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Ballygally Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Ballygally Castle, located on the scenic Antrim Coast Road, is the only 17th-century building in Northern Ireland still used as a residence today, currently operating as a hotel. Built in 1625 by James Shaw, a Scottish settler, it stands as an outstanding example of the Scottish Baronial style with its characteristic round corner turrets and steep gables. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641, the castle served as a refuge for Protestant settlers and withstood several siege attempts. The architecture blends defensive capability with the emerging comforts of the early 17th century, evidenced by its thick walls and ornate fireplaces. The castle is also famous for its legends, particularly the ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw, who is said to still haunt the premises. Today, the hotel combines historical integrity with modern luxury, offering direct views over Ballygally Bay, making it a key tourist destination in the region.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Scawt Hill · Standing Stone · Ballygally Castle
Nearby: Larne (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	5	6	8	10	13	14	14	13	11	8	6
Rain mm	108	85	82	66	80	92	105	114	90	120	117	109

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Ballygally Castle is a historic hotel, accessible to overnight guests and restaurant visitors. The public areas such as the lobby and adjacent gardens can also be viewed by day visitors.

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Typical hours

The hotel is open around the clock, but access to the historic areas is limited to guests. The restaurant typically opens at regular meal times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in public areas and outdoors. In guest rooms and private areas photography is typically not permitted.

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Time needed

Visiting the public rooms and gardens takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Those dining at the restaurant or booking a tour can allow 1 to 1.5 hours.

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Combine with

The Antrim Coast has the famous Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The nearby Glenariff Forest Park with waterfalls is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

Ballygally Castle is on the A2 coastal road in County Antrim, about 3 km north of Larne. It is easily reachable by car; public buses from Larne run nearby.

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Insider tip

An insider tip is the 'Ghost Tour' offered at the hotel which gives insights into the building's haunted history. Book in advance as tours fill up quickly.

Geography

Coordinates

54.91260, -5.89060

Facts

Built in 1625 by the Scottish settler James Shaw.
The only 17th-century building in Northern Ireland still used as a residence.
Successfully withstood several sieges during the 1641 Rebellion.
Architecturally designed in the Scottish Baronial style with turrets.
Houses the famous 'Ghost Room,' a popular attraction for visitors.
The walls of the original castle are over 1.5 meters thick.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Larne8 km · SEExplore →

Antrim Plateau18 km · SWExplore →

📍Ballyclare19 km · SExplore →

Carrickfergus23 km · SExplore →

📍Ballymena25 km · WExplore →

📍Glengormley26 km · SExplore →

📍Newtownabbey27 km · SExplore →

Antrim30 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Ballygally Castle (5)

Scawt Hill

Volcanic plug in Northern Ireland, a prominent hill in the landscape.

Standing Stone

Upright stone, possibly Bronze Age, located in Northern Ireland.

Ballygally Castle

Castle in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, now operating as a hotel.

Knockdhu Promontory Fort

Iron Age fortification on a headland along the Northern Irish coast.

Linford Barrows

Several prehistoric burial mounds in County Antrim.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballygally Castle a hotel today?

Yes, it is a renowned hotel and the only 17th-century castle in Ireland still used as a residence.

Is the castle really haunted?

It is said that the ghost of Lady Isabella Shaw haunts the castle's 'Ghost Room'.

Can you visit the 'Ghost Room'?

Yes, visitors are allowed to visit the special ghost room located in the tower.

Where is Ballygally Castle located?

On the Antrim Coast Road, directly across from Ballygally beach.

Is there a 'Game of Thrones' door there?

Yes, the hotel houses one of the series' intricately carved wooden doors.

Ballygally Castle: where is it located?

Ballygally Castle is located in Ireland.

Ballygally Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include Scawt Hill, Standing Stone, Ballygally Castle.

Ballygally Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Ballygally Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Ballygally Castle, located on the scenic Antrim Coast Road, is the only 17th-century building in Northern Ireland still used as a residence today, currently operating as a hotel.

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