Ballygally Castle
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Key facts
- Operator
- Hastings Hotels
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Hotel guests only
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Coast Rd, Ballygalley, Larne BT40 2QZ
Telephone 028 2858 1066
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Ballygally Castle is a 1625 plantation-era fortification that's operated as a hotel since the 1950s, with a long-running reputation for a resident ghost. Reviewers come away talking more about the sea views and the breakfast than any hauntings, though nobody seems to leave disappointed.
Worth the trip
The Ballygally Bay views from the coastal rooms, and - according to more than one reviewer - the sticky toffee pudding.
Before you go
Dinner runs pricier than the rooms suggest, so budget for it separately, and don't go in expecting a ghost sighting - reviewers who asked about the famous ghost room mostly came away without an encounter.
Reviewers consistently enjoy the hotel's coastal setting and sea views along with the blend of historic character and modern comforts, and staff and food are generally praised, with breakfast and desserts singled out. A couple of reviews raise more mixed notes - one describes an awkward billing interaction with a staff member, and another felt the lunch menu was fairly generic and pricey relative to other local options - so opinions on value vary slightly.
1625 plantation castle; hotel since 1950s, famed ghost room
“Well, we didn’t see any ghosts, but did have the best Sticky Toffee Pudding of our two weeks in Northern Ireland and Ireland (and we did try enough to give a valid assessment). The room and view were great, a much…”- Aleksei Saunders, visitor review
Common questions about Ballygally Castle
Where is Ballygally Castle?
Ballygally Castle is in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, at Coast Rd, Ballygalley, Larne BT40 2QZ.
Can you visit Ballygally Castle?
Ballygally Castle operates as a hotel, so access is normally for staying guests rather than day visitors. Contact the hotel directly about staying or visiting.
Can you stay overnight at Ballygally Castle?
Yes - Ballygally Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Ballygally Castle?
The Ballygally Bay views from the coastal rooms, and - according to more than one reviewer - the sticky toffee pudding.
Is Ballygally Castle a ruin or still intact?
Ballygally Castle is largely intact - 1625 plantation castle; hotel since 1950s, famed ghost room.
