What we think you might like to do, see and eat:)

Catherine
What we think you might like to do, see and eat:)

Sightseeing

Beautiful places to visit located in and around our studio apartment.
Carrick-a-Rede is the most famous rope bridge on the Emerald Isle. Spanning 66 feet, the bridge is suspended almost 100 feet above the water and rocks below. The trail to the bridge is a considerable walk for little children and elders who need assistance walking, though it is possible to get to the bridge with a wheelchair, but not possible to cross with one as there are numerous steep stairs leading down to, and up from the bridge. It's quite a thrill... and quite scary once you get out into the middle of the bridge as it's a long way down. It's safe, but just being that high above the water with only a few boards and ropes holding you up is... confronting:)
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Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
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Carrick-a-Rede is the most famous rope bridge on the Emerald Isle. Spanning 66 feet, the bridge is suspended almost 100 feet above the water and rocks below. The trail to the bridge is a considerable walk for little children and elders who need assistance walking, though it is possible to get to the bridge with a wheelchair, but not possible to cross with one as there are numerous steep stairs leading down to, and up from the bridge. It's quite a thrill... and quite scary once you get out into the middle of the bridge as it's a long way down. It's safe, but just being that high above the water with only a few boards and ropes holding you up is... confronting:)
The Giant’s Causeway is made up of basalt columns. I won’t bore you with too many details but around 50 million years ago, a stream of hot molten basalt oozed over chalk rock and when it cooled it created deep cracks in the rock. I guess that’s why it’s notable. Sure, there are tonnes of examples of volcanic activity cooling and changing the environment (probably) but not many mixing basalt and chalk rock in this way. All I know is the geological formations at the Giant’s Causeway are rare and look cool. And that’s why it’s such a popular tourist attraction! Use the Park and Ride service by parking at the nearby Bushmills village to avoid parking fees.
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Giant's Causeway
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The Giant’s Causeway is made up of basalt columns. I won’t bore you with too many details but around 50 million years ago, a stream of hot molten basalt oozed over chalk rock and when it cooled it created deep cracks in the rock. I guess that’s why it’s notable. Sure, there are tonnes of examples of volcanic activity cooling and changing the environment (probably) but not many mixing basalt and chalk rock in this way. All I know is the geological formations at the Giant’s Causeway are rare and look cool. And that’s why it’s such a popular tourist attraction! Use the Park and Ride service by parking at the nearby Bushmills village to avoid parking fees.
Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a ‘raised beach’, it is located five miles west of Ballycastle. The small fishing harbour can be found at the end of a small narrow steep road down Knocksaughey Hill, which passes by the entrance to Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The village itself, which is just one kilometre from the harbour, has a charming array of small shops, two churches, including the quaint white Ballintoy Parish Church on the hill above the harbour, as well as tourist accommodation, restaurants, commercial and social facilities. For those looking to capture a true sense of Irish rural life, it is an ideal stop over whilst touring the coastal route. It has been used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones. This stunning harbour location has been used for exterior Pyke shots and as the Iron Islands. Go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/gameofthrones to find out about other Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland. Featured Scene: This picturesque coastal nook is where Theon Greyjoy arrives back in the Iron Islands and where he later admires his ship, the Sea Bitch. This is also where he first meets his sister Yara.
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Ballintoy Harbour
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Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a ‘raised beach’, it is located five miles west of Ballycastle. The small fishing harbour can be found at the end of a small narrow steep road down Knocksaughey Hill, which passes by the entrance to Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The village itself, which is just one kilometre from the harbour, has a charming array of small shops, two churches, including the quaint white Ballintoy Parish Church on the hill above the harbour, as well as tourist accommodation, restaurants, commercial and social facilities. For those looking to capture a true sense of Irish rural life, it is an ideal stop over whilst touring the coastal route. It has been used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones. This stunning harbour location has been used for exterior Pyke shots and as the Iron Islands. Go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/gameofthrones to find out about other Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland. Featured Scene: This picturesque coastal nook is where Theon Greyjoy arrives back in the Iron Islands and where he later admires his ship, the Sea Bitch. This is also where he first meets his sister Yara.
It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. In fact, the iconic trees have been used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones®, representing the Kingsroad. Featured Scene: Season 2, Episode 1: The North Remembers - On the King's Road, Arya Stark has escaped from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy. She is with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie and others who are to join the Night’s Watch, in a cart, travelling north on the Kingsroad.
