town and seat of Ballymena district, Northern Ireland. It lies in the River Main valley 24 miles (40 km) northwest of the city of Belfast. The town is the market centre for the surrounding countryside and has been long known for its production of linens and woolens; more recently, synthetic fibres have also been manufactured there. Pop. (2001) 28,704.

district, Northern Ireland. It was established in 1973 and was formerly in County Antrim (Antrim). Ballymena borders the districts of Magherafelt to the west, Ballymoney and Moyle to the north, Larne to the east, and Antrim to the south. The desolate Antrim Mountains, which reach an elevation of more than 1,430 feet (435 metres) above sea level, traverse the eastern part of the district north to south, sloping westward to the River Main valley in central Ballymena. Cattle, pigs, and poultry are raised in the valley, together with barley. Diatomite is extracted from the shores of Lough (lake) Beg in southwestern Ballymena district. The Antrim Mountains are popular with grouse hunters, and anglers enjoy the rivers and streams of the Main valley. A national highway extension from Belfast facilitates travel through the valley. Ballymena town is the district seat. Area 246 square miles (638 square km). Pop. (2001) 58,610.