Ballycastle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a town in Northern Ireland, located in County Antrim, near to the northernmost tip of the country. Its proximity to the coast, and the fact that it is located on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Antrim Coast and Glens, has led to it being an extremely popular destination for tourists.

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

The Beach in Ballycastle

Back on the mainland itself, Ballycastle is famed for three quarters of a mile of unspoiled beach – a mix of golden sand and a small amount of shingle, it runs from Ballycastle Marina at one end to Pans Rock at the other, and is just 5 minutes walk away from the town centre. With the unspoiled greenery of Ballycastle Golf Course running behind it for most of its length, and the waters of the Atlantic rolling and crashing up onto the sands, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic walk or a day of family beach fun.

Sea-Based Activity in Ballycastle

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

Walking Around Ballycastle

From the traditional seaside appeal of the town centre itself, to the stunning scenery which is literally right on the doorstep, staying in Ballycastle means you can walk in any direction and soon find yourself in the midst of some of the finest landscapes the island has to offer. A long walk for ambitious, seasoned walkers is the Moyle Way, which starts in the centre of Ballycastle and takes in the Five Glens of Antrim, the Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve and Glenariff Forest Park. The whole 26 miles may be too much for the casual walker or family group, but any individual section of the walk offers access to rich woodland, spectacular moorland scenery and the shores of rivers and loughs.

Booking Your Ballycastle Trip

Ballycastle certainly ticks the boxes: natural beauty, coastal landscapes, some of Ireland’s best walking routes, high adrenaline action activities and the traditional warmth of Irish 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 ₹15,359 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹15,359
₹18,430 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (178 reviews)
"The quality of the air throughout the hotel. Very clean and the decor was great . Not forgeting the quality of the good."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

The Salthouse Hotel
Marine Hotel Ballycastle

Marine Hotel Ballycastle

3.5 out of 5
1-3 North St, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
The price is ₹13,486 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹13,486
₹16,183 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Ballycastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Marconi Memorial and Rathlin Island ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
Lovely hotel
"We had a great stay in ballycastle. The staff were the best I’ve probably ever had from the girls at check in to the lovely Australian woman at the bar who couldn’t do enough for us. We will certainly be back soon. Great value also and food was amazing especially breakfast"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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 ₹18,744 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹18,744
₹18,744 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
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! (200 reviews)
"Very good location for the harbour and parking"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 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.
Yarn

Yarn

3 out of 5
24 Ann St, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Ballycastle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, premium bedding and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Ballycastle Museum and Rathlin ...
"Lovely space very well finished and clean as a whistle . I think we might have been the first in so very new property which offers five suites in the one building The kitchen facilities include kettle, toaster and coffee machine so no opportunity to heat anything. I think a microwave would be great ..."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Yarn
Hideout by Stay Lagom

Hideout by Stay Lagom

3 out of 5
9A Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3-star villa in Ballycastle. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Ballycastle Museum and Rathlin Island Ferry are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
So good I stayed twice!
"It was so good the first week I booked another. And I’m coming back next year!!!"

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

Hideout by Stay Lagom
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
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.

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