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By Paddy Donnelly

Taking a trip up to the north coast this summer and need someone to recommend a few pubs in Ballycastle?  What better person for the job than someone who lives in Belgium?

Don’t worry, I’m a native of Ballycastle and I’m sure not much has changed in the 5 months since I left.  That’s part of Ballycastle’s charm.  While the rest of the world is busy worrying and bustling around, Ballycastle is the proverbial hammock of Northern Ireland. A more relaxed and charming town bursting with unique characters, you could not find. And those particular characters you are sure to find in some of my top 5 recommended pubs, so in no particular order:

1. Central Bar

Every town in Ireland must have a Central Bar but not quite like this one.  Downstairs is a traditional pub, while upstairs is a trendy wine bar which after 11pm turns into a night club.  The Central seems to draw everyone in the town towards it on the weekends, however during the week you’ll be able to partake in some fine Karaoke. One of the most popular bars in town and a first stop for any of Ballycastle’s sons and daughters returning home for a summer visit from around the world.

2. The House of McDonnell (Wee Tom’s)

Look up Traditional Irish Pub in the dictionary and there’ll be a photograph of The House of McDonnell.  Affectionately known as ‘Wee Tom’s‘, it houses a variety of colourful characters and traditional irish music a few nights a week. One of the many Ballycastle pubs not known to the locals by the name above the door, it’s a must see for any tourist.

3. O’Connors

A modern/traditional Irish pub, if such a thing exists, where you’ll be able to enjoy a pint with both the younger and older generation of Ballycastle.  In the summer, especially around The Lammas Fair, you’ll be able to sit outside in the beer garden and hear the craic from about town.

4. The Angler’s Arms (Tessie’s)

Not many pubs can sport a view quite like Tessie’s. Looking out over Rathlin Island and Fairhead (in the photo above), Tessie’s has become one of the number one spots for the young people in Ballycastle.  Arriving by boat? Make Tessie’s your first stop to get a taste of relaxed Ballycastle life.

5. The Boyd Arms

One of Ballycastle’s oldest pubs, established in 1767 and hasn’t changed that much since. The Boyd Arms is a personal favourite of mine and you’re sure to meet some of Ballycastle’s colourful residents here.  Located in the absolute centre of town, the Diamond, you can’t be closer to the action during the summer.

That’s only the beginning

These are my personal choices but Ballycastle sports over a dozen unique and great pubs and bars so if you’re up there this summer be sure and have a good look around. I’ll be sure to get back there this summer to have a bit of craic, comfortable in the knowledge that everything will be exactly the same as when I left.

About the Author

Paddy Donnelly is a designer, illustrator, blogger and fool from Ballycastle who now resides in Belgium. Follow him on Twitter to hear how an Irishman survives in Belgium.