Ballyeaston

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Ballyeaston is a small village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, about 2-3 km north of Ballyclare on the road from Ballyclare to Larne. It is located on the southern hill slopes overlooking Six Mile Water River. In the 2001 Census it had a population of 90 people. It lies within the Newtownabbey Borough Council area.

The village has a very distinctive character, focused on the junction of three main routes that join near a medieval parish church. It’s buildings cluster between the churches, which are distinctive landmarks, with the strikingly modern facade of First Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church and the unusual bronze cupula of Second Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church. The congregation of First Ballyeaston Presbyterian Church dates back to 1676; the first minister William Adair being one of a delegation who met William of Orange when he landed at Carrickfergus.

The centre of the village comprises a tightly knit group of buildings on both sides of the Trenchill Road, a steeply inclined and winding road, which forms the village’s main street. Most of its buildings remain largely unaltered and the village still retains much of its original character. 'Carmichael's', locally known as 'Staffy's', is a traditional Irish pub in the true sense of the meaning, complete with an open fire. Beer and spirits are poured from bottles by hand - look out for the stuffed white Irish Hare behind the bar.

In 2005and 2006 Ballyeaston took the Best Kept Village title in the prestigious SuperValu Best Kept Town and Village Awards. The village last won a Best Kept Award in 2000 and has secured a total of six titles since 1982, but this was the first time the village had been given the overall award.