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EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern Ireland

Ballycastle

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom · Europe

About Ballycastle

Ballycastle works well as a base: 10 minutes from Ballypatrick, 12km from The Dark Hedges.

Ballycastle is a town located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. With a population of 5,566, it is an important destination in Europe.

On a road trip, Ballycastle sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Ballycastle to your route.

About Ballycastle

Ballycastle Railway was a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge railway line which ran from Ballycastle to Ballymoney, both in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Ballycastle

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Explore the Area

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Ballycastle?

Ballycastle offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Ballycastle?

Plan your road trip to Ballycastle with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Ballycastle as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Ballycastle located?

Ballycastle is located in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 55.2044 latitude, -6.2430 longitude.

What is the population of Ballycastle?

Ballycastle has a population of approximately 5,566 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.

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Quick Information

Population
5,566
Continent
Europe
Country
United Kingdom
Region
Northern Ireland
Timezone
Europe/London
Coordinates
55.2044, -6.2430

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in United Kingdom

Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Non-emergency police
101
Driving side
left

112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.

Full driving guide for United Kingdom

Tags

EuropeUnited KingdomNorthern IrelandTown

Worth the detour from Ballycastle

8 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Thrilling rope bridge swaying 30 metres above the sea connecting the mainland to a tiny island, originally used by salmon fishermen.

7 km · about 15 min drive

photogenic

Ballintoy Harbour

Tiny stone harbour at the foot of a twisting cliff road on the Causeway Coast, framed by sea stacks and basalt outcrops. Filmed as the Iron Islands' Lordsport in Game of Thrones; a small seasonal café sits on the quay.

9 km · about 15 min drive

coastal drive

Torr Head Scenic Route

White-knuckle single-track coastal road off the main Causeway route between Ballycastle and Cushendun, clinging to steep headlands at Torr Head where Scotland's Mull of Kintyre looms just 12 miles across the sea.

11 km · about 20 min drive

coastal drive

Torr Head Coast Road

A steep single-track detour off the Causeway Coastal Route in Antrim, with views across to the Mull of Kintyre.

11 km · about 20 min drive

famous road

The Dark Hedges

An eerie tunnel of intertwined beech trees made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.

12 km · about 20 min drive

landmark

Bushmills Distillery

The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, producing Irish whiskey since 1608 on the Antrim coast near the Giant's Causeway.

17 km · about 20 min drive

museum

Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience

Award-winning visitor centre interpreting the geology and legends of the Giant's Causeway through immersive exhibitions.

17 km · about 20 min drive

coastal drive

Causeway Coastal Route

Northern Ireland's stunning coastal drive from Belfast to Derry passing the Giant's Causeway and dramatic Antrim cliffs.

18 km · about 20 min drive

Driving roads near Ballycastle

  • Right hereTorr Head Scenic RouteWhite-knuckle single-track coastal road off the main Causeway route between Ballycastle and Cushendun, clinging to steep headlands at Torr Head where Scotland's Mull of Kintyre looms just 12 miles across the sea.
  • Right hereTorr Head Coast RoadA steep single-track detour off the Causeway Coastal Route in Antrim, with views across to the Mull of Kintyre.
  • Right hereThe Dark HedgesAn eerie tunnel of intertwined beech trees made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.
  • 18 kmCauseway Coastal RouteNorthern Ireland's stunning coastal drive from Belfast to Derry passing the Giant's Causeway and dramatic Antrim cliffs.
  • 19 kmAntrim Coast RoadA breathtaking coastal drive hugging cliffs and beaches from Larne past the Glens of Antrim toward the Causeway.
  • 58 kmThe GobbinsA dramatic Edwardian cliff-path of bridges and tunnels clinging to the basalt cliffs of Islandmagee.

Driving in United Kingdom

Drives on
the left
Petrol
~€1.73/litre
Motorway tolls
None

When to drive here

May to September

Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Ballycastle.

Ballypatrick

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

6 km awayPop. 2,310

Ballintoy Harbour

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

9 km awayPop. 2,103

Bushmills

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

18 km awayPop. 1,309

Cushendall

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

18 km awayPop. 1,226

Glenariff

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

21 km awayPop. 1,286

Ballymoney

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

23 km awayPop. 9,625

Dunloy

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

24 km awayPop. 1,091

Portrush

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

26 km awayPop. 6,684

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence