BALLYGALLY Castle is celebrating its 400th anniversary – and this charming castle hotel is full of surprises.
The 4-star hotel was originally built as a castle back in 1625 by Scottish laird James Shaw.
Now it’s the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today.
From Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea to braving a swim in the Irish Sea, I explored everything Ballygally Castle Hotel has to offer.
Where is Ballygally Castle Hotel?
Ballgally Castle Hotel is in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
The hotel is only a 40-minute drive from Belfast.
County Antrim is known for its stunning Causeway Coast and Glens, meaning that there is plenty to explore right on your doorstep.
Ballygally itself is a picturesque seaside town with a sweeping sandy beach and rugged coastline.
What is the hotel like?
Ballygally Castle hotel is half historic charm, half modern luxury.
The exterior has been refurbished, but still holds many of the castle‘s original features.
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Inside, the decor feels luxurious yet warm and welcoming.
Comfortable sofas by a cozy fireplace invite you to sit down and warm up, whilst the bar and lounge area offers stunning sea views.
There are plenty of quirky castle features inside the hotel, such as the original front door from 1625 decorated with the Shaw family coat of arms.
You can even visit the hotel’s Ghost Room, said to be haunted by Lady Isabella Shaw.
She is said to wander the hotel corridors at night, and many of the hotel staff have reported creepy happenings.
Game of Thrones fans will be pleased to notice that the door to the Garden Restaurant is No. 9 to the Door of Thrones series.
The ornate door is carved from trees that fell from a storm in the Dark Hedges, the iconic forest that appears in the popular program.
The ‘Doors of Thrones’ appear across Northern Ireland, giving fans a trail to explore on their visit.
You can even grab a Door of Thrones passport from the hotel to collect stamps along your journey.
Outside, the hotel boasts beautifully-kept gardens and a tranquil trout stream, where you can admire the exterior of the castle.
What are the rooms like?
There are 54 rooms to choose from at Ballygally Castle Hotel.
History fans can choose to stay in the Tower Rooms, the oldest hotel bedrooms in Northern Ireland.
Whilst those wanting something a little more luxurious can opt for the Coastal Deluxe Rooms or Antrim Suite.
I stayed in a Coastal Deluxe Room, a spacious option with calming views of Ballygally Bay.
On a clear day, you can even see the coastline of Scotland on the horizon.
The room comes with a roomy bathtub, robes, slippers, ESPA toiletries and tea and coffee amenities.
Plus the king bed with its cloud mattress and large flatscreen TV opposite made it very easy to unwind.
Superior Rooms start at £150 per night on a B&B basis.
What is there to eat and drink there?
The Garden Restaurant offers views of the castle gardens, elegant chandeliers and even a knight in armour to transport you back in time.
Here you can enjoy A La Carte dining, with mains including a local catch of the day and a delicious seafood chowder.
I opted for the slow cooked Irish beef with traditional colcannon mash, a tender dish that melted in the mouth.
I finished my evening meal with the “Taste the Island Cheese Slate” – a selection of local cheeses which paired well with a glass of house red.
With delicious options in both the Garden Restaurant and the Lounge, there’s no need to stray from the hotel to find good food.
The buffet-style breakfast at Ballygally Castle doesn’t disappoint either.
There is plenty of choice, with a variety of locally-sourced ingredients.
I particularly enjoyed the local pork sausages, potato bread and porridge served with a dash of Irish whiskey.
And if you’re here as a Game of Thrones fan, you’ve got to try the themed Afternoon Tea experience.
At £36 per person, you can enjoy sandwiches with treats such as Hodor’s pulled beef brioche and Dothraki trifle with mini dragon’s egg.
What is there to do?
There is plenty to see and do around Ballygally Castle Hotel, most of which involves exploring the nearby stunning scenery.
The castle is the perfect base to explore the Causeway Coastal Route, 115 mile journey through Northern Ireland’s breathtaking coastline.
Drive 40 minutes North to reach a beautiful National Nature Reserve, Glenariff Forest Park.
Here you can tackle a number of forest trails, or simply sit at Glenariff Teahouse to soak in the spectacular views.
I recommend wandering the “waterfall walk”, a 3km circular trail leading you past a number of enchanting waterfalls.
There are also a number of Game of Thrones filming locations to visit, including Carnlough Harbour and Cushendun Caves.
And if the Giant’s Causeway is on your bucket list, you can reach the landmark in just over an hour’s drive.
Back at the hotel, sea-swimmers can enjoy a “Sea Dip and Hot Sip”.
Guests who book this package are welcomed from their sea swim with a dry robe, hot water bottle and flask of warming hot chocolate.
This package includes your overnight stay and breakfast in the morning, and starts at £155 per person.
Is the hotel family friendly?
Ballgally Castle Hotel is family friendly, offering dedicated Family rooms and a children’s menu in both restaurants.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Ballygally Castle Hotel is accessible throughout its grounds.
It also offers two fully accessible bedrooms with wet rooms, as well as rooms with walk-in shower facilities.
Be sure to mention any specific requests when booking.