Ballycastle is right at the heart of the of the Causeway Coast and Glens area of outstanding natural beauty.
Just 6 miles from the mainland lies Rathlin Island, the most northerly inhabited island off the Irish coast. A paradise for walkers, nature lovers and ornithologists, the island boasts internationally important flora and fauna and is home to seals, puffins and the largest seabird colony in Northern Ireland. Ferries leave regularly from Ballycastle marina for the 45 minute crossing.
Just 6 miles from the mainland lies Rathlin Island, the most northerly inhabited island off the Irish coast. A paradise for walkers, nature lovers and ornithologists, the island boasts internationally important flora and fauna and is home to seals, puffins and the largest seabird colony in Northern Ireland. Ferries leave regularly from Ballycastle marina for the 45 minute crossing.
Rathlin Island
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Rathlin Island
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Approximately 20 minutes drive from Ballycastle is the world famous Giant's Causeway - Ireland's top tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage site. Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, the interlocking hexagonal basalt columns form stepping stones from the cliff foot into the sea.
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Six miles from the town near the picturesque harbour of Ballintoy, is Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge which crosses a 24m deep and 18m wide chasm. The exhilarating crossing gives stunning views over the sea to Scotland and access to the tiny island with traditional fisherman's cottage.
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Giant's Causeway
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Carrick-A-Rede
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From the Giant's Causeway take a short ride on a traditional steam train to Bushmills, home of Ireland's oldest whiskey distillery established in 1608. Bushmills is the only distillery in Ireland to make triple distilled malt whiskey creating a unique combination of richness and smoothness. Daily tours with tasting.
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Three miles west along the coast from Bushmills, clinging to the clifftop is Dunluce castle. It is one of the most extensive ruins of a medieval castle in Northern Ireland. It is accessible via a bridge which connects it to the mainland and has terrifyingly steep drops on either side.
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Old Bushmills Distillery
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Dunluce Castle
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An ideal location to explore the Glens of Antrim, Glenshesk and Glentaisie are on the doorstep. Heading east along the coast via the magnificent Torr Head and Murlough Bay finds the pretty village of Cushendun set on an elevated beach at the foot of Glendun and Glencorp.
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Ballycastle has it's own historical ruin - the ancient Bonamargy Friary dates from 1500. The cloister, gatehouse, alter and church are well preserved. Within the sealed burial vault lie the coffins of several Earls of Ulster and Chiefton Sorley Boy MacDonnell.
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Cushendun
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Bonamargy Friary
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