Attractions and Places To See around Ballygally - Top 20

Ballygally is rich in history. You can visit the iconic 17th-century Ballygally Castle, which now operates as a hotel and is known for its historic charm. Further afield, you can explore Castle Ward Tower (Winterfell Filming Location), an 18th-century National Trust property, and Audley's Castle, a historical site named after its 16th-century owners.

Yes, Ballygally is a great base for Game of Thrones fans. Ballygally Castle houses one of the famous 'Game of Thrones' doors. Additionally, Castle Ward Tower is renowned as the filming location for 'Winterfell', offering tours of the castle and estate. Audley's Castle was also used as a filming location, with its tower appearing as one of the Twin Towers.

The area boasts stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy panoramic views from Ballygally Head, a distinct volcanic plug, or explore the extensive Carnfunnock Country Park, which offers mixed woodland, gardens, and walking trails with spectacular views of the Antrim Coast. Ballygally Beach is also a popular spot for coastal views and strolls.

Absolutely. Carnfunnock Country Park offers various walking trails. For more structured hiking, you can find several routes in the wider area. For example, the 'Delamont Long Walk' is an easy 5.2 km hike, and the 'Lough Money loop' offers a moderate 11.7 km option. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Ballygally guide.

Ballygally is home to Ballygally Beach, a popular sandy beach stretching approximately 300 meters. It offers panoramic views of the Antrim coastline and is suitable for swimming, strolling, or building sandcastles.

Ballygally Head is a prominent volcanic plug featuring tall dolerite columns, similar to the Giant's Causeway but with larger crystals. Scawt Hill, located west-north-west of Ballygally, is another internationally important volcanic plug recognized for its rare minerals and protected as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Carnfunnock Country Park is ideal for families, featuring a children's playground, mini-golf, and a maze. Castle Ward Tower, known as 'Winterfell', offers tours and activities like archery that can be engaging for older children. Strangford Stone is located within a 200-acre country park, providing space for children to explore.

The spring and summer months (May to September) generally offer the most favorable weather for outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and exploring the coast. During these months, you can expect milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of the Antrim Coast.

Ballygally is perfectly situated along the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route, which is renowned as one of the world's great road journeys. This route provides easy access to numerous other attractions along the Antrim Coast, including the Giant's Causeway, The Gobbins Cliff Walk, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Yes, the area around Ballygally offers various cycling routes. For road cycling, you can find options like the 'Ballyhornan Beach – Strangford Stone loop' (moderate, 49.5 km). If you prefer touring, routes such as 'Delamont to Ardglass Harbour loop' (moderate, 51.7 km) are available. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Ballygally and Cycling around Ballygally guides.

Visitors frequently highlight the historical significance and natural beauty of the area. Many appreciate the unique experience of visiting Game of Thrones filming locations like Castle Ward Tower and Audley's Castle. The scenic views, especially from places like Ballygally Head and along the forest paths with views of Strangford Lough, are also highly praised.

Beyond the more prominent castles, you can find the stone ruins of O'Haloran's Castle on a rock island near Ballygally Head, originally built in the early 13th century. Archaeological excavations in the 1990s also uncovered the remains of several Neolithic houses near Ballygally Bay, indicating an important ancient settlement.