Ballycastle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Ballycastle

Ballycastle is a townin Northern Ireland, located in CountyAntrim, near to the northernmost tip of the country. Its proximity tothe coast, and the fact that it is located on an Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty near the Antrim Coast and Glens, has led to it being an extremelypopular destination for tourists.

From the shoreline at Ballycastleit is possible to see both the Mull of Kintyre and RathlinIsland, which are just 6 miles across the water. The ferry across to Rathlin Islandruns regularly throughout the day, offering an experience you’ll want to takeadvantage of. Rathlin Island is just six miles long by one mile wide. It ishome to no more than 70 people and offers visitors a genuine sense of peace andtranquillity. As well as the rugged landscape and unspoiled environment, the islandhas its own colony of wild seals and is home to an RSPB Seabird Centre. Onceyou’ve experienced the glories of nature you could pay a visit to the localpub, pick up some food in the restaurant or enjoy some award-winning fish andchips from a spot with stunning sea views.

The Beachin Ballycastle

Back on the mainland itself, Ballycastleis famed for three quarters of a mile of unspoiled beach – a mix of golden sandand a small amount of shingle, it runs from Ballycastle Marinaat one end to Pans Rock at the other, and is just5 minutes walk away from the town centre. With the unspoiled greenery of BallycastleGolf Course running behind it for most of its length, and thewaters of the Atlantic rolling and crashing up onto the sands, it’s the perfectspot for a romantic walk or a day of family beach fun.

Sea-Based Activityin Ballycastle

The presence of Ballycastle Marina,located just next to the Rathlin Island ferry port, brings together a widerange of activities taking advantage of the easy access to the sea. It’s up toyou whether you opt to try your hand at diving, experience the exhilaration ofa high speed ‘sea safari’ or enjoy the more tranquil pleasures of a leisurelyfishing trip.

Walking AroundBallycastle

From the traditional seaside appeal of the towncentre itself, to the stunning scenery which is literally right on thedoorstep, staying in Ballycastle means you canwalk in any direction and soon find yourself in the midst of some of the finestlandscapes the island has to offer. A long walk for ambitious, seasoned walkersis the Moyle Way, which starts in the centre of Ballycastleand takes in the Five Glens of Antrim, the BreenOakwood Nature Reserve and GlenariffForest Park. The whole 26 miles may be too much for the casual walkeror family group, but any individual section of the walk offers access to richwoodland, spectacular moorland scenery and the shores of rivers andloughs.

BookingYour Ballycastle Trip

Ballycastle certainlyticks the boxes: natural beauty, coastal landscapes, some of Ireland’s bestwalking routes, high adrenaline action activities and the traditional warmth ofIrish hospitality. What more could you ask for?

The Salthouse Hotel

The Salthouse Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
The price is ฿4,495 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
฿4,495
฿5,394 total
12 Nov - 13 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ballycastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Ballycastle Museum and Bonamargy Friary ...
9/10 Wonderful! (228 reviews)
Good service

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2025

The Salthouse Hotel
Marine Hotel Ballycastle

Marine Hotel Ballycastle

4 out of 5
1-3 North St, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
The price is ฿4,640 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
฿4,640
฿5,568 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Ballycastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Marconi Memorial and Rathlin Island Ferry ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (66 reviews)
We love our stays at the Marine Hotel, the new improvements are fab!! The ground floor areas are so homely & inviting. The staff are Brilliant, friendly, efficient and so welcoming. You always meet our expectations! Thank you!

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025

Marine Hotel Ballycastle
Glass Island Boutique Luxury B&B

Glass Island Boutique Luxury B&B

5 out of 5
11 Beechwood Ave, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
The price is ฿5,585 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿5,585
฿5,585 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury B&B in Ballycastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (215 reviews)
Friendly and welcoming hosts who go the extra mile. Lovely accommodation which was very clean and comfortable. Parking was more than adequate and close to the front door. Breakfast was amazing…. So many options to choose from. I enjoyed overnight oats with yogurt and fresh berries followed by smoked ...

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2025

Glass Island Boutique Luxury B&B
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kinbane Self-Catering

Kinbane Self-Catering

4 out of 5
85 Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Ballycastle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Kinbane Castle and Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (49 reviews)
This was the most amazing cottage to spent time with my wife. Secluded and beautiful, great views of the ocean, and can see Scotland sitting on the back patio. Short walk to Kinbane Casltle and to the town for the grocery if you want to cook. We did have a wonderful meal in town with Nans l recommendation ...

Reviewed on 23 Oct 2025

Kinbane Self-Catering
Makem's Self Catering Cottage

Makem's Self Catering Cottage

4 out of 5
85B Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star holiday home in Ballycastle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Kinbane Castle and Ballycastle Museum are located ...
We had a wonderful stay at the cottage. The view, the hospitality, the thoughtful touches all around. Thank you for having us

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2023

Makem's Self Catering Cottage
Aganmore Farm Glamping

Aganmore Farm Glamping

3.5 out of 5
156 Cushendall Rd, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Ballycastle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Murlough Bay and Fair Head are located nearby.
Aganmore Farm Glamping
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ballycastle

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
11
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Morton’s fish and chips was great

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We would have stayed in Waterfoot as children and travelled all around the Glens. Had a lovely time re-visiting the area.

5/5 - Excellent

Reg

Great Fish restaurant on the front called Promenade Café. Place where Ferry goes to Rathlin Island and there are eating pubs with live music. Only issue is that after 21.00 difficult to get food other than Chinese, fish and Chips, Indian or kebabs.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The people are extremely friendly and helpful, they just can't do enough for you. There are lots of excellent dining venues where the food is varied and delicious and the service is fantastic. Obviously, the whole area is very beautiful .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A nice seaside resort on the Antrim coast. Convenient for scenic drives, the Glens and Causeway coast

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice town as a base to travel around the Antrim coastline.

Cities near Ballycastle