Ballymena, town, Mid and East Antrim district, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1626, 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. One of the main tourist attractions is the Arthur Cottage, a restored 18th-century farmhouse located in the nearby village of Cullybackey. Pop. (2001) 28,704; (2011) 29,467.