Sitting along the Antrim coastline is an iconic tower house castle that stands out from the other estates in the region. This is Ballygally Castle Hotel, a luxurious historic stay operated by the renowned Hastings Hotels brand. The estate traces its origins to 1625, built during the tumultuous Plantation of Ulster as an actual fortified home, and was actually besieged several times. Carefully restored during the 20th century, it now provides beautiful accommodations and spaces that integrate the estate's history. Aside from guestrooms, the hotel offers amazing local cuisine sourced from the coast and regional industries. The castle is also close to many iconic attractions, such as nearby castle estates and the famous Giant's Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coast Road, Ballygally, Ballygally, Ballygally, United Kingdom, BT40 2QZ
Situated along the scenic coastline of County Antrim, travelers are often surprised to learn of the violent history of Ballygally Castle. It was established in 1625 by Scottish settler James Shaw, building it in the style of his homeland, with thick walls, defensive turrets, and slits from which to fire arrows and muskets. This was a turbulent period, during the early years of the Plantation of Ulster, filled with conflicts between settlers and displaced Gaelic Irish chieftains. Despite the violence of its early eras, the Shaw family persevered, holding on to their estate until the 18th century. Their fortunes eventually turned, and they were forced to sell the castle and estate to the Agnew family.
Ballygally was finally brought back to life in the 1950s, thanks to carpet and textile magnate and business celebrity Cyril Lord. He converted it into a country hotel named the Candlelight Inn, refurbishing and renovating it while preserving the historic aspects. A decade later, in 1966, Sir Billy Hastings came to Cyril with an offer, then promptly added the estate to his growing Hastings Hotel empire.
Ballygally Castle retains much of its original architecture when it was first built in 1625 as a Scottish feudal stronghold. Its very first owner, James Shaw, was well aware of the dangers of his era, and thus designed a four‑story rectangular tower house as his home. Familiar with the violence of the warring Clans of his homeland, he built Ballygally with very thick stone walls, a pitched roof, and dormer windows, and defensive corner turrets called bartizans.
Over the next centuries, Ballygally's estate received improvements and renovations, while still retaining core aspects such as the tower house. Throughout the property are relics of its past owners, such as the Shaw coat of arms above the front door, carved in stone. Inside the hotel, many more historic elements have been integrated, such as the spiral staircases and the defensive masonry. The more recent buildings were given stylish updates, transforming common spaces by adding a mix of contemporary and period aesthetics, and dressing the guestrooms in cozy, modern themes.
Ballygally's Garden Restaurant offers an immersive and relaxing fine-dining experience that is rich in historic details and set with lovely views of the estate's lush gardens and the Causeway Coast. The restaurant's menu focuses on contemporary cuisine crafted from the finest locally sourced Northern Irish produce. Specialties include regional delicacies like Irish seafood chowder, showcasing regional flavors alongside favorites tied to the Hastings Hotels name. Young, developing palates are also given consideration, with Garden Restaurant's children's menu, filled with familiar and easy-to-eat items.
Opening hours: 5 pm - 8:30 pm
Savor light lunches, tasty snacks, and freshly baked treats while admiring the dramatic views of the Antrim coastline, all available at The Lounge. It’s a great spot to unwind with friends and enjoy quiet conversation, complemented by an extensive selection of drinks. Try some local or international beers, spirits, whiskeys, and specialty cocktails, and a variety of teas and coffees.
Opening hours: 12 pm - 8:30 pm
The tea service at The Lounge is a signature experience featuring an assortment of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked breads and pastries, and homemade cakes, all paired with the finest teas or coffee. Guests can also choose themed options such as the Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea, which includes creative takes on classic treats inspired by the popular series. Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Availability: 1 pm - 4 pm
Ballygally Castle combines the much-loved British Sunday Roast with a hearty and vibrant family-friendly buffet served every Sunday in the Kintyre Ballroom. Look forward to bountiful spreads of locally sourced Northern Irish produce, including an ever-changing selection of flavorful soups, starters, salads, and desserts. The star of the show is the impressive carvery, filled with exquisite hunks of beef, turkey, and ham. Reservations are required and can be made via the hotel's booking platform.
