Broughshane

Broughshane is situated 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northeast of Ballymena. It is known as the garden village of Ulster as it has won many awards for its floral displays and village improvement.

On the far side of Broughshane, and visible across the valley from Blackthorn Cottage, sits Slemish Mountain. According to tradition, St Patrick was kept as a slave and lived and tended sheep and pigs in the foothills of the mountain. Slemish Mountain, which is the remains of a plug of an extinct volcano, is nearly 1500 feet above sea level and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. It is a good spot for bird watching as buzzards, wheatears and meadow pipits can be seen there.

The River Braid, which is joined in Broughshane by a small tributary, the Quoile Water, is a good angling river. There is a pleasant river walk from the Buttermilk Bridge where various waterfowl, including black swans, can be seen.

Broughshane has a good selection of shops including a small supermarket; hardware store; butcher; greengrocer; pharmacy, and petrol station. There is also a Post Office and an ATM.