Ballyclare (in Irish: Bealach Cláir, ie way or pass of the plain) is a small town in the Six Mile Valley, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It had a population of 8,770 people in the 2001 Census. Under the reorganisation of Northern Ireland local government in the 1970s, Ballyclare lost its Urban District status and was absorbed into the Newtownabbey Borough Council area. It is situated in the north west of the Newtownabbey Borough, on the lower slopes of the Six Mile Water Valley, with Craig Hill providing a wooded backdrop to the east. Its medieval origins can still be seen in Ballyclare Motte to the south of the town. The street pattern, with its broad main street, dates back to the 18th century. A clock tower/keep is a central focus within the town and the old mill marks the industrial district on the south east developed along the Six Mile Water. It is a local service centre with a significant dormitory role in relation to Belfast. It is the main focus within the rural area for housing, shopping and commerce, industry and employment, education and recreation. (via Wikipedia)