Availability: 12:30 pm - 2 pm
Ballygally Castle makes for a unique setting for a memorable destination wedding in Northern Ireland. Built as a fortified Scottish tower house sitting by the sea, the estate provides a dramatic backdrop that's perfect for emotional ceremonies and photos. To ensure your event gets all the attention it needs, the hotel commits to hosting only one wedding per day. The castle is also licensed for civil ceremonies, so your union will be recognized lawfully.
The scale of the event can range from grand receptions in the Kintyre Ballroom to more intimate gatherings in spaces like the 1625 Room. There's also the Belvedere pavilion, situated on the estate grounds, which is perfect for a charming outdoor ceremony. Assisting you all the way will be an experienced wedding team. They'll help with planning, making enquiries on your behalf, and leading staff when it comes to the big day.
Aside from being a wonderful seaside hotel, Ballygally Castle is a local hub of entertainment, offering a calendar of live shows and special events throughout the year. Check out their schedule of live musical performances, featuring acts like Björn Identity and The Jerseytones, as well as tribute shows themed around Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Elvis Presley, and Motown. These often come bundled in overnight show packages, combining a cozy stay with entry to the performance.
The region around Ballygally Castle is blessed not just with the scenic Antrim Coast but also heritage landmarks and experiences waiting to be explored. History buffs can visit sites such as Dunluce Castle and Glenarm Castle. You can also book a special Game of Thrones tour that will take you to the show's various filming locations in Northern Ireland. The region is also home to Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working whiskey distillery, where you can learn about traditional whiskey‑making and enjoy tastings. For a more leisurely pace, enjoy a jaunt around local villages like Ballygally and Glenarm, checking out the charming shops, old pubs, and local seasonal events that bring their communities to life.
While you're at it, feel free to change up your itinerary with some outdoorsy and nature‑focused activities. Carnfunnock Country Park is filled with woodland trails, lush gardens, picnic spots, and vista points overlooking the coast. Ballygally Beach offers sandy shores and gentle sea views right by the village. Last but not least, the Causeway Coastal Route invites you to explore stunning locations such as the iconic Giant's Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site, cliffside paths like The Gobbins, and landscapes such as Whitepark Bay.
Whether it's for bespoke private events or smart business functions, Ballygally Castle provides fully equipped venues in the form of banquet halls and conference facilities. In the case of corporate events, the hotel has flexible suites that include audiovisual equipment and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Layouts can be adapted for a variety of presentations, such as theater, boardroom, or banquet formats. Among the castle's venues, the scenic Kintyre Ballroom is perfect for large gatherings, though there are also the smaller syndicate rooms for meetings and focused discussions. Packages can also be tailored to accommodate not just the event itself, but also corporate retreats and team‑building activities. A conference coordinator will also be attached to help organize the logistics.
When it comes to private occasions, Ballygally gladly welcomes all forms of celebrations, from intimate private dinners and family celebrations to gala balls and other formal events. Likewise, the castle’s versatile spaces can be adapted to the function, such as the historic 1625 Room for smaller gatherings and the grand Kintyre Ballroom for larger receptions. With the help of a dedicated events representative, you can tailor the venue for birthdays, anniversaries, and even bereavements.
Ballygally Castle Hotel is included in the Hasting Hotels brand's companywide sustainability efforts, and is currently aiming for Green Tourism accreditation. To achieve this, the hotel has integrated sustainable practices into its operations and facilities. This includes systematic measurement and evaluation of resource use and implementing energy‑efficient technologies such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units. The company is also strict when it comes to waste reduction practices, using a system that diverts all food waste from landfills toward anaerobic digestion facilities instead. The hotel also makes environmental considerations when it comes to logistics, procuring from local and like‑minded suppliers that also encourage sustainable practices. Guests are part of this sustainability journey, as they are provided recycling options and reusable water containers, encouraged to not rely on single‑use plastics, and are given environmentally friendly cleaning products and toiletries.
UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected area known for its unique giant basalt formations. (72-minute drive)
Well-preserved country estate known for its historic tours, walled gardens, and hosting cultural events. (13-minute drive)
Expansive outdoor park with beautiful gardens, woodland trails, picnic areas, and family-friendly activities and attractions. (3-minute drive)
The nearest commercial airport is Belfast International Airport (BFS), 36 minutes away from Ballygally Castle Hotel.
Larne Station is the nearest railway station to Ballygally Castle Hotel, 10 minutes away by car.