Ballycastle, County Antrim
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| Ballycastle Baile an Chaistil |
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| Population | 5,089 (2001 Census) |
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| Irish grid reference | |
| - Belfast | 44 miles |
| District | Moyle District |
| County | County Antrim |
| Constituent country | Northern Ireland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BALLYCASTLE |
| Postcode district | BT54 |
| Dial code | 028 20 |
| Police | Northern Ireland |
| Fire | Northern Ireland |
| Ambulance | Northern Ireland |
| UK Parliament | North Antrim |
| European Parliament | Northern Ireland |
| Website: www.northantrim.com | |
| List of places: UK • Northern Ireland • County Antrim | |
Ballycastle (from the Irish: Baile an Chaistil meaning "townland of the castle") is a small town in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Its population was 5,089 people in the 2001 Census. It is the seat and main settlement of Moyle District Council.
It is a pretty town with a beach, and scenic views across to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The town is at the northern mainland limit of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ballycastle is also famous for its Ould Lammas Fair, which is held every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of August. Ballycastle is the home of the Christian peacebuilding Corrymeela Community.
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[edit] Demographics
Ballycastle is classified as a Small Town by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA)Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency website. (ie with population between 4,500 and 10,000 people). On Census day (29 April 2001) there were 5,089 people living in Ballycastle. Of these:
- 25.3% were aged under 16 years and 18.7% were aged 60 and over
- 46.8% of the population were male and 53.2% were female
- 77.7% were from a Catholic background and 20.5% were from a Protestant background.
- 5.5% of people aged 16-74 were unemployed.
For more details see: Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service[1]
[edit] Places of interest
- Fair Head is Ballycastle's most outstanding landmark rising 196 metres out of the bay. Wild goats can be seen roaming among the rocks beneath the clifftops, where a walkway called 'The Grey Man's Path' winds around the rugged coastline. From the road, a manmade Iron Age island or crannog can be seen in the middle of a large lake.
- A popular cycling route runs from Ballycastle to Cushendun, by way of Torr Head, offering spectacular views and scenery. From the road above Torr Head, the whole of Moyle (the North Channel) can be seen. A popular spot for inshore sea fishing, Torr Head also boasts a coastguard station, which is notable in that it was built on and out of the remains of Dunvarragh, the fort of Barach.
[edit] Buildings of note
- Ballycastle Market House is a three–bay, two–storey building built about 1830 currently used as a museum.
- Bonamargy Friary is off the Cushendall Road on the approach to Ballycastle and is a late Franciscan foundation established in 1485 by Rory MacQuillan. Locked vaults hold the remains of the celebrated chieftain, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, and several of the earls of Antrim. Perhaps the Friary’s most famous resident is the 17th century prophet and recluse Julie MacQuillen. Known as 'The Black Nun', she wished to be buried at the entrance of the chapel so that she might be trodden under the feet of those who entered. A round holed cross marks her grave.
- Kinbane Castle is situated on a headland projecting into the sea, about 3 miles (5 km) from Ballycastle on the road to Ballintoy. Originally a two story building, it was built in 1547 by Colla MacDonnell, who died within its walls in 1558.
[edit] People
- The folk-singer David McWilliams lived in Ballycastle for many years before his death in 2002.
- Overlooking the harbour there is a monument to Guglielmo Marconi who made his first wireless transmission from here to Rathlin Island. A local bar is named in his memory.
- Author C. S. Lewis holidayed in Ballycastle for many years during the years of his writing the Chronicles of Narnia series.
[edit] Transport
A ferry service runs from Ballycastle harbour to Rathlin Island.
[edit] Education
[edit] Primary
- Saint Patrick's and Saint Brigid's Primary School
- Bunscoil an Chaistil (Irish Medium School)
- Ballycastle Primary School
[edit] Secondary
- Cross and Passion College
- Ballycastle High School
[edit] Sport
[edit] GAA
Two Ballycastle players from McQuillans GAC received All Stars Awards, Dessie Donnelly (1989) and Paul McKillen (1993).
Eddie Donnelly (1976, 1977) and Kieran Kelly (2002) of McQuillans GAC represented Ireland in the Annual Hurling and Shinty Internationals against Scotland.
In 1980, McQuillans GAC (Irish: MacUilins CLG) were the first Antrim team ever to contest an All Ireland Club Final, they were subsequently defeated by Castlegar of Galway.
The weekend of 23rd to 25th March 2007 marked the centenary celebrations of the MacUilin CLG, and coinicided with the opening of the new facilities, located on the Whitepark Road. The Sunday of the centenary weekend saw Antrim play Kilkenny in an NHL game. Kilkenny beat Antrim 2-21 to 0-11. The match was attended by Nicky Brennan, President of the GAA, and a Kilkenny-man himself.
[edit] Trivia
- In Harry Potter, the town is the home of the Ballycastle Bats, Quidditch team.
[edit] References
[edit] See also
- List of towns in Northern Ireland
- List of villages in Northern Ireland
- List of Irish Towns with a Market House
[edit] External links
- Ballycastletown Local website about Ballycastle Town and The Nine Glens of Antrim.
- Ballycastle, County Antrim Article on the history of Ballycastle, by Hugh A. Boyd.
- The Northern Ireland Guide More tales and informationon The Black Nun, Fairhead and Ballycastle.
- Ballycastle Market House
- Irish Bodhráns.com
- McQuillans GAC
- Ballycastle United Football Club
- 2ireland Photographs of Ireland, particularly featuring the Ballycastle area.
