Hotels in Ballycastle: Coast, Ferry and Culture

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Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Ballycastle combines coastal scenery and geological history with a ferry connection to Rathlin Island, historical attractions, a summer fair and golf. When choosing accommodation in Ballycastle, it helps to first decide what you want your trip to focus on: the coast, the island connection, cultural history or a particular activity. The highlights below show the different experiences the town offers.

Coast and geology

Ballycastle Beach is about 1.2 kilometres long, mostly sandy, with some pebbly areas. Ballycastle Coalfield is the best exposure of a coalfield succession in Ireland. The eastern part of Ballycastle Beach is part of Ballycastle Coalfield ASSI. These details offer different points of reference: the beach’s length and surface describe the strand, while the Coalfield designation draws attention to geological history. This makes it possible to combine a coastal stay with a geological focus.

Ferry connection to Rathlin Island

A ferry service connects Ballycastle with Rathlin Island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The ferry departs from a signposted ferry port in Ballycastle. The operator publishes a 2026 timetable; the service is seasonal and weather-dependent. Check the latest departure information before travelling, as local departure arrangements may change.

Alongside the town’s coastal and cultural attractions, this raises a separate planning question: do you want to include the connection to Rathlin Island in your trip? The ferry is a specific part of the journey, and its seasonal and weather-dependent conditions should be taken into account when planning.

Historic sites and museum

Bonamargy Friary was built in 1500 by Rory MacQuillan near the mouths of the Carey and Shesk rivers. Bronze Age archaeology is a collection highlight at Ballycastle Museum; the museum also features the Taise Banner from the first Feis na nGleann in 1904.

These topics offer different historical perspectives: the Bronze Age, the construction of the friary in 1500, and a named festival event from 1904. If you would like to include history in your trip, you can distinguish between the archaeological collection, the historic building and the commemoration of a cultural event.

Ould Lammas Fair and golf

The Ould Lammas Fair takes place every summer in Ballycastle. It includes a horse village, where you can experience the tradition of horse trading. Visitors can also try dulse and Yellow Man. The event programme may vary from year to year. If the fair is a reason for your trip, check the event dates and programme details in advance.

Ballycastle Golf Club combines parkland and links golf with elevated coastal holes and sweeping sea views. The combination of two styles of golf and a coastal setting gives it a different focus from the museum, friary or fair. If golf is one of your interests, you can consider the club as a separate activity for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ballintoy, Bushmills and Waterfoot.

For the broader travel overview: Moyle.

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