Welcome to the very first edition of The Antrim & Newtownabbey Post, a new weekly newsletter focused on what’s happening across our local area.
No clickbait. No noise. Just the things local people actually need to know.
In today’s Antrim & Newtownabbey Post:
Heartwarming Rescue: Molly the Border Collie Finds Forever Home
Mallusk’s Christmas Market Makes Big Impact for NI Children’s Hospice!
Special Delivery for Antrim Neonatal Unit!
Antrim Christmas Rollerdisco
And more…
Let’s get to it.
~ Tom Smyth, Editor
Issue #1: 19th December, 2025
🗞️ This Week in the Borough
🐾 Heartwarming Rescue: Molly the Border Collie Finds Forever Home
After more than 700 days and two Christmases at Dogs Trust Ballymena, 10-year-old Border Collie Molly has finally found her perfect match with Diane from Newtownabbey.
Through patience, 28 meet-ups and lots of love, Molly has blossomed into a confident, affectionate companion ready to enjoy her first Christmas in her “happy place.”
🎄 Mallusk’s Christmas Market Makes Big Impact for NI Children’s Hospice!
At Mallusk Enterprise Park’s best ever Christmas Market, the community came together for festive fun and heartfelt giving — raising a record £3,692+ for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
Alongside local craft stalls, festive entertainment and Santa’s Grotto, visitors donated toys to the Cash for Kids Mission Christmas Appeal and food to the Newtownabbey Foodbank. A wonderful celebration of local spirit this season!
🎉 Special Delivery for Antrim Neonatal Unit!
At Mallusk Enterprise Park’s best ever Christmas Market, the community came together for festive fun and heartfelt giving — raising a record £3,692+ for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
🗓️ Events Happening This Week
Saturday 20th
KMCC Santa Run 2025 | The Square, Ballyclare | 10am
Magical Santa Experience | The Wee Village, Ballyclare | 6pm
Sixmile Parkrun | Sixmile Park, Ballyclare | 9.30am
Barkmas Christmas Market | Unit D4, Valley Business Park | 12pm
Judith Keyes School of Ballet | The Courtyard Theatre | 11am
Over30sClub | Top Of The Town, Antrim | 5pm
Sunday 21st
Barnabys Santa Sunday | Ballyrobert Rd, Ballyclare | 12:30pm
Winter Dressage League | Laurelview Equestrian Centre | 9am
Antrim Christmas Rollerdisco | Antrim Forum Leisure Centre | 1pm
Garth Brooks Tribute | 5 Corners Guest Inn, Ballyclare | 8pm
Monday 22nd
Christmas Quiz Time | 5 Corners Guest Inn, Ballyclare | 8pm
Tuesday 23rd
Wednesday 24th
Candlelight Service | Old Presbyterian Church, Ballyclare | 7pm
Thursday 25th
Xmas Parkrun | Valley Park, Newtownabbey | 9.30am
Friday 26th
Boxing Day Dining | Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick | 12pm
Do you have a local event coming up that you’d like to share with us?
🗿Local Attraction Spotlight
✨ Explore History on Foot with Time Travel Trails!
Discover the stories hidden in Antrim & Newtownabbey’s parks with the Time Travel Trails app — a free, interactive way to explore local heritage through GPS-guided routes and immersive augmented reality experiences.
From the rich maritime past of Belfast Lough to the legends of Antrim Castle Gardens, this digital trail adds a fun, educational twist to your family walks and outdoor adventures.
Thanks for Reading
That’s it for Issue #1.
If you found this useful, feel free to share it with someone else around the Antrim and Newtownabbey area who might appreciate a clear, local update each week.
Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.