Ballygally Castle Hotel – Perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route sits Ballygally Castle, an iconic 17th Century Castle which overlooks the golden sands of Ballygally Bay and has uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In 2025, Ballygally Castle celebrates its 400th anniversary with a special calendar of events from exclusive overnight packages to community and evening events. We were delighted to be staying in one of the renovated Coastal Rooms featuring, elegant fabrics, stylish furnishings, and a colour palette perfectly complementing the stunning sea views: a superb blend of tradition and comfort.
And the excellent “Relax, Dine and Stay” package is a fantastic mix of relaxation, discovery, and comforting cuisine including overnight accommodation, a three-course dinner in the Garden Restaurant, and a full Irish breakfast each morning.
The hotel’s 54 tastefully decorated bedrooms are full of character and charm. No wonder Ballygally Castle is affectionately dubbed “the jewel in the Hastings Crown”, offering the perfect combination of history, hospitality, and spectacular scenery.
Ballygally Castle Hotel website HERE
Video of Our Room
The Grounds
The Garden Restaurant
We had a terrific culinary experience at The Garden Restaurant in Ballygally Castle, made all the more fabulous by such lovely views of the pretty gardens outside.
The menu features dishes which use only the finest locally sourced produce, reflecting the very best Northern Ireland has to offer.
To start we had a Seasonal Salad of White Chicory with Candied Walnuts, Kearney Blue Cheese, Candied Fig and Wholegrain Mustard Vinaigrette, and a Classic Prawn Cocktail with Citrus Mayonnaise, Frisée, and Irwin’s Wheaten Bread.
We decided to order two of the Main Course Specials; the Signature Dish of the Month, a perfectly pink Fillet of Roast Salmon with Conway Farm Asparagus, Hollandaise, and Buttered Potatoes, and the Catch of the Day of Spiced Crumb Coated John Dory served with Roast Potatoes, Wild Garlic Cream Sauce, and Tenderstem Broccoli.
To finish, the creamy Malteser Cheesecake, served with Muine Glas Toffee and Salted Caramel Ice Cream, and the Taste the Island Cheese Slate with Ditty’s Oatcakes and Erin Grove Spiced Apple Chutney were both a celebration of incredible local produce, and the perfect way to finish a wonderful meal in The Garden Restaurant.
Breakfast
Hotel Reviews NI
Out and About
This beautiful Castle is perfectly located for top tourist attractions and has a wealth of recreational activities within easy reach making it the perfect base for exploring the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, Bushmills Distillery, Carrickfergus Castle, Royal Portrush Golf Course, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the popular Game of Thrones Tour. For those wishing to explore on foot will enjoy the beautiful walks to be found in Carnfunnock Country Park, which is within walking distance, or simply relax and enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach opposite the hotel.
Things to do
The Antrim Coastline is an area of breathtaking coastline with winding roads, beautiful beaches, deep silent glens and lush forest parks. The wonders don’t stop there as the region has been made famous by the Causeway Coastal Route, which is seen as ‘One of the World’s Great Road Journeys’ and one of the most outstanding scenic touring drives.
The Causeway Coastal Route is not only an outstanding scenic drive but is also brimming with must-see local attractions all within an easy driving distance from Ballygally Castle Hotel.
Leading Wedding Venue on the Antrim Coast
What could be more romantic than saying ‘I do’ in your very own 17th Century Castle on the stunning Antrim Coast?
At Ballygally Castle you’re the King and Queen. With a one wedding per day policy, it’s your exclusive wedding wonderland in a truly unique County Antrim wedding venue. The dramatic backdrop of the Irish sea, mountains and rugged cliffs just add to the character and charm of the Castle itself – a stunning spot for wedding photographs.
With over 60 years experience in planning and organising weddings, our attentive and helpful expert team will ensure that the whole process is relaxing and enjoyable and the day itself memorable! Book your Antrim wedding in our Northern Ireland Castle hotel today.
Call +44 (0)28 2858 1066 to book an appointment with our Wedding Specialist or email weddings@bgc.hastingshotels.com
