Top reasons to visit Ballycastle
- Stunning Beaches: Ballycastle Beach offers beautiful sandy shores and breathtaking views, perfect for relaxation and seaside activities.
- Challenging Golf Courses: Experience the thrill of golfing at the scenic Ballycastle Golf Club, renowned for its stunning coastal backdrop.
- Charming Local Cuisine: Indulge in fresh seafood at local bistros while enjoying panoramic views of the sea.
- Picturesque Ballintoy Harbour: Explore the enchanting Ballintoy Harbour, a favourite spot for photography and scenic walks.
- Welcoming Accommodations: Enjoy a range of charming lodgings, from cosy bed and breakfasts to modern hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Find great hotels in and around Ballycastle
Discover the charm of Ballycastle with a selection of delightful accommodations, from inviting bed and breakfasts to modern hotels. Whether you're seeking a business-friendly environment or a picturesque beach getaway, Ballycastle offers a variety of options, including the renowned Marine Hotel and the stylish Salthouse Hotel. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and local hospitality as you explore this beautiful coastal town.
- Causeway Hotel: Nestled 18km from Ballycastle, the 3-star Causeway Hotel offers a charming beachside retreat, ideal for those seeking a combination of relaxation and business travel. Guests can enjoy direct access to the beach, making it a delightful choice for sun-seekers and nature lovers. The hotel features comfortable accommodations, providing a tranquil atmosphere after a day of exploration. Reviews highlight the hotel's convenient location and friendly service, ensuring a pleasant stay amidst the stunning coastal scenery.
- The Salthouse Hotel: Located in the heart of Ballycastle, The Salthouse Hotel stands out with its 4-star rating and a robust guest rating of 9.2. This property embraces a golf and spa theme, catering to those looking to indulge in relaxation and recreation. Guests can enjoy various spa services, including massages and body wraps, alongside access to a full-service pool. The hotel's elegant design and proximity to golf courses make it a sophisticated choice for leisure and business travellers alike, offering a unique blend of luxury and comfort.
- The Bushmills Inn: Just 18km from Ballycastle, The Bushmills Inn is a luxurious 4-star hotel boasting an impressive guest rating of 9.6. This property is ideal for discerning travellers seeking high-end accommodation with a focus on business travel. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and elegant dining options, ensuring a refined experience. With its rich history and proximity to the famous Old Bushmills Distillery, guests can immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying top-notch amenities and exceptional service.
Where to stay in and around Ballycastle
Ballycastle, a charming coastal town in Northern Ireland, offers a delightful mix of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy stunning Ballycastle Beach, indulge in fresh seafood at bistros with breathtaking sea views, and explore the friendly atmosphere of the town centre. Just a short distance away, you'll find picturesque excursions that highlight the region's rich history and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- Ballintoy: Nestled along the stunning Causeway Coast, Ballintoy is a charming village that draws visitors for its breathtaking outdoor scenery and tranquil beach experiences. The village boasts a picturesque harbour and marina, making it a perfect spot for those wishing to explore the rugged coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of activities, including golf at nearby courses and exploring recreational areas. With peak visitor numbers in April and from July to August, the vibrant atmosphere during these months enhances the beauty of Ballintoy’s natural surroundings.
- Armoy: Located 10km from Ballycastle, Armoy is a quaint village that offers a unique blend of adventure and scenery. Known for its outdoor activities, visitors can partake in hiking, golfing, and enjoying the nearby national park and nature reserve. The village sees a surge of tourists in July and August, along with a notable presence in October. Its historic charm and recreational opportunities make Armoy an excellent stop for those seeking both relaxation and adventure amidst beautiful landscapes.
- Liscolman: Situated 13km from Ballycastle, Liscolman is a delightful village that captivates visitors with its lush scenery and outdoor adventure options. The village features access to national parks and nature reserves, making it ideal for nature lovers and those looking to engage in educational activities. Peak tourist seasons occur from July to September, attracting visitors eager to explore the nearby parks and golf courses. Liscolman's tranquil atmosphere combined with its scenic beauty offers a refreshing escape for all who visit.
Things to do in Ballycastle
Shopping
Ballycastle offers charming local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs, including artisan crafts and local food products. If you're up for a drive, head to the nearby town of Coleraine for larger retail options, like Riverside Retail Park, featuring well-known brands and shops.
Recreation
Ballycastle offers the tranquil Causeway Coast Wellness Centre, where you can indulge in yoga classes and holistic therapies. Stroll along the stunning Ballycastle Beach, enjoying the fresh sea air and breathtaking views. For leisurely exploration, the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge presents an exciting adventure amidst beautiful coastal scenery.
Adventure
Explore the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, a scenic drive teeming with breathtaking views of cliffs and coastline. For thrill-seekers, the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers an exhilarating crossing above the ocean, while the Giant's Causeway invites you to marvel at its unique rock formations.
Nightlife
Ballycastle boasts a charming nightlife, with venues like The Marine Hotel offering a relaxed pub atmosphere and live music events. The Central Bar features a vibrant setting for socialising over drinks, while The Ballycastle Golf Club hosts occasional evening entertainment, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ballycastle
To save money during your trip to Ballycastle, consider visiting in the off-peak months of January to February or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, and look for last-minute offers on sites like Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, whereas Saturdays are the priciest. Additionally, utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider package deals for flights and activities to maximise your savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Ballycastle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Ballycastle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Ballycastle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Ballycastle is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can make significant savings by combining your Ballycastle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Ballycastle
Ballycastle offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, making it perfect for a holiday. Key attractions include the picturesque Ballycastle Beach, the challenging Ballycastle Golf Club, and the charming Ballintoy Harbour. These points of interest cater to those seeking a beach getaway and immersive outdoor experiences, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking coastline and landmarks.
- Ballintoy Harbour: This picturesque harbour features stunning coastal scenery and charming views, making it a delightful spot for leisurely walks. The beach and surrounding cliffs offer a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of Northern Ireland.
- Giant's Causeway: Located 16km from Ballycastle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. The outdoor setting provides breathtaking views and fascinating geological formations, perfect for exploration and appreciation of nature’s wonders.
- Whitepark Bay: Just 10km away, Whitepark Bay boasts a beautiful sandy beach framed by dramatic cliffs. It’s an excellent location for outdoor activities such as walking and picnicking, with stunning views of the coastline and opportunities to relax by the sea.
Best time to go to Ballycastle
The best time to visit Ballycastle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Ballycastle falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Ballycastle falls in January and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Ballycastle
Reaching Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, is convenient via three major airports. GLAsgow International Airport (GLA) is 135km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star JA Mar Hall Scotland, 6km from the airport, and offering shuttle services. Belfast City Airport (BHD) is closer at 71km, with luxurious options such as The Fitzwilliam Hotel just 5km away. Belfast International Airport (BFS) is 61km from Ballycastle, featuring hotels like the 4-star Doubletree by Hilton, located 10km away. Each hotel provides accessibility to their respective airports, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination.