Ballygally Castle

Ballygally, United Kingdom

Ballygally Castle overlooks the sea at the head of Ballygally Bay. Now run as a hotel, it is the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland, and is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in all of Ulster.

The castle was built in 1625 by James Shaw, of Scotland, who had come to the area and rented the land from the Earl of Antrim. Over the main entrance door to the castle, leading to the tower, is the Middle Scots inscription 'Godis Providens is my Inheritans'. The castle did come under attack, from the Irish garrison at Glenarm, several times during the rebellion of 1641 but each assault was unsuccessful. The castle was owned by the Shaw family until it passed into the hands of William Shaw in 1799. In the 1950s the castle was bought by the carpet tycoon Cyril Lord and was extended and renovated. It is now owned and run by the Hastings Hotels Group.

 

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Address

Coast Road 274, Ballygally, United Kingdom
See all sites in Ballygally

Details

Founded: 1625
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Elizabeth Galloway (19 months ago)
Fabulous place beautiful food excellent staff. I did get married here 28 years ago and it just gets better with every visit.
Jan Blunt (19 months ago)
What a beautiful, comfortable place to stay! We loved the seaside room with full ocean view, and walking through the lovely gardens behind the hotel. The bed was extra comfortable, and the bath with heated floor luxurious. Dinner and breakfast were excellent!! Be sure to check out the Ghost Room, but be careful climbing up the narrow tower stairs!
Christine Watson (19 months ago)
I’ve delivered training in this picturesque location twice now & dined on at least 4 different locations. Facing the sea this historic castle that I’ve been lucky to stay overnight in has rooms with views of the sea, a small beach opposite and a free car park right in front of the hotel. Full of history including stories of a ghost the hotel is managed by gentleman Norman the service is friendly and the training room was ideal for my needs. Also check out the game of thrones carved door. Found on the causeway coastal route.
natasha lafferty (20 months ago)
My husband and I have had an amazing Honeymoon experience.. The food was amazing.. Service was the best we have had in a long time.. The rooms are very warm the bed was very comfy.. we would highly recommend it.
Chef Luigi (20 months ago)
I ordered pasta and meatballs with no sauce. I told them twice not to put sauce on it and a few minutes later, they came back with sauce on it. They got it cooked again without sauce which was good. Dessert was delicious and I loved the paper straws which gave a sign that it was a eco friendly hotel and restaurant. Could go again but the staff need to improve their listening skills.
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