Ballygally Castle

Ballygally Castle Review

Set between the Glens of Antrim and the Giant's Causeway, this baronial castle, built by a Scottish lord in 1625 to rise dramatically beside Ballygally Bay, can be booked solid much of the time, so you will want to reserve well in advance. Attached to the old castle is a modern extension that provides room for facilities but clashes a bit with the original. Bedrooms in the castle have retained beamed ceilings but have bland-if-comfortable furnishings throughout. Ask for a room in a turret—they are named after four of the nine Antrim Glens—and one comes complete with milady's ghost. The four guest rooms are attractively furnished. On Saturday in the dining room, a decent set-menu dinner in the Garden Restaurant is served to musical accompaniment; a Sunday bistro meal is also available in the River Room. During the early part of 2014 the hotel is extending the number of rooms and may be closed for several months, so it's best to check availability in advance.