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The Dark Hedges
Bregagh Road
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It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. In fact, the iconic trees have been used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones®, representing the Kingsroad. Featured Scene: Season 2, Episode 1: The North Remembers - On the King's Road, Arya Stark has escaped from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy. She is with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie and others who are to join the Night’s Watch, in a cart, travelling north on the Kingsroad.
The harbour is used by pleasure boats and small fishing boats and offers opportunities for sea angling. Pleasure cruises are also available with Carnlough Bay Boat Tours. Carnlough Harbour is one of the must see stop offs along the Causeway Coastal route for Game of Thrones® fans. Fans will recognise the stony staircase leading down to the sea, filmed as part of the Free City of Braavos Canal, where Arya Stark crawled up from the waters after being stabbed by the Waif. The harbour was originally built by a local landowner Phil Gibbons and extended by the Marchioness of Londonderry in the middle of the last century. As owner of large collieries in Durham, England, where she mainly resided, she saw the need for a harbour to cope with Carnlough's developing limestone export trade. You can also discover more about the Marchioness and Carnlough's unique industrial history, at the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall. On a harbour wall, you will find a special memorial plaque to 'Paddy the Pigeon.' There is a fantastic shop in Carnlough - The Spar - which provides you with everything you need for a picnic, icecream, snacks, drinks etc...
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Carnlough Harbor
58 Harbour Rd
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The harbour is used by pleasure boats and small fishing boats and offers opportunities for sea angling. Pleasure cruises are also available with Carnlough Bay Boat Tours. Carnlough Harbour is one of the must see stop offs along the Causeway Coastal route for Game of Thrones® fans. Fans will recognise the stony staircase leading down to the sea, filmed as part of the Free City of Braavos Canal, where Arya Stark crawled up from the waters after being stabbed by the Waif. The harbour was originally built by a local landowner Phil Gibbons and extended by the Marchioness of Londonderry in the middle of the last century. As owner of large collieries in Durham, England, where she mainly resided, she saw the need for a harbour to cope with Carnlough's developing limestone export trade. You can also discover more about the Marchioness and Carnlough's unique industrial history, at the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall. On a harbour wall, you will find a special memorial plaque to 'Paddy the Pigeon.' There is a fantastic shop in Carnlough - The Spar - which provides you with everything you need for a picnic, icecream, snacks, drinks etc...
This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period 1613-1618 by the honourable, the Irish Society as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate. Three further gates were added - magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate. There are a few tours that you can choose from - we recommend the McCrossan City Tour company. Web Address www.derrycitytours.com Email: - derrycitytours@aol.com Phone number (0044) 2871 271996 Phone number (0044) 7712937997 Tours operate all year round at 10am,12noon, 2pm and 4pm. Only £4 per person. Tour includes Free Tea or Coffee and includes St Columb's Cathedral. Step on guides available.
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Amawoli aseDerry
The Diamond
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This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period 1613-1618 by the honourable, the Irish Society as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. The Walls, which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop’s Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate and Shipquay Gate. Three further gates were added - magazine Gate, Castle Gate and New Gate. There are a few tours that you can choose from - we recommend the McCrossan City Tour company. Web Address www.derrycitytours.com Email: - derrycitytours@aol.com Phone number (0044) 2871 271996 Phone number (0044) 7712937997 Tours operate all year round at 10am,12noon, 2pm and 4pm. Only £4 per person. Tour includes Free Tea or Coffee and includes St Columb's Cathedral. Step on guides available.
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The Hidden Village of Galboly
Garron Road
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Amaphiko ka-Cushendun
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Park up at Portbraddon harbour and walk along the coast line towards Dunseverick and the Giants Causeway. Fabulous scenery and you get to explore Portbraddon cave and views across the sea to Scotland and much more. Be careful though the ground is rocky at times and quite a few stiles.
Portbraddon Cave
Park up at Portbraddon harbour and walk along the coast line towards Dunseverick and the Giants Causeway. Fabulous scenery and you get to explore Portbraddon cave and views across the sea to Scotland and much more. Be careful though the ground is rocky at times and quite a few stiles.
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The Gobbins Cliff path
66 Middle Road
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Old Bushmills Distillery
2 Distillery Rd
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Fantastic day out! Views are thrilling and you get a good long stretch. Finish off with a well deserved meal at Franco's or if you are feeling flush - The Catalina at the Lough Erne Resort:)
Stairway to heaven
Fantastic day out! Views are thrilling and you get a good long stretch. Finish off with a well deserved meal at Franco's or if you are feeling flush - The Catalina at the Lough Erne Resort:)

