalriada Avenue, 19.3 km from the centre. A full kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave handles self-catering duties, and the fireplace, patio and garden make it comfortable in any weather. Fishing is available on site and a golf course is nearby. Slippers and toiletries are provided, and the washing machine and high chairs point to families. It suits guests wanting a quiet coastal cottage for a proper week away rather than a brief stop.
See The Captains Cottage Cushendall
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galgorm | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 11.4 km |
| River Bann Retreat | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 20.0 km |
| Oranmore | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 10.0 km |
| Dieskirt Farm | ★★★★ | – | – | – | – | 13.2 km |
| Kilmore Country House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – | 14.9 km |
| Antrim Coast Apartments | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 19.1 km |
| Cranny Corner | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 14.7 km |
| Further.Space At Glenarm Castle | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 14.3 km |
| Laurel Country Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 10.7 km |
| Adair House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 8.5 km |
| Dalriada Crescent | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 19.4 km |
| Hawthorn Hollow | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – | 19.3 km |
| Channel Vista | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 15.3 km |
| The Lookout Glenarm | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 15.3 km |
| The Captains Cottage Cushendall | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 19.3 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For couples
Galgorm has an indoor pool, jacuzzi, massage and bars, and its 4.7 rating from 4,997 reviews makes it the top-rated pick here. River Bann Retreat adds a sauna, jacuzzi and river setting, while Kilmore Country House offers a spa, lounge and country quiet.
For families
Oranmore has family rooms, a playground, high chairs and a restaurant. Laurel Country Cottage and Adair House both provide family rooms, kitchens and cots, and Adair House sits closest to the centre at 8.5 km. Channel Vista adds family rooms, a garden and a beach nearby.
Oranmore · Laurel Country Cottage · Adair House · Channel Vista
For pet owners
Galgorm, Oranmore and Cranny Corner all state pets allowed. Galgorm combines this with free car parking and extensive grounds, Oranmore adds a garden and picnic area, and Cranny Corner is a cottage with its own garden, fireplace and kitchen.
For self-catering
Antrim Coast Apartments, Dalriada Crescent, Hawthorn Hollow and The Lookout Glenarm all have full kitchens, washing machines, free Wifi and free car parking, so they suit longer stays. Hawthorn Hollow also has a swimming pool and jacuzzi, and Dalriada Crescent and The Lookout Glenarm have sea views.
Antrim Coast Apartments · Dalriada Crescent · Hawthorn Hollow · The Lookout Glenarm
Where to stay in Ballymena
Glenarm
Glenarm lies on the Antrim coast, within reach of the Glens of Antrim. Further.Space At Glenarm Castle offers free car parking, a picnic area and wheelchair access. The Lookout Glenarm has a kitchen, garden, terrace, fireplace and sea views.
Our picks here: Further.Space At Glenarm Castle · The Lookout Glenarm
Cushendall
Cushendall is a coastal village on the Antrim coast, a useful base for the Glens. Antrim Coast Apartments on Mill Street provide apartments with balconies, kitchens and free car parking. The Captains Cottage Cushendall has a garden, fireplace, kitchen and free car parking.
Our picks here: Antrim Coast Apartments
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Ballymena is well connected by road and rail. The M2 motorway links the town to Belfast, about 30 miles away, and the A26 runs north to Coleraine and the coast. Trains on the Belfast to Derry~Londonderry line stop at Ballymena railway station, with regular services, and buses connect the town to Belfast, Derry and other towns. For international travel, Belfast International Airport is about 25 miles away, and George Best Belfast City Airport is around 35 miles. Getting around is easy by car, and the town centre is walkable, with local buses serving the suburbs and nearby villages.
When to go
The best time to visit Ballymena is from late spring to early autumn, from May to September, when the weather is mild and days are longer. Summer brings temperatures typically between 15°C and 20°C, ideal for exploring the countryside and coast. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, so pack a waterproof. Spring and autumn are quieter, with fewer visitors, while winter can be cold and wet, though the town remains open for business and leisure.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to Ballymena town centre?
Adair House on Demesne Avenue 16 is the closest, 8.5 km from the centre. Oranmore on Galgorm Road is 10.0 km away, and Laurel Country Cottage is 10.7 km away.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
Galgorm, Oranmore and Cranny Corner all list pets allowed. Galgorm and Oranmore add free car parking, and Cranny Corner is a cottage with a garden, fireplace and kitchen, which suits a stay with a dog.
Which hotels have a pool or spa?
Galgorm has an indoor pool, jacuzzi and massage. River Bann Retreat has a sauna and jacuzzi, Kilmore Country House lists a spa, and Hawthorn Hollow has a swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Which is the best-rated hotel on this shortlist?
Galgorm is the top-rated pick, with 4.7 out of 5 from 4,997 reviews. It is the only 5-star property here with a published guest rating, along with River Bann Retreat, which is also 5-star.
Which hotels are best for families?
Oranmore has family rooms, a playground, high chairs and a restaurant. Adair House and Laurel Country Cottage both have family rooms, kitchens and cots, and Channel Vista adds family rooms, a garden and a beach nearby.
Is free parking available at these hotels?
Free car parking is listed at most of the shortlist, including Galgorm, Oranmore, River Bann Retreat, Kilmore Country House, Antrim Coast Apartments and Further.Space At Glenarm Castle. Dieskirt Farm lists a surcharge instead.
Do the properties have cooking facilities?
Antrim Coast Apartments, Dalriada Crescent, Hawthorn Hollow, The Lookout Glenarm, Adair House and Laurel Country Cottage all list kitchens, and several add dishwashers, ovens and washing machines, which suits self-catering stays.
Can I stay near the Antrim coast among these hotels?
Yes. Further.Space At Glenarm Castle and The Lookout Glenarm are in Glenarm, Antrim Coast Apartments and The Captains Cottage Cushendall are in Cushendall, Cranny Corner is in Carnlough, and Kilmore Country House is on the Glasmullan Road at Glenariffe.