Ballycastle is a charming coastal port town in Northern Ireland, at the edge of the Causeway coast. Local tourist life centres around the Diamond main square and the seafront, but the true wonders lie beyond the town itself. Ballycastle is an excellent gateway for visiting the Giant's Causeway inland and the Rathlin Island offshore.

History

Founded during the reign of James I of England, Ballycastle—or Baile An Chaistil in Irish, meaning "town of the castle"—sits nestled in a bay at the eastern tip of the Causeway coast in Northern Ireland. Across from the town lies Rathlin Island, which served as a refuge for the King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce. Ballycastle flourished around 1770 with the exploitation of its coal mines, but the activity ceased in the mid-19th century.

The town was deeply affected by the period of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. On 26 August 1973, loyalist paramilitaries left a car bomb outside the St. Patrick's & St. Brigid's Catholic Church. Fortunately, the bomb detonated before the end of Mass, averting heavy loss of life. On 19 June 1979, Ballycastle's Marine Hotel and four other hotels in northern seaside towns were bombed by the Irish Republican Army. On 6 April 1991, Spence McGarry, a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, was killed in a bomb attack in the Castle Street car park. In 2001, the Red Hand Defenders could have caused many casualties by leaving a car bomb in Castle Street as the town celebrated its annual Ould Lammas Fair.

Discovering Ballycastle

Ballycastle is an old-world coastal town, quiet year-round except during the traditional Ould Lammas Fair in August, when crowds flood its streets. Its seafront offers a pleasant promenade, dotted with a few eateries where you can sample local specialities such as dulse, a type of dried seaweed, or Irish toffee. Attractions abound in the surrounding area—make the most of them with family!

Peaceful and Panoramic Beaches

The Ballycastle Beach nestles between grassy dunes and shimmering cliffs. White sand invites you to relax, while the water promises a refreshing swim. Just over 10 km west of town, White Park Bay is equally spectacular. The beach forms a beautiful white curve at the foot of limestone cliffs on the northern coast of County Antrim. Swimmers should, however, be mindful of the currents. Above the bay, you'll discover three ancient sites, including a dolmen called the Druid's Altar.

Ballycastle, a Base for Coastal Walks

About a dozen kilometres offshore from Ballycastle, Rathlin Island is home to a beautiful bird sanctuary where hundreds of seabirds gather. A ferry runs regularly between the island and Ballycastle Harbour. East of town, the rocky headland of Fairhead offers enticing trails and climbs for experienced hikers. But the geological attraction not to be missed lies 21 km away: the Giant's Causeway. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site features over 40,000 basalt columns to explore. A steam train winds through the rocks to Bushmills, renowned for its distillery. Cycling enthusiasts will delight in pedalling the coastal road between Ballycastle and Cushendun. The route offers extraordinary vistas, such as the Mull of Kintyre, as well as noteworthy attractions including the ancient ruins of Torr Head.

When to Visit Ballycastle

As throughout much of Northern Ireland, summers are cool and winters mild to moderate in Ballycastle. The temperate maritime climate allows you to explore the town at any time of year. May and June are particularly popular, with much longer daylight hours during this period. August is also a fine choice if you wish to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Ould Lammas Fair. While it rarely gets very cold, showers are frequent in Ballycastle. Always bring something warm when you venture out.

By Train

Ballycastle does not yet have a direct railway connection. The nearest station is Portrush.

By Bus

You can take the bus to Ballycastle from Belfast and Coleraine.

By Boat

There are five daily departures for crossings to and from Rathlin Island. For foot passengers, a ferry also connects Ballycastle to Port Ellen on Islay in the Scottish Hebrides, from May to August.

The town is not very large. You can easily explore it on foot or by bike. To reach distant attractions, buses and taxis are at your disposal.

What to Do in Ballycastle?

• Stroll around the Diamond main square, then head to the seafront
• Enjoy the pleasures of the beach in an idyllic setting at White Park Bay
• Visit the bird sanctuary on Rathlin Island
• Hike through the Giant's Causeway
• Take part in the Ould Lammas Fair in August, and more