Neighborhoods

Small town, located close to the Giants Causeway. Lovely restaurants (French Rooms, Bushmills Inn) and pubs.
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Bushmills
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Small town, located close to the Giants Causeway. Lovely restaurants (French Rooms, Bushmills Inn) and pubs.
Small coastal town with a lovely beach and links. Worth a stop when travelling on the coat road. Great restaurants and café's.
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Cushendall
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Small coastal town with a lovely beach and links. Worth a stop when travelling on the coat road. Great restaurants and café's.
Small village. Ideal place to stop if wanting to walk and explore the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Whitepark Bay, Portbradden harbour and if adventerous - the Giant's Causeway.
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Ballintoy
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Small village. Ideal place to stop if wanting to walk and explore the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Whitepark Bay, Portbradden harbour and if adventerous - the Giant's Causeway.

The Food scene

A selection of our favourites
Restaurant situated upstairs from the bar. Fantastic service, great selection of food for meat eaters, vegetarians, children etc.. Try the roasted mediterranean vegetable curry and naan! Really really delicious. Great steaks and wide selection of wines and beers.
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ANZAC BAR, RESTAURANT & OFF SALES
5 Market St
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Restaurant situated upstairs from the bar. Fantastic service, great selection of food for meat eaters, vegetarians, children etc.. Try the roasted mediterranean vegetable curry and naan! Really really delicious. Great steaks and wide selection of wines and beers.
Great little café during the day, with a fabulous selection of homemade breads, soups, pastries and coffees - plus much more - kid, vegans and vegetarian friendly:) And on Saturday evenings (Friday and Saturday during the summer months), it transforms into a pizzeria. BYOB - which is cool:) Lovely socialable atmosphere. Locals all love it!
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Thyme & Co Cafe
5 Quay Rd
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Great little café during the day, with a fabulous selection of homemade breads, soups, pastries and coffees - plus much more - kid, vegans and vegetarian friendly:) And on Saturday evenings (Friday and Saturday during the summer months), it transforms into a pizzeria. BYOB - which is cool:) Lovely socialable atmosphere. Locals all love it!
Morton's offer fresh fish and shellfish caught in local waters. Produce includes lobster, crab, scallops, salmon, cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, sole, prawns and smoked fish. Other species are available upon advanced request. During the winter months Morton's Fish Shop opens Thursdays and Fridays from 0900 until 1700hrs. Summer opening is Tuesday to Friday from 0900 until 1700hrs and Sat from 0900 until 1300hrs. You can order your fresh fish and eat alfresco in the newly constructed outdoor eating area. BYOB:)
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Morton's
9 Bayview Rd
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Morton's offer fresh fish and shellfish caught in local waters. Produce includes lobster, crab, scallops, salmon, cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, sole, prawns and smoked fish. Other species are available upon advanced request. During the winter months Morton's Fish Shop opens Thursdays and Fridays from 0900 until 1700hrs. Summer opening is Tuesday to Friday from 0900 until 1700hrs and Sat from 0900 until 1300hrs. You can order your fresh fish and eat alfresco in the newly constructed outdoor eating area. BYOB:)
Mouth watering Italian ice cream, lots of flavours to choose from, well priced, need I say anymore? Highly recommend - ask for Dee:)
Morelli Ice Cream
Ballycastle Road
Mouth watering Italian ice cream, lots of flavours to choose from, well priced, need I say anymore? Highly recommend - ask for Dee:)
When you read the description on menu you get what it says capers means capers? Best fish restaurant on the North Coast.
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Harry's Shack
116 Strand Rd
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When you read the description on menu you get what it says capers means capers? Best fish restaurant on the North Coast.
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The Cellar
11B The Diamond
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Central Wine Bar
Ann Street
