Within easy driving distance of the beautiful Causeway Coast, Ballymena was built in the early 17th century on land granted by Charles 1 on condition that a free saturday market would be held in perpetuity. Ironically, it is today fast becoming the modern shopping centre of the Antrim Coast - and of course the old free saturday market still runs! Nearby Slemmish Mountain is well known as a place where Saint Patrick spent some of his youth. It is well located for self catering accommodation Antrim, ideal for touring the North Coast.