Official tourism website for Lisburn and Castlereagh
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

Attraction Facilities

  • Guided Tours Available

Catering

  • Tea-room/Cafe onsite

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Provider Preferences

  • Dogs accepted by arrangement

Add Ballance House to your Itinerary

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

What's Nearby

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

    4.33 miles away
  2. Happy Days is the ideal space for little ones to play, and older ones to relax!

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

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

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

    6.75 miles away
  3. Moira Demesne is a parkland offering beautiful walks, picnic sites and a children's play…

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

    7.16 miles away
  5. Hillsborough Castle is one of the most beautiful, and interesting historic properties in…

    8.17 miles away
  6. Take a step back in history and view this 17th century artillery fort, set in beautiful…

    8.63 miles away
  7. Hillsborough Forest is set in the picturesque Georgian village of Royal Hillsborough and…

    8.71 miles away
  8. "Cybernest" inspired by imposing architecture in formal buildings of the village -…

    8.94 miles away
  9. "Power Up" an overhead lampshadw with lights powered by pedals at the base. A fun…

    8.94 miles away
  10. I Spy Peep the super-fast Hare is on the look-out for Rusty the Fox!

    8.94 miles away
  11. The reflection sculpture is an extension of the world-renowned Bigfoot family, in one of…

    8.94 miles away
  12. A distincitve sculpture that rises and reaches into the sky with reflective metalic…

    8.94 miles away
  13. A sculpture with windows into the nature of science. 

    8.94 miles away
Previous Next

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View what Lisburn And Castlereagh has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss