Official travel trade website for Northern Ireland
En

Ballance House

118A Lisburn Road, Glenavy, County Antrim, BT29 4NY
Image shows front of property with large lawn and daffodils in the foreground

Book Tickets Online

About

The Ballance House, the headquarters of the Ulster New Zealand Trust, is a restored 19th century heritage house in the tranquil rural countryside of Glenavy. It was the birthplace of John Ballance (b.1839) who went on to become the 14th Premier of New Zealand (1891-93); the first Prime Minister to successfully pioneer votes for women, 25 years before it was achieved in the UK. There is a blue plaque onsite commemorating John Ballance.

Our guided tour will introduce you to our rejuvenated exhibition, featuring not only the story of John Ballance, but also other prominent people such as William Massey of Limavady, PM of New Zealand during WW1 and inspirational stories of local people. You will also see historical carved Maori artefacts and early photographs that showcase a unique cultural heritage. The Trust focuses on the history of relationships that exist between the province of Ulster and New Zealand.

A story of restoration from the 1990s with a focus on preserving original features and a repurposing of original stones.

The authentically restored 19th century Parlour will take you back in time with only natural light, open fire and oil lamps.

The largest library in Ireland of New Zealand oriented books.

Ulster rural life with original 19th century farming equipment, including a horse-walker.

This unusual location can be visited during our public opening hours and is available to book for organisational events, group visits, private family events, meetings, workshops etc at any time of year.

The Ballance House & Tea Barn is open to the public on Sunday afternoons, 2 - 5 pm, from April to September. A visit includes a tour of the restored 19th century Parlour, the New Zealand Story 'Half a World Away From Here' Exhibition and our new 19th century Farm Machinery Display. 

 Book your visit at www.theballancehouse.com

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide dogs permitted
  • Toilets for disabled visitors

Attraction Facilities

  • Guided Tours Available
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Children & Infants

  • Accept children (Minimum age)
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Child seat available

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Available for wedding receptions
  • Cater for individuals
  • Cater for school groups
  • Event venue
  • Family Fun
  • Groups accepted
  • Groups catered for
  • Lift/Elevator
  • Online Booking
  • Prior Booking Required
  • Toilets
  • Workshop

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Coach parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)

Provider Preferences

  • Dogs accepted by arrangement
  • Film or TV location
  • Guided Tours Available for Individuals
  • Guided Tours Compulsory for Groups
  • Indoor Attraction
  • Marketed Towards Children
  • Marketed Towards Families
  • Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
  • Non smoking establishment
  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times
  • Out of town
  • Unique venue

Add Ballance House to your Itinerary

Check availability for Ballance House (opens in a new window)

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 9264 8492

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* April – September, every Sunday, 14:00 - 17:00
Group Tours can be booked all year round
Family occasions, meetings, workshops can be booked all year round
Special opening can be requested
Annual events throughout the year

What's Nearby

  1. Slievenacloy is a vast wildlife paradise of grassland, meadows, rush and heath. It is…

    4.33 miles away
  2. From school groups, to community associations and corporate guests, the Coca-Cola…

    4.97 miles away
  3. For those who enjoy the outdoors, a visit to the RSPB’s reserve at Portmore Lough is a…

    5.29 miles away
  1. Colin Glen is Ireland’s leading adventure park - a land of storytelling and a state of…

    6.1 miles away
  2. It’s Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail; a Julia Donaldson-endorsed walk. Step into…

    6.12 miles away
  3. A unique array of historic aircraft and exhibits celebrating Northern Ireland’s aviation…

    6.2 miles away
  4. Castle Gardens is the most historically significant open space in Lisburn and was once…

    6.7 miles away
  5. Hilden Brewery is Ireland's Oldest Independent Brewery. We have been running for over 40…

    6.75 miles away
  6. Laganvale Farm caters for all weather offering a super indoor soft play centre which can…

    7.16 miles away
  7. Complete with bell and cast iron fountains, this Victorian cemetery was opened in 1869 as…

    7.6 miles away
  8. The beautiful Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park comprises rolling meadows, woodland,…

    7.68 miles away
  9. Áras Uí Chonghaile | The James Connolly Visitor is an award-winning modern,…

    8.02 miles away
  10. Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100…

    8.17 miles away
  11. Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich is an arts and cultural centre with a strong focus on Irish…

    8.3 miles away
  12. The Courthouse was originally a Georgian market house built before 1765. It was used as a…

    8.53 miles away
  13. Built in 1897 by the Naughton brothers of Randalstown, Clonard Monastery was designed in…

    8.55 miles away
Previous Next

Map & Directions

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss