Attractions and Places To See around Ballycastle - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ballycastle include a diverse range of natural landscapes and historical sites on Northern Ireland's north coast. This seaside town serves as a gateway to the Glens of Antrim and offers views of Rathlin Island. Visitors can explore rugged coastlines, forests, and significant landmarks, making it a notable destination for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballycastle
- The most popular attractions is Sketrick Castle, a castle that…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Sketrick Castle
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Nendrum Monastery Ruins
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Ballycopeland Windmill
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Helen's Tower
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The Comber Greenway
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Nendrum Monastery was a Christian monastery founded in the 5th century. The monastery finished somewhere between 974 and 1178, but the church survived until the 15th century. You can visit the ruins if you're riding past.
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Sketrick Castkle is a historic landmark situated on Sketrick Island near Whiterock. The castle dates back to the 12th century and the grounds are free to explore.
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This large tower house was built in the mid 15th century and was actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. It would have originally been four storeys high with a boat bay and subterranean passage. There were four chambers at ground level, the largest had a vault built on wicker centring and two ovens. The small unlighted room could have been a lock up or treasury. The tower-house was relatively complete until half of it collapsed in a storm in 1896. Part of the bawn wall survives to the north and east of the castle.
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This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century, and is linked with St Patrick in a much later source. Notices of Nendrum clergy, including three bishops, begin in the 7th century and the excavation of a sophisticated tide mill on the shore near the site has shown that the mill was active in the early 7th century, which underlines the early importance of Nendrum. References continue until a fire in 976, perhaps a Viking raid, when the head of the church (erenagh) was burned in his house. In the late 12th century a small Benedictine monastic cell was founded on the site, but by 1302–1306 this was the parish church, abandoned for Tullynakill on the mainland in the 15th century. H.C. Lawlor excavated the site from 1922 to 1924, when enclosure walls, church and round tower were restored. The glacial hill is crowned with three concentric walled enclosures, irregularly oval in plan. Little is known of the outer cashel, only partly in state care. In the middle cashel on the south-west side are circular platforms for huts, which excavation suggested were craft workshops, and a rectangular building known as the ‘schoolhouse’, also a workshop. In the inner cashel were the most important buildings, including the church with its graveyard and the base of a round tower north-west of the church. The west wall of the church was rebuilt in the 1920s, incorporating a reconstructed sundial at the south-west corner. Finds from the 1920s excavation, including the well-known bell of Nendrum, are in the Ulster Museum and Down Museum at Downpatrick. Underwater archaeological work in the 1990s showed that there is a stone jetty south-east of the enclosure, now inundated in the lough, and medieval pottery was found close by. ( source: department of communities )
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Perfect way to get out to Comber. Connecting easily with nearby tours of Strangford Lough and Ards. You will be amazed just how quite things get, and all only 30 minutes from Belfast.
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Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order.
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A small visitor centre is located inside the Millers house with a Cafe onsite open to the public. Disabled access is not possible within the windmill. This is a group of traditional buildings on a sloping site with changes of level. Wheelchair users can gain access to the exhibition but may find this difficult. Some parts of the complex are inaccessible for wheelchairs. Please note: Online booking is essential. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day however cannot be guaranteed. Tours of the windmill can now be booked on the official Ballycopeland Windmill website https://www.ballycopelandwindmill.com .
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Daft Eddy's Restaurant / Pub is very popular with Cyclists, and is just up the hill. There is also a Car park with full facilities if you look back to the mainland just on your left.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Ballycastle?
Ballycastle is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can visit Ballycastle Beach, a Blue Flag beach perfect for water sports, or explore the unique Pans Rocks at its eastern end. The impressive Fair Head headland, rising 196 meters, offers dramatic views and is popular for rock climbing. For walks amidst nature, Ballycastle Forest on the slopes of Knocklayde Mountain provides trails and scenic views, including a section of the Moyle Way. The town also sits at the northernmost point of the scenic Glens of Antrim.
Are there historical sites to visit in and around Ballycastle?
Yes, Ballycastle boasts several significant historical sites. The 15th-century Franciscan Bonamargy Friary is a State Care Historic Monument and a burial site for notable figures. Perched on a limestone headland, the ruins of 16th-century Kinbane Castle offer panoramic coastal views. You can also delve into local history at the Ballycastle Museum, housed in an 18th-century courthouse, which covers everything from Neolithic artifacts to maritime history.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Ballycastle?
Ballycastle is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy various activities such as hiking, cycling, and running. For specific routes, explore the Running Trails around Ballycastle, or discover scenic rides with the Cycling around Ballycastle and Road Cycling Routes around Ballycastle guides. The area also offers opportunities for water sports at Ballycastle Beach and rock climbing at Fair Head.
Is Rathlin Island a good day trip from Ballycastle?
Absolutely! Rathlin Island is a popular and rewarding day trip destination, easily accessible by ferry from Ballycastle Harbour. The island is known for its rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife including puffins and seals, and historic sites. Don't miss the RSPB Seabird Centre at the East Lighthouse for incredible birdwatching opportunities.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ballycastle?
Yes, Ballycastle offers several family-friendly options. Ballycastle Beach is perfect for children to play and swim. Ballycastle Forest provides easy walking trails suitable for families and picnic spots. The Ballycastle Museum offers an engaging look into local history, including folklore like the Children of Lir. A day trip to Rathlin Island can also be an exciting adventure for all ages, with its wildlife and unique landscape.
What is the best time to visit Ballycastle attractions?
The best time to visit Ballycastle attractions generally depends on your interests. For outdoor activities, wildlife viewing (especially puffins on Rathlin Island), and enjoying the beaches, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. If you're interested in local cultural events, the historic Ould Lammas Fair takes place annually on the last Monday and Tuesday of August.
What is the Ould Lammas Fair?
The Ould Lammas Fair is a historic annual fair held in Ballycastle on the last Monday and Tuesday of August. Dating back to 1606, it's one of Ireland's oldest fairs and draws thousands of visitors. It's a vibrant event where you can experience traditional market atmosphere and sample local delicacies like dulse (edible seaweed) and yellow man (a hard yellow sweet).
Can I find good viewpoints or scenic spots in Ballycastle?
Ballycastle and its surroundings are rich in scenic viewpoints. Knocklayde Mountain, which dominates the landscape behind the town, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Ballycastle, Fair Head, Rathlin Island, and even Scotland on a clear day. The ruins of Kinbane Castle also provide dramatic coastal vistas. From Ballycastle Beach, you can enjoy views of the Mull of Kintyre and Rathlin Island.
Are there any unique local landmarks in Ballycastle town centre?
In Ballycastle town centre, you can find Holy Trinity Church, a fine Georgian church completed in 1756, located in The Diamond, the main square. The Ballycastle Marina and Seafront is another vibrant area, offering views of Rathlin Island and the Antrim coastline. A memorial above the harbour commemorates Guglielmo Marconi's world's first radio transmission from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island in 1898.
What is Ballycastle's connection to the Causeway Coastal Route?
Ballycastle serves as an excellent gateway and base for exploring the wider Causeway Coastal Route. While not directly on the route's most famous sections, it's ideally positioned for day trips to major attractions like the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Dark Hedges, all within a short drive. It allows visitors to experience the route's natural beauty and iconic landmarks.
What kind of wildlife can be observed on Rathlin Island?
Rathlin Island is a haven for wildlife, particularly seabirds. It's renowned for its large colonies of puffins, especially during the breeding season (spring and early summer). You can also spot seals basking on the rocks, and various other seabirds like guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes, particularly around the RSPB Seabird Centre at the East Lighthouse.
Are there opportunities for golf in Ballycastle?
Yes, Ballycastle is home to the Ballycastle Golf Club. Dating back to 1890, this 18-hole links course offers spectacular coastal views, providing a memorable golfing experience amidst the stunning Northern Irish scenery.
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