Days Out NI
Museum Glenavy

The Ballance House

The birthplace of a New Zealand Prime Minister — a restored 1840s Ulster farmhouse telling the story of those who emigrated south.

1 photo
SeasonalSun afternoons, Apr–Sep
TicketedAdmission
GlenavyMuseum
Get directionsOfficial website
1–2 hoursHow long
All agesBest for
TicketedEntry
On siteParking
IndoorsSetting

The Ballance House — the birthplace of a New Zealand Prime Minister, a restored Ulster farmhouse telling the story of the many who left here for the far side of the world.

  • What it is: the restored 1840s farmhouse where John Ballance — later the 14th Premier of New Zealand — was born, now the home of the Ulster New Zealand Trust.
  • What you'll see: period rooms and displays on emigration and the deep links between Ulster and New Zealand, plus a Tea Barn.
  • When: seasonal and limited — Sunday afternoons, roughly April to September, with guided tours through the afternoon.
  • Getting in: there's an admission charge — check the current rate and times before you travel.
  • Best for: anyone with an interest in family history, emigration or the Ulster–NZ connection.
Plan your visit

A farmhouse with a Prime Minister’s story

This modest whitewashed farmhouse near Glenavy is where John Ballance was born in 1839, before his family's story took him to the other side of the world and, eventually, to the office of Premier of New Zealand. Restored and run by the Ulster New Zealand Trust, it tells the wider story of emigration from these parts — the people who left, why they went, and the lasting ties between Ulster and New Zealand. There's a Tea Barn for a cuppa, and it's an easy, thoughtful hour or two.

Guided tours Tea Barn Period rooms On-site parking
Good to know before you go:

Opening is limited and seasonal — generally Sunday afternoons from April to September, with tours at set times. Groups can visit at other times by arrangement. Always check the current times and admission on the official site before you set off.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 📷Camera or phoneMost galleries are photo-friendly — just check for any no-photos rooms.
  • 👟Comfy shoesPlenty to take in on foot, room to room.
  • 💷A few poundsFor a donation, the shop or a cuppa.
  • 🕰️A bit of timeThe stories reward a slow look rather than a dash round.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Getting in
Admission charge applies; check the current rate before visiting.
Opening
Seasonal — Sunday afternoons roughly April–September (about 2–5pm), with guided tours (often 2pm and 3.30pm). Groups by arrangement at other times.
Tours
Guided tours of the house run through the Sunday afternoons.
Best for ages
All ages; especially those interested in history and emigration.
Food
The Tea Barn serves refreshments.
Parking
On-site parking.
Accessibility
A restored period farmhouse — contact ahead about access needs.
How long to allow
One to two hours with the tour and Tea Barn.
Address
118a Lisburn Road, Glenavy, Co. Antrim, BT29 4NY.
Questions

Before you go

When is it open?
Mainly Sunday afternoons from about April to September, with guided tours at set times. Groups can arrange other times. Check the official site before travelling.
Is there an admission charge?
Yes — there’s a charge; check the current rate on theballancehouse.com.
Who was John Ballance?
He was born here in 1839 and went on to become the 14th Premier of New Zealand (1891–93).
Is there anywhere for a cuppa?
Yes — there’s a Tea Barn on site.
Getting there

The Ballance House is at 118a Lisburn Road, Glenavy, BT29 4NY, with parking on site. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out near GlenavyLough Neagh shore and beyond More museums across NIGreat for a rainy day
The story

About the Ballance House

John Ballance was born in this farmhouse in 1839, one of a great wave of people who left Ulster in the 19th century for new lives overseas. He emigrated to New Zealand, went into journalism and politics, and became the country's 14th Premier, remembered for reforms that shaped the modern nation.

The house was bought and restored by the Ulster New Zealand Trust, set up to keep alive the many links between the two places. Alongside the period rooms, the displays tell the broader emigration story — a quiet, human history of leaving and belonging.