Ballygally Castle

Historic 17th century castle turned modern hotel overlooking the golden sands of Ballygally Bay

Here at Good Food Ireland, we are lucky to have found some beautiful spots for establishments which combine top quality accommodation and with a great dining experience. Ballygally Castle on the Antrim coast is one of the hardest to beat we reckon.  This old 17th Century Castle has been extended over the years, now a comfortable Hastings Group hotel with forty-four well-appointed en-suite bedrooms all tastefully decorated and furnished. The age of the building has been taken into account in design terms. So whilst the rooms are contemporary in their upholstery, paintwork and colour, each has had a sympathetic approach to conserving character too.  

Before we start in earnest, we better tell you about the history of this place. If you are a bit of a ghost hunter or fancy your chances at   becoming one – no finer place to stay. The original castle and tower dates back to 1625. Built by Scotsman Lord James Shaw and his wife Isabella Brisbane, who became Lady Isabella Shaw. They were the original owners, and their initials are inscripted together in stone at the tower entrance inside the hotel, along with the motto  ‘GODS PRIVDENS IS MY INHERITANS’. Down through the years, the castle was used as a refuge for Protestants in the Civil War of 1641, and again as a fortress in the middle of the 18th Century.  But it is to Lady Isabella Shaw we look for the real reason this castle is so famous with supernatural groups and tours. She is The Ghost of Ballygally, and a bedroom for her is preserved in its simplicity at the top of the Ghost Tower in the hotel. There are several theories as to why she is still present in the hotel. But it’s thought the most likely is that when she delivered a son for her cruel husband, he took his heir away and locked Lady Isabella at the top of the tower. Experts think she may have fallen from the high tower window in the desperate bid to escape and retrieve her son, or else she was actually pushed from the window by her husband or one of his men. At any rate, she has not left the tower in spirit, and many have seen or felt her presence during their stay. She’s reputed to be a friendly ghost though – so if you do catch a glimpse she won’t do you any harm!

The Ghost Tower is perfectly preserved, and we must say there is rather a sensation of the goosebumps as you enter. Hotel Manager Norman McBride is a perfect guide. Such is the devilment of his humour, he will tease you to bits and scare the living daylights out of you when he gives you the tour! The original thick wooden door at the entrance to the tower opens to a very steep set of winding stone steps, leading up to the Ghost Room. Today the room is equipped with simple iron bed and washstand and a portrait of Lady Isabella on the wall. It’s quite spooky we must say! Beneath the Ghost Room lie several original period rooms, now guest bedrooms in the tower. All are decorated in keeping with the age of this particular part of the house. Many guests request them for their stay, and some have been known to sit up in Lady Isabella’s room all night waiting for her to appear! A few guests have to have a tipple of a favourite Irish Whiskey from the bar before they do so! But it’s part of the fun of being here and if you really want to experience it properly we suggest you do the same! Also in this tower another of the original castle rooms, Room 1625, is now a very atmospheric space which can be used for meetings and very intimate wedding parties or family gatherings. Brides have also been known to have their photographs taken sitting on the stone steps leading up to Ghost Room! You can also request the medieval dungeons for private dining.

Aside from all this history and ambience, what else can you expect from a stay at Ballygally Castle? Hastings Group purchased this hotel in 1966 and have affectionately named it ‘the hidden jewel in the Hastings Crown’. We can’t help agreeing there. It’s a truly wonderful location with access to beach and countryside.  The Causeway Coastal Road sweeps right by the front door, one of the most beautiful drives in the country, and leading to the impressive Giant’s Causeway with its memorable stones. A fine beach lies directly at the front of the hotel. As far as your stay goes, well like we said, Norman is a very jovial host and he combines this with an air of professionalism which comes from years in the business. He has been here a long time and guests come back time and again to see him. Norman welcomes guests personally at reception on arrival, and even goes out to meet tour buses as they drive up to park. This personal touch is so often missing from many establishments, but its part of the service here in this intimately sized and very welcoming hotel. Once you get inside, an inviting lobby area and check in desk leads onto the pleasant Lounge Room with logs ablaze in the fireplace. Great to sit here in the evening with an after dinner drink, or to enjoy a light bite or Afternoon Tea during the day. That ceremony has been reinstalled here in glorious style – you can expect a tiered plate of beautifully cut finger sandwiches and an array of homemade pastries, with a pot of tea of choice, at superb value. Punjani Tea is from  Belfast based Thompson’s and the variety includes Breakfast Blend, Earl Grey, Peppermint, Decaffeinated and Organic  Afternoon Tea is very popular with many residents from nearby who come regularly to enjoy the lovely sea views from this room while enjoying their fine fare. If the day is fine, many guests will grab the opportunity to take a stroll along the beach afterwards. The air is fresh and bracing here from a sweet breeze across water which stretches to the coast of Scotland. Next door to the sitting room is a fine sized bar with stools for those who wish to sit up and admire the choice of drinks, and comfy chairs to relax in and look out over the sea.

