Ballycastle: Where the Glens Meet the Sea

Tucked along Northern Ireland’s spectacular Causeway Coast, Ballycastle is a seaside gem with deep roots, legendary landscapes, and a warm community spirit. Whether you're chasing views, stories, or sweet seaside serenity—Ballycastle welcomes you with open arms.

Cómo llegar Ballycastle

Discovering Ballycastle

A Coastal Gateway

Ballycastle lies at the heart of the Causeway Coastal Route, perfectly placed between the Glens of Antrim and iconic stops like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Dark Hedges. Its sweeping Blue Flag beach, dramatic cliffs like Fair Head, and the backdrop of Knocklayde Mountain offer a perfect blend of sea and scenery.

Rich in History

Ballycastle traces its roots to Port Brittas, with legends of Fergus Mór mac Eirc sailing to found the Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. In the 14th century, the MacDonnells of Antrim became prominent, with Dunaneeny Castle serving as a stronghold. Later, in the 1700s, Hugh Boyd transformed the town with a new harbour, industries, and iconic architecture—many buildings still stand today.

Local Culture & Events

The Ould Lammas Fair (late August): One of Ireland’s oldest traditional fairs, attracting over 60,000 visitors with market stalls, live music, and street performances.
The Corrymeela Community: Founded in 1965, this Christian group promotes peace and reconciliation from its Ballycastle base.
Best Places to Live: Ballycastle has been named one of Northern Ireland's top places to live by The Sunday Times.

Sights & Activities

Natural Wonders

Fair Head: Towering 196m above the bay with a crannóg-topped lake.
Knocklayde Mountain: Hike to the summit (514m) for views of Rathlin Island and Scotland.
Glentaisie: The most northerly of the Nine Glens, rich with legend and natural beauty.
The Strand: A golden Blue Flag beach perfect for walks and swims.
Pans Rocks & Devil’s Churn: Explore the rocky coastline and discover tidal tunnels.

Historical Highlights

Bonamargy Friary: A 15th-century Franciscan friary and the resting place of Sorley Boy MacDonnell.
Dunaneeny Castle: A dramatic ruin overlooking Ballycastle Bay.
Kinbane Castle: A cliffside fortress built in 1547 by Colla MacDonnell.
Marconi Memorial: Marks the site of the world’s first commercial wireless signal, sent between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.

Ballycastle offers more than just a scenic stop—it’s a place where legend meets landscape, and history lives alongside hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to stroll the beach, catch the ferry to Rathlin, and sip a coffee in the town square. You might just fall in love with the rhythm of the Moyle Sea.

Cerca de Ballycastle: Where the Glens Meet the Sea

de €15.00

Away to Me – Sheepdog Demonstrations 58km

Step into the heart of rural Ireland with Away to Me, where Francis John Cunningham showcases the ancient skill of sheepdog herding.

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Gratis

Slieve League Cliffs 61km

Descubra uno de los acantilados marinos más altos de Europa: Slieve League, en Donegal, que es una maravilla natural cruda y majestuosa a lo largo de la Vía Salvaje del Atlántico.

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de €3.00

Parke’s Castle 67km

Si estás recorriendo los paisajes salvajes y poéticos del condado de Leitrim, el castillo de Parke es una parada que mezcla historia, belleza y un sentido de la arraigada tradición irlandesa, todo ello con vistas al resplandeciente Lough Gill.

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Destacadosde €18.00

Kylemore Abbey 87km

Experimente la serenidad y el patrimonio en las colinas de Connemara en la emblemática Abadía de Kylemore. Histórica abadía benedictina con jardines victorianos y paseos junto al lago en Connemara.

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de €3.00

Donegal Castle 92km

En el centro de la ciudad de Donegal, rodeado de bulliciosas calles y vida moderna, el castillo de Donegal se erige como orgulloso recordatorio de una época en la que los señores gaélicos gobernaban el noroeste con estilo, fuerza y no poco sentido del drama.

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de €3.00

Aughnanure Castle 96km

Escondido cerca de las tranquilas orillas de Lough Corrib, el castillo de Aughnanure es una cautivadora casa torre del siglo XV que ofrece una visión del rico patrimonio gaélico de Irlanda. A poca distancia en coche de la ciudad de Galway, esta fortaleza bien conservada le invita a retroceder en el tiempo y descubrir el legado del clan O'Flaherty.

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de €3.00

Athenry Castle 116km

Step into one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval towns and uncover the story of Athenry Castle, a 13th-century Norman stronghold that continues to captivate visitors with its history and charm

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de €20.00

Aran Islands Bike Hire 130km

Pedalea por el silencio de las paredes de piedra de Inis Mór con Aran Islands Bike Hire: la mejor forma de explorar como un lugareño.

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Gratis

Doe Castle 136km

Enclavado en las tranquilas aguas de la bahía de Sheephaven, el castillo de Doe, en el condado de Donegal, es un tesoro escondido, en parte fortaleza y en parte cuento de hadas, impregnado de siglos de intriga. Es una mezcla perfecta de belleza agreste y tranquila historia.

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Fuerte de piedra de Caherconnell y demostraciones de perros pastores

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Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations 138km

En Caherconnell, el trabajo en piedra antiguo se encuentra con la tradición viva: donde las ruinas de un fuerte de la Edad de Hierro y los hábiles perros pastores se unen en una inolvidable experiencia en la campiña irlandesa.

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