Perched on the north-easternmost tip of Ireland, Ballycastle is a charming seaside town in County Antrim that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Northern Ireland. Nestled within the stunning Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this picturesque haven offers breathtaking landscapes and a unique blend of natural wonders and rich history. From the iconic Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to the mystical Dark Hedges, Ballycastle is a gateway to the majestic Glens of Antrim and the dramatic North Coast, with its sweeping bay and beach providing a serene backdrop for relaxation and adventure.
As you explore this enchanting town, you'll discover a treasure trove of exciting attractions and activities that cater to all interests. With its historic landmarks like Bonamargy Friary, vibrant cultural events such as the Ould Lammas Fair, and stunning coastal scenery, Ballycastle is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, including Rathlin Island, the Giant's Causeway, and the picturesque Nine Glens of Antrim. Whether you're drawn to the area's fascinating history, its stunning landscapes, or its warm and welcoming atmosphere, Ballycastle promises to captivate and inspire, leaving you with memories to treasure for a lifetime. With its unique blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Ballycastle is an unmissable destination that invites you to experience the authentic charm of Northern Ireland.
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Things to See and Do
Explore Fair Head Cliffs
This trail explores Ballycastle's rich history, featuring key landmarks like the 18th-century courthouse, now home to Ballycastle Museum. The museum showcases a range of exhibits, from folk history and Bronze Age archaeology to the region's cultural heritage. As you stroll along the seafront, you'll also come across a sculpture depicting the four swans of the Children of Lir legend.
Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is a peaceful retreat with stunning natural scenery, featuring sea cliffs, secluded bays, and rolling fields. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals and puffins, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Visitors can take a ferry from Ballycastle to spend the day exploring the island's hidden treasures.
Explore Bonamargy Friary Ruins
Founded in 1485 by the MacQuillan clan, Bonamargy Friary is a historic site with significant local importance. The ruins feature the grave of Julia McQuillan, known as the Black Nun, a prophetess from the area. Visitors can wander through the remains and take in the peaceful surroundings, enjoying views of the surrounding glens.
Dunluce Castle
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Dunluce Castle is a stunning example of medieval architecture. This 14th-century castle boasts an intriguing history marked by violence and myth. Visitors can wander through the castle's inner paths and examine artifacts that reveal what life was like in medieval Ireland.
The Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle
This annual street fair in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, takes place over two days in late August. It features a variety of market stalls, busking, and street performers, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The fair is a great event for families, with a range of activities and entertainment on offer. Traditional food specialties like Dulce (dried seaweed) and yellowman chewy toffee are also available for purchase.
Exploring Kinbane Castle Ruins
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, Kinbane Castle's 16th-century ruins are a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. The castle's remains feature a tower, gatehouse, and drawbridge, offering a glimpse into its past. With its stunning coastal location, visitors can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Exploring the Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway is a breathtaking natural wonder in Ireland, featuring thousands of interlocking hexagonal basalt columns. Visitors can walk along the cliffs for stunning views or descend to the beach to get up close to the unique formations. The area has several marked trails and guided tours available, making it easy to explore on foot.
Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This rope bridge stretches 65 feet across a chasm, providing breathtaking views of the sea below. At 100 feet above the water, it connects Northern Ireland's mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. The island features a historic fisherman's cottage and stunning scenery in all directions.
Explore Torr Head
Torr Head is a dramatic headland with a unique landscape of limestone rocks cutting through the grass. Atop the headland stands the 6th century Altagore Cashel, a historic site with significant importance. The area offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and countryside.
Whitepark Bay Beach Walk
This 3-mile stretch of white sand beach is nestled between towering cliffs, making it perfect for a serene walk. The scenic views are complemented by unique rock formations, including the notable Elephant Rock. As you stroll along the beach, be sure to explore the rock pools and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Guided Kayaking Tour of the Granite Shore
Discover the stunning coastline by paddling along the granite shore with a guided kayaking tour. This activity allows you to take in the breathtaking views while getting some exercise. You'll have the chance to explore the area's unique geological features and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Golfing at Ballycastle and Gracehill
Challenge your golf skills at two distinct courses in the area. Ballycastle Golf Club features a links course, while Gracehill Golf Club offers a parkland course located near The Dark Hedges Hotel. Both provide a chance to enjoy the scenic surroundings while playing a round of golf.
Visit the Dark Hedges
Visit the real-life locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, including The Dark Hedges, Fair Head, Murlough Bay, and Cushendun Caves. These sites were used to depict iconic scenes from the show, such as The King's Road and Dragonstone. To make the most of your tour, consider booking with a guide service like Giant Tours, which can provide expert knowledge and insights into the making of the series.
Getting There
By Car
Ballycastle is approximately 55 miles (89 km) from Belfast. To get there, take the M2 motorway northbound and then connect to the A26 towards Ballymoney. From there, follow signs for the A44, which will lead you directly to Ballycastle. Alternatively, you can take the A2 coastal route from Belfast or Derry, offering stunning views of the Glens of Antrim along the way. From Coleraine, head north on the A2 for approximately 30 minutes, while from Cushendall, drive north for about half an hour. If coming from Derry/Londonderry, take the A6 eastbound towards Coleraine, then join the A26 northbound towards Ballycastle.
By Public Transport
Translink operates bus services that connect Ballycastle with major cities like Belfast. You can catch a bus from Belfast's Europa Bus Centre or Laganside Bus Centre. The journey may involve changes at towns like Ballymoney or Coleraine, depending on the route and time of travel. Alternatively, take a train from Great Victoria Street station in Belfast to Coleraine, then transfer to a bus to Ballycastle. Another option is to take bus 402 from Coleraine, which runs along the coast and stops at various attractions like Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. You can also take bus 131 or 217 from Ballymena, which takes around 70 minutes to reach Ballycastle.
