New storybook launched for Ballymena 400
Thursday 12 February 2026
A new storybook has been launched as part of a programme of events for Ballymena 400, bringing the history of the town alive for young children.
The launch event saw a storytelling and craft workshop held at Mid-Antrim Museum in the Braid, Ballymena on Saturday 7 February as part of the Playful Museums Festival.
The festival, supported by the Northern Ireland Museums Council, builds relationships between families and their local museums, encouraging child development through play and opening up local museums to new audiences.
At the book launch, children were introduced to ‘The Tale of the Castle Cat and the Golden Dragon’ – a story set in Ballymena Castle, written and illustrated by Kelsey Carroll.
The Scots baronial-style castle with its seven-storey tower, that was built for Sir Robert Adair (later 1st Baron Waveney) in 1865-87, plays a central role.
Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Tyler Hoey, said: “This storybook is a fantastic opportunity to engage young children with local history in an inspiring and fun way, while also marking a significant milestone for Ballymena with the 400th anniversary.
“Events like the Playful Museums Festival are important as they support interaction with heritage from a young age, which in turn encourages return visits to museums as an adult.”
Ballymena 400 marks 400 years since the Adair family were granted a patent by Charles I to have the right to hold a free weekly Saturday market and two fairs each year.
Further events this year will include a workshop with Ballymena Integrated Nursery school and a family workshop for National Drawing Day in May.
Visit Mid-Antrim Museum to enjoy the new storybook or for more details about events, please contact the museum on E: BraidMuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.