Ballygally Castle

#255 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Forts and castles, Top attraction

Gallery (6)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the scenic Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, Ballygally Castle stands as a testament to the rich history and charm of the United Kingdom. This 17th-century castle, overlooking the azure waters of Ballygally Bay, has been converted into a luxurious hotel, blending historical grandeur with modern comfort.

Constructed in 1625 by James Shaw, Ballygally Castle is the only 17th-century building in Northern Ireland still used as a residence today. It is renowned not only for its architecture but also for its ghostly folklore, with several spirits said to roam its halls, including the friendly ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw.

The castle's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the picturesque Glens of Antrim and the famed Giant's Causeway. Guests can enjoy the well-preserved features of the castle, such as the original spiral staircase and the enchanting gardens, which provide a serene retreat.

Ballygally Castle's rooms are tastefully decorated to reflect its heritage, with some offering panoramic views of the coast. The hotel also boasts a renowned restaurant, where diners can indulge in locally sourced cuisine while admiring the stunning sea vistas.

Alternative names: Completed: 1625 (400 years ago)Coordinates: 54°53'57"N, 5°51'40"W

Location

264 Coast RoadNorthern IrelandUnited Kingdom

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Day trips

Ballygally Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Chaine Memorial, Larne Town Hall, Glenarm Castle, Olderfleet Castle.

4 miSE
Observation decks and towers, Vernacular architecture, Lighthouse
Chaine Memorial, Larne
102 min walk • The Chaine Memorial Tower in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a memorial to James Chaine, a former Member of Parliament for Antrim, who died in 1885.
3.1 miSE
City hall
Larne Town Hall, Larne
79 min walk • Larne Town Hall is a municipal structure in Upper Cross Street in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The structure, which was the meeting place of Larne Borough Council, is a Grade B+ listed building.
5.9 miNW
Forts and castles
Glenarm Castle
152 min walk • Glenarm Castle, Glenarm, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is the ancestral home of the Earl of Antrim.
4.6 miSE
Vernacular architecture, Forts and castles
Olderfleet Castle, Larne
117 min walk • Olderfleet Castle is a four-storey towerhouse, the remains of which stand on Curran Point to the south of Larne Harbour in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
5.3 miSE
Ruins, Archaeological site
Ballylumford Dolmen, Whitehead
135 min walk • Ballylumford Dolmen is situated on Islandmagee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the north-west tip of the Islandmagee peninsula and near Ballylumford power station.
0.8 miSE
Park
Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne
22 min walk • Carnfunnock Country Park is a 191-hectare park located between Drains Bay and Ballygally, near Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is situated on the A2 Antrim Coast Road, 3.5 miles north of Larne.
5.7 miE
Lighthouse
The Maidens lighthouses
145 min walk • The Maidens lighthouses, on the Maidens in North Channel off County Antrim in Northern Ireland, date from 1829 and were built at the request of merchants and a Royal Navy officer.
3.5 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Rock
Waterloo Bay, Larne
90 min walk • Waterloo Bay is an area of foreshore in Larne on the east coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is of particular interest to geologists because it provides a clear, complete and accessible example of the sequences from Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic, when the rock types changed from land to marine.
2.3 miW
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Scawt Hill
59 min walk • Scawt Hill is a volcanic plug in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, in the borough of Larne, 5 km from the village of Ballygally. It gets its name from the Ulster Scots "scawd" meaning scaly, scabby or rugged. Alternatively, 'scawt' meaning scruffy and contemptible, and when applied to rocks, covered in barnacles.
5.7 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Larne Lough
146 min walk • Larne Lough, historically Lough Larne, is a sea loch or inlet in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It lies between the Islandmagee peninsula and the mainland. At its mouth is the town of Larne.
3.7 miSE
Sport, Sport venue
Inver Park, Larne
95 min walk • Inver Park is a football stadium in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is the home ground of Larne F.C. The land was acquired by Larne in 1918 and has been in continuous use as a stadium ever since.