Ferry Services
For those coming from Scotland, there is a passenger ferry service operated by Kintyre Express that runs between Campbeltown in Scotland and Ballycastle during summer months (and limited services during winter). This can be a scenic way to arrive, offering views of the coastline. Additionally, a ferry service connects Ballycastle with Rathlin Island, which is ideal for exploring this beautiful island.
Local Transportation
Once in Ballycastle, the town is compact and easily walkable. For exploring the surrounding areas or visiting attractions like the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, or the Glens of Antrim, you might consider renting a car or using local taxi services. Public buses also cover some of these routes but may be less frequent. Bus 402 runs along the coast and stops at various attractions.
Parking
Ballycastle has several car parks and on-street parking areas where visitors can leave their vehicles. The main car park near the seafront is convenient for accessing the beach, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to check any parking restrictions or fees before leaving your vehicle. There is also a free car park by the seafront with a maximum stay of two hours, and the Ann Street car park charges 30p per hour for longer stays.
Directions from Major Cities or Airports
- From Belfast International Airport (BFS): Approximately 60 miles (97 km), about a 1-hour drive via the M2 and A26.
- From George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD): About 58 miles (93 km), roughly a 1-hour drive, also using the M2 and A26.
- From Derry/Londonderry: Approximately 75 miles (121 km), around a 1.5-hour drive via the A6 and A44. Please note that traffic conditions can affect journey times, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before traveling.
Events & Festivals 2025
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History
The earliest evidence of human settlement in Ballycastle dates back over 6,000 years to the Neolithic period, with dolmens and other ancient structures still visible today. The area was later inhabited by Vikings in the 10th century, who established a settlement and harbour that would eventually become the foundation of the modern town. The town's name, "Baile an Chaistil," meaning "town of the castle," refers to an ancient castle that once stood on the site of the present- day ruins of Bonamargy Friary.As the centuries passed, Ballycastle became a key location in the territory controlled by the MacDonnell clan, with celebrated chieftain Sorley Boy MacDonnell establishing the clan in both the Glens and The Route. The settlement around Dunaneeny Castle, along with the settlements at Bonamargy Friary and the castle in the area of the Diamond, eventually merged to become the present- day town. In 1177, John de Courcy established the Anglo- Norman County of Coulrath, which included the area now known as Ballycastle. However, the Norman influence waned over time, and the region became a hub for Irish clans like the MacDonnells.
The introduction of the parochial system in Ireland during the 12th century had a significant impact on the development of towns like Ballycastle. Unlike England, where the town or village was often the focal unit of the parochial system, many Irish parishes did not contain a town of the same name. This is evident in Co. Antrim, where the large provincial town of Ballymena is situated in the parish of Kilconriola, rather than having its own parish.
The 16th century saw significant changes with the construction of Kinbane Castle by Colla MacDonnell in 1547. Although the castle was destroyed by the English just a few years later, it was rebuilt and remained inhabited until the 1700s. The town's growth was also influenced by the establishment of fairs, including the Lammas Fair, which remains an important part of Ballycastle's economy to this day.
In the 17th century, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, a chief of the Clandonnell South, was born and died at Dunineeny Castle. The town's history has also been shaped by its strategic location on the Antrim coast, which made it an attractive spot for settlers and traders. The Margy River provided fresh water, and the surrounding area offered abundant arable land, making Ballycastle a natural venue for settlement.
The 18th century saw significant industrial development in Ballycastle, thanks to the efforts of Colonel Hugh Boyd, a native of the district who played a crucial role in establishing coal shafts, potteries, a glass factory, and other industries. With the support of the Irish Parliament, Boyd constructed an inner and outer dock, facilitating the export of coal to Dublin and establishing Ballycastle as a thriving industrial center. The town became a major center for the production of salt, soap, and glass, with Colonel Boyd's industrial endeavors playing a significant role in the town's economic development.
The town's history has also been marked by periods of immigration, including the arrival of Scottish settlers who brought their own language and customs to the area. Despite these influences, Ballycastle has retained its unique character and remains a testament to the power of community and resilience in shaping the course of history.
In 1798, Ballycastle was a key location in the Rebellion against British rule, with many residents actively involved in the uprising. The town's harbour also played a crucial role in the development of the local fishing industry, with many fishermen setting sail from Ballycastle to catch fish in the nearby waters.
The 19th and 20th centuries saw significant events shape Ballycastle's history, including the Troubles, which had a profound impact on the town. However, despite these challenges, the town has continued to thrive, with its strong sense of community and rich cultural heritage helping to make it one of Northern Ireland's most popular tourist destinations.
Today, visitors can experience Ballycastle's vibrant culture and history firsthand by attending events such as the Ould Lammas Fair, which takes place every August and features traditional music, food, and crafts. The town is also home to a number of historic buildings, including St Patrick's and St Brigid's Church, Holy Trinity Parish Church, and the Ballycastle Presbyterian Church, each with its own unique story to tell.
In 1898, Guglielmo Marconi made the first radio transmission in the world from Ballycastle to the East Lighthouse on Rathlin Island, a feat commemorated by a memorial above the harbour. This event marked a significant milestone in the development of radio communication and cemented Ballycastle's place in the history of technology.
The town's stunning natural beauty has also played a significant role in shaping its history. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills, forests, and rugged coastline, has inspired countless artists, writers, and musicians over the years. The Fair Head Cliffs, which rise 600 feet above sea level, are a particularly striking feature of the local landscape, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective on the town's history.
With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Ballycastle remains a popular destination for tourists and a thriving community for its residents. Visitors can explore the town's historic landmarks, such as Kinbane Castle and Bonamargy Friary, or take in the breathtaking views of Fair Head, Knocklayde mountain, and the Glens of Antrim.