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Marconi's Bistro & Bar
1-3 North Street
The Bothy at Balnaholish
156 Moyarget Rd
Not close to Ballycastle. But if you're in Donegal - travel to Rossnowlagh and book a table in the conservatory!!! What a vista! The food is amazing too:)
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Smugglers Creek Inn
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Not close to Ballycastle. But if you're in Donegal - travel to Rossnowlagh and book a table in the conservatory!!! What a vista! The food is amazing too:)
Brilliant wee pub/ restaurant. Alfresco or indoors. Great selection and very friendly staff.
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The Fullerton Arms
22 Main St
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Brilliant wee pub/ restaurant. Alfresco or indoors. Great selection and very friendly staff.
Top notch independent grocers. Very highly recommend. Fabulous selection of cheese and deli like foods. Crackers, crisps - even booze! What else do you need?
JF McLister
17-19 Ann St
Top notch independent grocers. Very highly recommend. Fabulous selection of cheese and deli like foods. Crackers, crisps - even booze! What else do you need?
Excellence!
McKay Family Butchers
1 Ann Street
Excellence!
A ready made fire pit (quite a few have been made over the last few years) @ Dunseverick - close to the harbour.
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Dunseverick
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A ready made fire pit (quite a few have been made over the last few years) @ Dunseverick - close to the harbour.
Great pub with lively atmosphere. Food served throughout the day and evening. Try to chowder as a mains - gorgeous!
O'Connor's Bar
Great pub with lively atmosphere. Food served throughout the day and evening. Try to chowder as a mains - gorgeous!
Excellent! If you're heading to the Gobbins on a day out, stop by The Dairy for a spot of lunch. Absolutely brilliant place. Delicious food, great customer service too:)
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The Dairy
5 Waterfall Rd
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Excellent! If you're heading to the Gobbins on a day out, stop by The Dairy for a spot of lunch. Absolutely brilliant place. Delicious food, great customer service too:)
If you're travelling aorund Coleraine area - take a short detour towards Maghera - and you'll come across Ardtara Coutry House. Tucked away in a sleepy village called Upperlands. Beautiful surroundings and a very warm welcome. They have great offers around Valentines day, Christmas, Easter etc.. so always wise to book in advance.
Ardtara Country House
8 Gorteade Rd
If you're travelling aorund Coleraine area - take a short detour towards Maghera - and you'll come across Ardtara Coutry House. Tucked away in a sleepy village called Upperlands. Beautiful surroundings and a very warm welcome. They have great offers around Valentines day, Christmas, Easter etc.. so always wise to book in advance.
If you're in Derry doing the city wall walk - pop into Browns. Very well run establishment and the food is great!
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Browns In Town
21 Strand Rd
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If you're in Derry doing the city wall walk - pop into Browns. Very well run establishment and the food is great!
Nestled in Glenariff - a must!
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Laragh Lodge Restaurant
120 Glen Rd
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Nestled in Glenariff - a must!
Unique banqueting experience. Food themed on a weekly basis, homemade and delivered every Friday evening. Book in advance by Thursday each week.
The Butterfly & The Bear
Unique banqueting experience. Food themed on a weekly basis, homemade and delivered every Friday evening. Book in advance by Thursday each week.
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The Salthouse Hotel
39 Dunamallaght Rd
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local bistro, butchers and farm shop in the heart of Glenoe - close the Gobins Cliff Walk.
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The Dairy
5 Waterfall Rd
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local bistro, butchers and farm shop in the heart of Glenoe - close the Gobins Cliff Walk.
Vaulted ceilings, glittering chandeliers and breathtaking views across the Faldo Course and Castle Hume Lough, the three AA Rosette-winning restaurant is where you can sample decadent seasonal flavours in a truly elegant setting. A rea treat!!!
Catalina
Vaulted ceilings, glittering chandeliers and breathtaking views across the Faldo Course and Castle Hume Lough, the three AA Rosette-winning restaurant is where you can sample decadent seasonal flavours in a truly elegant setting. A rea treat!!!

