40 Grange Road
Toomebridge
BT41 3QB
(028) 7965 0694 / 9511 (T)

One of the least known treasures of the province. A classic for Americans with its whitewashed stone walls, thatched roof, turf fire, traditional Irish music and an ever open welcome. This pub has featured on many a postcard and calendar and is well worth the effort to find it. Fire damaged some years ago, the roof has been restored with new thatch, as you can see here.

Eamonn, the original owner, has sold to Vincent Hurl. The pub is now open all day. Whether it is to sit out the back (or front) on a hot summer day, snuggle up to a roaring turf fire in winter for a quite chat, or to come later at night for impromptu music sessions, this is a fine old country pub that you miss at your peril. This is one of the "Famous Pubs Trail" - if anyone remembers that.

401 Ballyclare Road
Newtownabbey
BT36 5EA
(028) 9083 2438 (T)

This (once family run pub) dates from 1840 when it was opened by William Whitley, a spirit grocer from Ballycraigy. It has a stone and wood floor and an open fire in the bar. A large lounge leads into a railway themed restaurant. The front garden catches the sun and is a favourite of passing cyclists. Friendly locals and barstaff give a very relaxed atmosphere.

The old local station house has gone but trains from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland pass this way in the summer. Dickie Whittley has now sold the premises and the new owners want to keep the old bar as it is. They have opened up the side room though and kept that old fashioned look.

14 Ballyeaston Village
Ballyeaston Village
BT39 9SH

An unspoiled and classic gem of a village pub with no draught ale. Sadly Stafford Carmichael, remembered the first time bottle conditioned Worthington White Shield to come in to the province - over fifty years ago, has now passed on. His son now runs the bar. A roaring fire and muted country talk lead to a relaxed bout of imbibing. Outside toilets must be seen! This is a pub from a bygone age and it one of the few bottle only pubs left today (Check out the bottle of "Belfast" behind the counter). A must for all. Only open Saturday nights at present.
Now a wine bar?

A CAMRA Heritage Pub

584 Antrim Road
Glengormley
Newtownabbey
BT36 8RF
(028) 9083 2889 (T)

An old fashioned, family run business, this pub has a plain panelled, low ceilinged bar adjoining an intimate sitting room. Notice the Herriot Brewery mirror in the bar. A relaxed and friendly atmosphere helps the time pass at the bar. Gerry OBoyle was a dedicated CAMRA supporter of many years. Sadly, Gerry has passed away, as has his mother, but Rosemary is still there with a smile, aided sometimes by her sisters.



A CAMRA Heritage Pub

87-89 Wellington Street
Ballymena
BT43 6AD
(028) 2564 2752 (T)

A friendly, old fashioned example of a side street town bar, something fast disappearing in the province. The bar is small with the normal bric-a-brac that brings back memories of drinking days long past. Quiet, with its own clientele, it is a great spot to stop for a couple of drinks and realise that bars were not always noise and chrome. Watch out for the step at the entrance!

A CAMRA Heritage Pub