Ballymoney Museum has recently opened following a £400,000 gallery re-fit, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  Since last Monday, over 3,000 people have visited the new exhibition and media support from the BBC, Newsletter, Irish News, Chronicle and Ballymoney & Moyle Times has ensured that the museum is set for a record breaking summer.

The museum has something for everyone and the displays are interesting and diverse.  Some of the earliest exhibits are treasures from the museum's archaeological collection which is now recognised as 'of national importance'.  The most outstanding of these ancient artefacts is the Derrykeighan Stone.  The beautiful design which was engraved on the stone 2,000 years ago is now used as the museum's logo.

Visitors will also discover the story behind more recent events, such as the troubled years of the 1790s and the uprising of the United Irishmen.  Life in the 20th century is not overlooked with exhibits from the Corfield factory, which produced the only cameras ever made in Ireland, and the fondly remembered narrow gauge railway that ran from Ballymoney, through Dervock, Stranocum and Gracehill, to the coastal town of Ballycastle.

However, the most popular feature is undoubtedly the motorcycle road racing display. The museum has been privileged to receive contributions from the Dunlop family, and other local heroes, and the exhibition has proved a huge success with bike fans from across the world who visited during the North West 200.
Ballymoney Museum is open Monday - Thursday & Saturday from 9am-5pm and on Friday from 9am-4.30pm, closed Sunday. Admission is free.

For a quick 'cyber tour' of the exhibition, please click here:

A BBC news report on the museum can also be watched on their North West 200 website here:

For further information on Ballymoney Museum, please contact Ballymoney Tourist Information Centre, Ballymoney Town Hall, Townhead Street, Tel: (028) 2766 0230.