Site of the first Ballymena Castle

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Shown on 1740 map of Ballymena as being Adair Castle. It is said that the site dominated the river crossing over the Braid River. Although many argue that the ford was near Harryville Bridge, for this site to dominate the ford, would have meant the ford was much closer. The Ancient Royal Route of Tara to Ballycastle passed Harryville Motte to the South-East, and it is believed that the ford was in fact quite close to a modern day bridge leading to Braidwater Retail Park. The site is now occupied by St Patrick's Church of Ireland. The front face of the Church hall would have been approximately the back wall of the old castle. During development of the hall, a small burial complete with with headstone was found. The grave contained the remains of a rabbit; obviously a pet of some of Adair's children. The Ante-chamber of the Church was built using stone from the much later 2nd castle, built at the far end of the same road. St Patrick's Parish Church replaced the old Church at Church Street, which in turn replaced the old Church at Kirkinriola.