Ballymoney

Ballymoney, town and former district (1973–2015) within the former County Antrim, now part of Causeway Coast and Glens district, northern Northern Ireland. The town of Ballymoney, located on the eastern side of the valley on a tributary of the River Bann, was the birthplace of James McKinley, grandfather of U.S. Pres. William McKinley. The town preserves a marketplace of 1775 and an old parish church (1637). Ballymoney town is now a thriving agricultural centre with textile and engineering industries as well as several bacon- and ham-processing plants.

The former district of Ballymoney was bordered by the former districts of Coleraine to the west, Moyle to the north and east, and Ballymena and Magherafelt to the south. From its eastern border, the Antrim Mountains gradually descend to the Bann valley in the west. Significant quantities of potatoes, barley, and livestock (mostly pigs) are produced. Primary roads connect Ballymoney town with the towns of Coleraine to the northwest and Ballymena to the southeast. Area former district, 162 square miles (419 square km). Pop. (2001) town, 9,009; (2011) town, 10,393.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeff Wallenfeldt.