Beaches

Discover our beautiful beaches. Build a sandcastle, paddle in the sea, walk through the dunes and enjoy all that our magnificent North Coast has to offer.
A beautiful sandy beach. Great for long walks and swiming. We barbeque on this beach throughout the summer and spend spendid evenings with friends watching the sunset. Well worth a visit and only a 5 minute from Rathlin Sound apartment.
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Ballycastle Beach
Carrickmore Rd
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A beautiful sandy beach. Great for long walks and swiming. We barbeque on this beach throughout the summer and spend spendid evenings with friends watching the sunset. Well worth a visit and only a 5 minute from Rathlin Sound apartment.
Benone Strand forms part of one of Ireland's longest beaches. A Blue Flag beach, it is popular throughout the year for a variety of outdoor activities (checkout Longline surf school) and events with great views along the North Coast, to Inishowen in Donegal and to Scotland. Well worth a trip.
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Benone beach
Benone Avenue
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Benone Strand forms part of one of Ireland's longest beaches. A Blue Flag beach, it is popular throughout the year for a variety of outdoor activities (checkout Longline surf school) and events with great views along the North Coast, to Inishowen in Donegal and to Scotland. Well worth a trip.
Two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and offers views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, surfing, slacklining and long walks into the sand dunes where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark green fritillary butterflies abound. Make a day of it and book a table at Harry's Shack - award winning fish restaurant situated on the beach. You'll have earned it after your 4 mile walk:)
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Portstewart Strand
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Two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and offers views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched atop the cliffs. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, surfing, slacklining and long walks into the sand dunes where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark green fritillary butterflies abound. Make a day of it and book a table at Harry's Shack - award winning fish restaurant situated on the beach. You'll have earned it after your 4 mile walk:)
This spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation. The beach is backed by ancient dunes that provide important habitats for birds, animals and plant life.
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Whitepark Bay
152 Whitepark Rd
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This spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation. The beach is backed by ancient dunes that provide important habitats for birds, animals and plant life.
Nestled at the mouth of the River Dunn (the Brown River), Cushendun has a lovely beach backed by species rich grassland. Explore the circular walking trail and admire the beautiful white Cornish-style houses designed by Clough Williams-Ellis. The woodlands around Glenmona are also a great place to spot the increasingly uncommon red squirrel.
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Cushendun
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Nestled at the mouth of the River Dunn (the Brown River), Cushendun has a lovely beach backed by species rich grassland. Explore the circular walking trail and admire the beautiful white Cornish-style houses designed by Clough Williams-Ellis. The woodlands around Glenmona are also a great place to spot the increasingly uncommon red squirrel.
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White Rocks
Dunluce Road
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Walking

