An Baile Meánach

Ballymena derives from Irish 'An Baile Meánach,' meaning 'the middle town,' reflecting its central position in County Antrim. The townland's early history is rooted in Early Christian settlement, with archaeological evidence from Kirkinriola two miles north—including a medieval parish church, graveyard, and souterrain with Early Christian remains—pointing to settlement from the 5th to 7th centu...