Ballycastle sits at the eastern end of the main Causeway Coast route, the natural base if Rathlin Island, the Glens of Antrim, or Ballintoy’s Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge are part of your plan, all three are a shorter drive from here than from Portrush.
The Salthouse
Reopened in spring 2025 as a full 5-star resort, The Salthouse sits above the town with views toward Ballycastle, Rathlin Island, and the Antrim coast. The property now spans bright hotel bedrooms alongside eco-lodges and cosy cottages, with an on-site spa (thermal suite, hot tubs, sauna) and a restaurant serving lunch and dinner with sea views, a genuinely more substantial relaunch than a simple boutique refresh. Book via thesalthousehotel.com.
An Caislean
A 17-room guesthouse incorporating the neighbouring Corratavey property, An Caislean is a smaller, more traditional alternative to The Salthouse, independently confirmed still operating. Worth considering if you’d rather a straightforward guesthouse over a resort with spa facilities.
Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy
If Carrick-a-Rede is the main draw, Ballintoy’s own Fullerton Arms, a 10-15 minute drive from Ballycastle, is the village’s best-known guesthouse and restaurant, popular with walkers and Game of Thrones fans working through the Iron Islands filming locations. A genuine alternative base if you’d rather be closer to the rope bridge than to Ballycastle’s own harbour and beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballycastle a good base for the whole Causeway Coast trip, not just the eastern end? It works, but you’ll spend more time driving to Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway than if you based in Portrush, better suited to a trip weighted toward Rathlin and the Glens.
How do we get to Rathlin Island from Ballycastle? The ferry departs from Ballycastle Harbour, see our Rathlin Island guide for current schedules and pricing.