Knocklayd looms large over Ballycastle on the northern Antrim coast; the last substantial hill before the sea. It is in our opinion one of the more striking summits in the area, a steep-sided dome rising in reasonable isolation from its neighbours. Apart from some forestry on the north and east sides, it is a hill without a hint of mystery, devoid as it is of significant watercourses; everything on Knocklayd is in plain view from the surrounding countryside. Its location and relative isolation make it a fine vantage point. A quick route to the summit can be had from a car park in Ballycastle Forest Park (about 1 mile drive from Rathlin Sound apartment) on the eastern slopes. Keeping left at a couple of junctions leads to a forest path leading bullet straight up the hillside, broadening into a rough track. Once through a gate at the edge of the forest (a longer route from Ballycastle itself comes in from the north here) incline up left to join a fence that leads straight up to the summit area, crossing two traversing fences high up; the ascent is steep in its middle reaches but eases off onto the rounded summit. A round trip by this route will take roughly 90 minutes. The trig point sits on tops of the huge grassed-over cairn, and commands an excellent view along the coast and back to the main Antrim plateau. Because of the rounded nature of Knocklayd's upper slopes, some of these vistas are best enjoyed during the ascent rather than from the summit.
Knocklayde Mountain
Knocklayd looms large over Ballycastle on the northern Antrim coast; the last substantial hill before the sea. It is in our opinion one of the more striking summits in the area, a steep-sided dome rising in reasonable isolation from its neighbours. Apart from some forestry on the north and east sides, it is a hill without a hint of mystery, devoid as it is of significant watercourses; everything on Knocklayd is in plain view from the surrounding countryside. Its location and relative isolation make it a fine vantage point. A quick route to the summit can be had from a car park in Ballycastle Forest Park (about 1 mile drive from Rathlin Sound apartment) on the eastern slopes. Keeping left at a couple of junctions leads to a forest path leading bullet straight up the hillside, broadening into a rough track. Once through a gate at the edge of the forest (a longer route from Ballycastle itself comes in from the north here) incline up left to join a fence that leads straight up to the summit area, crossing two traversing fences high up; the ascent is steep in its middle reaches but eases off onto the rounded summit. A round trip by this route will take roughly 90 minutes. The trig point sits on tops of the huge grassed-over cairn, and commands an excellent view along the coast and back to the main Antrim plateau. Because of the rounded nature of Knocklayd's upper slopes, some of these vistas are best enjoyed during the ascent rather than from the summit.
Murlough Bay is a true hidden gem of the North Coast. Secluded, serene and one of the most picturesque bays in Ireland, on a clear day Murlough provides excellent views of Rathlin, the Mull of Kintyre, and the western isles of Scotland. Discover a landscape once described as a ‘momentary glimpse of Eden’, one deep in the heart of the local community, and lately a filming location for the Game of Thrones.
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Murlough Bay
Murlough Road
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Murlough Bay is a true hidden gem of the North Coast. Secluded, serene and one of the most picturesque bays in Ireland, on a clear day Murlough provides excellent views of Rathlin, the Mull of Kintyre, and the western isles of Scotland. Discover a landscape once described as a ‘momentary glimpse of Eden’, one deep in the heart of the local community, and lately a filming location for the Game of Thrones.
This magical island six miles off the north coast of Northern Ireland is accessible by ferry from Ballycastle (the ferry terminal is a short 5 minute walk from our studio) and boasts almost 20 miles of walk trails in a tranquil and untouched setting. Home to one of the UK’s largest seabird colonies the Rathlin Trail will lead you to the RSPB Seabird Centre and one of three lighthouses on the island. Watch the comical antics of the Puffins in this birdwatcher’s paradise. For keen walkers, the Roonivoolin Walk on the southern arm of the island rambles through the RSPB NI nature reserve and is home to a rich variety of birds and wildlife from common blue butterflies to soaring birds of prey. The Ballyconaghan, Kebble Cliff Walk, Kinramer North Walk and Kinramer Trail will also allow you to explore and enjoy the magnificent coastal views of this unique island
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Rathlin Island
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This magical island six miles off the north coast of Northern Ireland is accessible by ferry from Ballycastle (the ferry terminal is a short 5 minute walk from our studio) and boasts almost 20 miles of walk trails in a tranquil and untouched setting. Home to one of the UK’s largest seabird colonies the Rathlin Trail will lead you to the RSPB Seabird Centre and one of three lighthouses on the island. Watch the comical antics of the Puffins in this birdwatcher’s paradise. For keen walkers, the Roonivoolin Walk on the southern arm of the island rambles through the RSPB NI nature reserve and is home to a rich variety of birds and wildlife from common blue butterflies to soaring birds of prey. The Ballyconaghan, Kebble Cliff Walk, Kinramer North Walk and Kinramer Trail will also allow you to explore and enjoy the magnificent coastal views of this unique island
Portbradden Harbour
3 Portbraddan Rd
Ronans Way Hikes
170 Glendun Rd
Our favourite local forest. You can walk from Rathlin Sound either down Drumavoley Road or Glenshesk Road. Or drive. It's about a 5 mile trip. The wood is magnificent. At the top the view over towards Rathlin and all its lighthouse plus the Mul are breathless on a clear day. Take a rest at the top and have a picnic - it used to be our covid café:)
Breen Oak Wood
Glenshesk Road
Our favourite local forest. You can walk from Rathlin Sound either down Drumavoley Road or Glenshesk Road. Or drive. It's about a 5 mile trip. The wood is magnificent. At the top the view over towards Rathlin and all its lighthouse plus the Mul are breathless on a clear day. Take a rest at the top and have a picnic - it used to be our covid café:)

Self-catering - good to knows

Useful places for you to know about on a self-catering holiday in Ballycastle.
Best grocery shop with an amazing deli - Boyles Spare, North Street. Only a 5 minute walk from the studio apartment. Fresh. Friendly. Local.
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SPAR Foodstore
15 North St
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Best grocery shop with an amazing deli - Boyles Spare, North Street. Only a 5 minute walk from the studio apartment. Fresh. Friendly. Local.

