Days Out NI
Theatre & gallery Newtownabbey

Theatre at the Mill

A free gallery and a 400-seat theatre under one restored mill roof, 10 minutes from Belfast.

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Check what’s onFlax Gallery Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00 (closed…
FreeBook ahead
NewtownabbeyTheatre & gallery
Get directionsOfficial website
20-30 minutesHow long
FreeAdmission
All agesBest for
On siteCafé
FreeParking

Theatre at the Mill — A free gallery and a 400-seat theatre under one restored mill roof, 10 minutes from Belfast.

  • Admission: Flax Gallery is free to walk in.
  • Tickets: Theatre shows are ticketed and priced per show; book via the box office (0300 123 7788) or online.
  • For families: Touring family shows, dance, creative workshops and a Christmas pantomime.
  • Opening: Flax Gallery Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00 (closed weekends and bank holidays); box office Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, later on show nights.
  • Café: Licensed bar and restaurant on site.
  • Best for: Primary-age children at family shows and panto; older kids, teens and adults across the wider programme.
Plan your visit

What's on for families

The Flax Gallery is the Mill's contemporary display space and rotates a range of exhibitions through the year, so there's usually something new on the walls to look at for free. In the 400-seat theatre, the family side of the programme is the draw for younger visitors: touring family shows, dance, and the Christmas pantomime that primary-age children love. Around that sits a fuller season of musicals, drama, comedy and concerts that suits older kids, teens and grown-ups. Creative workshops run through the year too. Shows change constantly, so check their listings for what's on and the dates that suit you.

Free gallery 400-seat theatre Family shows & panto Bar & restaurant Free parking Book ahead
Good to know before you go:

Venues like this run year-round seasons of theatre, gallery exhibitions, family shows and workshops, with a pantomime at Christmas. Programmes and prices change constantly, so check their own listings for current dates and to book.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🎟️Your bookingShows and big exhibitions sell out — book ahead where you can.
  • 💷A bit of pocket moneyFor the café, the shop or a show programme.
  • 🧒An eye on the age guidanceSome shows and galleries suit certain ages best — check first.
  • 📱The what’s-on pageThe programme changes all the time — see what is on the day you go.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Admission
Flax Gallery is free to walk in
Tickets
Theatre shows are ticketed and priced per show; book via the box office (0300 123 7788) or online
Family programming
Touring family shows, dance, creative workshops and a Christmas pantomime
Best for ages
Primary-age children at family shows and panto; older kids, teens and adults across the wider programme
Opening
Flax Gallery Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00 (closed weekends and bank holidays); box office Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, later on show nights
Cafe
Licensed bar and restaurant on site
Toilets
Accessible toilets with grab rails on all three floors
Parking
Free on-site parking, including nine accessible bays
Accessibility
Step-free level access, automatic doors, wheelchair spaces in the auditorium, assistance dogs welcome; signed, captioned and audio-described performances for select shows
How long to allow
20-30 minutes for the gallery; a full evening for a show
Address
Theatre at the Mill, Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey BT36 5QA
Questions

Before you go

Is it free to get in?
Flax Gallery is free to walk in
How do I get tickets?
Theatre shows are ticketed and priced per show; book via the box office (0300 123 7788) or online
Is there anything for kids?
Touring family shows, dance, creative workshops and a Christmas pantomime
When is it open?
Flax Gallery Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00 (closed weekends and bank holidays); box office Mon-Sat 10:00-17:00, later on show nights
Is there a café?
Licensed bar and restaurant on site
Getting there

Theatre at the Mill is at Theatre at the Mill, Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey BT36 5QA. Free on-site parking, including nine accessible bays. Tap below for directions.

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Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around NewtownabbeySee what else is close by More theatres & galleries across NIShows, art and culture for the family
The story

About the venue

The Mossley site began as a flax-spinning business in 1834. The mill was saved from demolition when Newtownabbey Borough Council bought it in 1996 and began a major restoration and conversion. The first phase was officially opened by Prince Charles on 13 June 2000.

The 400-seat theatre was completed in December 2009 and opened on 30 January 2010, with the Ulster Orchestra performing at the gala opening. The Flax Gallery, first established at the Museum at the Mill in 2009, later moved into a new space at the theatre.

Today the venue is run by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council as a year-round arts and entertainment centre, combining the heritage of the old mill with a modern, fully equipped theatre and gallery.