The attractive coastal resort of Ballycastle lies on the northeastern tip of County Antrim, and is surrounded by the beautiful rural scenery of the two most northerly Antrim Glens, Glenshesk and Glentaisie.

The town is famous for hosting Ireland's oldest fair, Ould Lammas. The fair, which was historically held to mark the beginning of the harvest, dates from 1606 and occurs annually on the last Monday and Tuesday of August. As well as hundreds of stalls (many of which sell the traditional Lammas 'Yellow Men', a sticky honeycomb toffee; and 'Dulce', dried edible seaweed) there is a great carnival atmosphere, with singing and dancing in the streets and local pubs.

The Diamond is the main centre of the town, while the lovely seafront has wonderful views over to nearby Rathlin Island. You can catch a ferry to the island from the harbour. The ruins of Bonamargy Friary, a Franciscan building dating from around 1500, lie outside the main town. The tombs of the famous MacDonnell chieftan, Sorley Boy, and his son, the first Earl of Antrim, can be found at the site. Also nearby is the town of Ballintoy, from where you can visit the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

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