Bedrooms in the newer part of the house all have the same touches of luxury you expect from Hastings establishments. Muted colours and rich fabrics abound. All are on suite and decorated with country charm. Some rooms have seaviews. Several suites are also available. The Bridal Suite is a very spacious area with king sized bed, flat screen tv and built in fire in the sitting area, and a very pretty en-suite bathroom. Fluffy robes and slippers provided – so just chill out and relax. The bank of windows gives fine views of the coast and hills beyond. You can sit back on the bed and admire it!

Dinner is taken in The Garden Restaurant at Ballygally Castle. This room has a beamed ceiling and medieval style chandeliers. Tables are simply dressed with fresh flowers, sparkling glassware and cutlery, and expertly folded linen napkins. Of course the gardens are directly outside and on warm days the French doors open out to let in the sunshine. Lunch and dinner are served here. The menu is a veritable array of local produce treated simply. Hastings group commitment to using and serving local is always prominent on the menu. At lunch, you can choose some of the starters as a main – the crunchy Classic Caesar Salad, or Caesar with Irish Cajun Roast Chicken, crispy bacon and baby gem lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan tempts. Or try the Wild Mushrooms with Smoked Bacon Lardons and Garlic Cream, with Thyme Soda Bread. Both yummy. The groups’ commitment to local meats is again in evidence here. Dexter, Hereford and Angus Beef, Lissara Duck, Dorset Lamb reared in Northern Ireland, and Northern Irish Pork too, all here and cooked delectably. We liked the Duo of Pork – a pork chop and a piece of crispy pork belly served with Vegetable and Herb Casserole. Fish eaters might enjoy the Grilled Irish Trout with sautéed peas, courgettes and pak choi. Our main of the Hastings Signature Thai Green Chicken Curry, which appears on menus throughout the group of hotels, was divinely spiced and fragrant, exquisite in presentation, and well portioned for a very filling dinner. The French chef is into his presentation skills and also the accurate spicing, so this was a real treat.

Afterwards, a glance at the dessert list is must, with Glastry Farmhouse Ice Creams, Zesty Lemon Tart from a local bakery supplier is served with Red Berry Coulis. We bet you’d give your right arm for the sumptuous Sticky Toffee Pudding with its rich Butterscotch Sauce and Glastry Farm Vanilla Ice Cream. Wines at Hastings Group hotels are specially selected, with some choices varying between establishments. The list provides consistency through the group, with a few special ones so each restaurant can match the mood of the food. You can drift through Old and New World at a glance. France is well represented for reds to partner the lovely local meats, whites for fish like the trout and Kilkeel Scampi. There’s a few from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile and South Africa too.  A couple of stunning dessert wines from Spain and Australia complete the picture.

In the bar and lounge, a  light bites menu operates daily – plenty to choose from with sandwiches, salads and the hotel’s own Ballygally Club Sandwich – a mighty triple decker with warm bacon, turkey, tomato, lettuce and mayo, and a delectable pile of hand cut golden chips and homemade coleslaw. Great with a pint of stout we say! Kids are well catered for too at Ballygally. The dining room has a separate children’s menu with all the favourites they like – meaty chicken goujons, proper pizza, pasta with meatballs and the like.

After a peaceful night’s sleep – or a spooky night ghost hunting - overnight guests will start the day at Ballygally Castle with the house breakfast buffet, served in The Garden Room. A hearty bowl of porridge topped with Bushmill’s Whiskey, Cream and Honey may well be just what you need as a kick start. Or perhaps the farmhouse made Granola or Muesli, some Clandeboye Estate natural yogurt and fruit, or a cold meat and Irish cheese selection. The hot buffet has Moyallon Dry Cure Bacon and Honey B sausages, West Cork black and white puddings, Potato Farls, Poached or Scrambled Eggs and all the other bits that make this into the Full Irish.  

Those looking to celebrate their wedding day here won’t be disappointed with the banqueting facilities in the stunning River Room. It’s a large vaulted ceilinged space with beams and ornate medieval lighting, and an arched conservatory style atrium to one end.  This room looks absolutely magnificent decorated for a wedding, with chairs adorned with coverlets and chiffon bows, eye catching flower arrangements, wedding favours and all sorts of lovely touches for the special day. The River Room overlooks a trout stream and opens out onto gardens where Bride, Groom and all the family can have photographs taken. A pretty stunning wedding album on offer here with all the scenic locations around the hotel grounds. The River Room is also available for other celebrations, black tie dinner events and conference gatherings too.

We think Ballygally Castle has all the components of a superlative hotel – location, hospitality, commitment to sourcing and serving great local produce – a seriously supernatural experience – Lady Isabella Shaw may even turn up to welcome you.

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Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

Coast Road
Ballygally
Co Antrim
BT40 2QZ
+44 (0) 28 2858 1066
Email: res@bcg.hastingshotels.com
Web: www.hastingshotels.com/ballygally-castle

 

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