Castles

Impressive picture-postcard castles pepper the Northern Ireland landscape, perched atop dramatic cliff edges and overlooking tranquil lakes and rivers. Some are on your doorstep, when you stay at Rathlin Sound
The iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. First built on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513. It was seized by the ambitious MacDonnell clan in the 1550's, who set about stamping their mark on the castle under the leadership of the famous warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell during an era of violence, intrigue and rebellion. In the 17th century Dunluce was the seat of the earls of County Antrim and saw the establishment of a small town in 1608. Visitors can explore the findings of archaeological digs within the cobbled streets and stone merchants’ houses of the long-abandoned Dunluce Town. The dramatic history of Dunluce is matched by tales of a banshee and how the castle kitchens fell into the sea one stormy night in 1639. A Dunluce Castle app for iPhone and android devices is available free of charge from the App Store and Google Play. There is limited disabled access for wheelchair users. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs allowed except guide dogs and assistance dogs.
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I-Dunluce Castle
87 Dunluce Rd
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The iconic ruin of Dunluce Castle bears witness to a long and tumultuous history. First built on the dramatic coastal cliffs of north County Antrim by the MacQuillan family around 1500, the earliest written record of the castle was in 1513. It was seized by the ambitious MacDonnell clan in the 1550's, who set about stamping their mark on the castle under the leadership of the famous warrior chieftain Sorely Boy MacDonnell during an era of violence, intrigue and rebellion. In the 17th century Dunluce was the seat of the earls of County Antrim and saw the establishment of a small town in 1608. Visitors can explore the findings of archaeological digs within the cobbled streets and stone merchants’ houses of the long-abandoned Dunluce Town. The dramatic history of Dunluce is matched by tales of a banshee and how the castle kitchens fell into the sea one stormy night in 1639. A Dunluce Castle app for iPhone and android devices is available free of charge from the App Store and Google Play. There is limited disabled access for wheelchair users. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No dogs allowed except guide dogs and assistance dogs.
Looking at the ruins of Kinbane Castle now, it’s hard to imagine what it once looked like back in its previous glory. It was a two-storey castle built in 1547 by Colla MacDonnell, son of the Lord of Islay and Kintyre. It had a large courtyard, and even perhaps other smaller buildings around it. Kinbane Castle was besieged by British Forces in 1551 and 1555, where the castle was partially destroyed by cannon fire. - Rebuilt soon afterwards, Colla MacDonnell passed away at the castle in 1558. During another attack in the 1500s, soldiers from Carrickfergus arrived to overtake the castle. They weren’t able to immediately gain access and waited below in the hollow between the cliffs and castle. Those within the castle lit a fire on the headland to call for assistance. As help arrived, the soldiers became trapped between the hollow, with cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other. The soldiers were all killed and the hollow became known as “Lag na Sassenach” (Hollow of the English).
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Kinbane Castle
81 Whitepark Rd
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Looking at the ruins of Kinbane Castle now, it’s hard to imagine what it once looked like back in its previous glory. It was a two-storey castle built in 1547 by Colla MacDonnell, son of the Lord of Islay and Kintyre. It had a large courtyard, and even perhaps other smaller buildings around it. Kinbane Castle was besieged by British Forces in 1551 and 1555, where the castle was partially destroyed by cannon fire. - Rebuilt soon afterwards, Colla MacDonnell passed away at the castle in 1558. During another attack in the 1500s, soldiers from Carrickfergus arrived to overtake the castle. They weren’t able to immediately gain access and waited below in the hollow between the cliffs and castle. Those within the castle lit a fire on the headland to call for assistance. As help arrived, the soldiers became trapped between the hollow, with cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other. The soldiers were all killed and the hollow became known as “Lag na Sassenach” (Hollow of the English).
The picturesque Glenarm Castle watches over an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Glens of Antrim, and is still a working farm estate. It has been occupied as the family seat of the McDonnells, Earls of Antrim, for some 400 years. The castle opens occasionally to the public, but the glorious walled garden, one of Ireland’s oldest, and a charming tea room, both hosting various events, exhibitions and workshops, are available daily. Check for castle open days; walled garden and tea room open daily 30 March – September: 10am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 5pm.
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Glenarm Castle noWalled Garden
2 Castle Lane
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The picturesque Glenarm Castle watches over an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Glens of Antrim, and is still a working farm estate. It has been occupied as the family seat of the McDonnells, Earls of Antrim, for some 400 years. The castle opens occasionally to the public, but the glorious walled garden, one of Ireland’s oldest, and a charming tea room, both hosting various events, exhibitions and workshops, are available daily. Check for castle open days; walled garden and tea room open daily 30 March – September: 10am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 5pm.
Dunseverick Castle is an ancient royal site of the Dál Riada, a Gaelic kingdom from at least the 5th century AD. Was supposed to have blessed by our patron saint - Saint Patrick.
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Dunseverick Castle
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Dunseverick Castle is an ancient royal site of the Dál Riada, a Gaelic kingdom from at least the 5th century AD. Was supposed to have blessed by our patron saint - Saint Patrick.