NEWS

A major policing operation across the North Coast over the bank holiday period resulted in nine arrests, 21 vehicles seized for dangerous defects and 560 speeding detections, as police moved to tackle traffic disruption, anti-social behaviour and dangerous driving in one of Northern Ireland’s busiest visitor hotspots. The extensive operation, led by police in Causeway Coast and Glens District, ran throughout the holiday weekend amid heightened concerns around road safety, exc

The poster placed at two roadside junctions in Ballycastle, and inset, TUV MP Jim Allister and Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan Political placards which had become the focus of local concern in Ballycastle have been removed following intervention by the Department for Infrastructure, prompting a fresh political row over standards for public displays in the town. The signs, located at the junction of Mary Street and Cushendall Road, were taken down after North Antrim MP Jim Allis

(Photo Credit: Nathan Williams) Lifeguards will return to the sands of the North Coast this Good Friday, marking a significant double milestone for the RNLI as the charity enters a new season of coastal protection. From 3 April to 12 April , six of the region’s most popular beaches will be patrolled daily between 10am and 6pm . The seasonal rollout coincides with the 25th anniversary of the RNLI’s lifeguarding service across the UK, and a special 15-year anniversary for the s

Kintra ferry crossing the Rathlin Sound. (Image: Shauna Fannin) A new summer ferry timetable for Rathlin Island has been confirmed — with extra early weekend sailings designed to support workers and boost the island’s busy tourism season. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the updated schedule will run from Friday 3 April to Wednesday 30 September 2026, introducing an additional return crossing every Saturday and Sunday morning. The new sailings will depart Rathlin

North Antrim Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland pictured in Ballycastle Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland has welcomed Ballycastle’s latest accolade as Northern Ireland’s best place to live, calling it a proud moment for the community and a reflection of the town’s unique spirit. The north Antrim seaside town secured the regional title in the 2026 edition of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live, standing out ahead of Dundrum and Ormeau in south Belfast — both of which were also recognis

The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, County Antrim A landmark hotel on Northern Ireland’s north coast is set for a major new chapter, as the owners of the Marine Hotel Ballycastle announce a strategic partnership designed to secure its long-term future and unlock further growth. Claire Hunter and Colum McLornan have confirmed the appointment of Schulte European Group as the hotel’s new management operator, marking a significant shift after 13 years of hands-on ownership. A strat

Ballycastle on the Antrim coast. (All photos by local photographer Anne Kelly) Ballycastle has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland, with judges praising its powerful sense of community, thriving food scene and stunning coastal setting. The north Antrim town took the top regional spot in the 2026 edition of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live , standing out for what judges described as its “big, beating heart” — a place where community life is visible every

Ballycastle photographer Kevin McAuley A well-known Ballycastle photographer has spoken out in praise of local health services after a sudden and frightening medical episode led to his admission to Causeway Hospital earlier this week. Kevin McAuley , a familiar figure in Northern Ireland’s photography and media scene, was rushed to hospital after suffering a severe allergic reaction during a routine CT scan—an incident that quickly sparked concern across the community. Rumour

Sinn Féin political banner opposite Ballycastle Presbyterian Church, and the banner subsequently removed. A political banner placed opposite a church in Ballycastle ahead of St Patrick’s Day has been swiftly removed after concerns were raised by North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows , who said the move helped protect the town’s tradition of positive cross-community relations. The Ulster Unionist Party leader said the large Sinn Féin banner had appeared opposite Ballycastle Presbyteria

Sean and Fiona McAllister celebrate their recent wins! A long-established pedigree sheep flock from County Antrim has celebrated a major run of success after securing multiple top honours at the annual Kerryhill Society prize giving. Crookmuir Pedigree Kerryhills, owned by Sean and Fiona McAllister from Ballycastle, achieved a series of impressive results at the annual Kerryhill Prize Giving Dinner, including the prestigious title of Overall Champion Irish Flock. The couple a

Competitors demonstrating traditional horse ploughing during the Ballycastle & District Horse Ploughing Society’s annual St Patrick’s Day match — the only all-horse ploughing event still held in Ireland. One of Ireland’s most remarkable farming traditions is set to return this St Patrick’s Day as the Ballycastle and District Horse Ploughing Society prepares to stage what is believed to be the last remaining all-horse ploughing match in Ireland. The annual event, expected to t

Missing man: Andrew Christie Police have issued an urgent appeal for information to help locate Andrew Christie, who was last seen in the Ballycastle area on Wednesday afternoon. Officers say they are growing increasingly concerned for his whereabouts and are asking the public to come forward with any information that could assist in tracing him. Andrew was last seen at around 2.30pm on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, in the Ballycastle area. Description of clothing When he was las

Four pupils, Demi Timperley and Aimee Dillon from Cross and Passion College, accompanied by Mrs Anna McKay, and Carragh Rafferty and Jenna Brennan from Ballycastle High School, accompanied by Mrs Heather Dalzell, are pictured with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Oliver McMullan, outside Cloonavin as part of the ‘Mayor for a Day’ initiative marking International Women’s Day. Four Co Antrim schoolgirls were given a rare behind-the-scenes look at civic leadership this wee

One motorist returned a roadside breath test result of over twice the legal drink-drive limit. A targeted police operation in Ballycastle has led to a drink-driving charge, two uninsured vehicles being seized and a motorist detected at 108mph in wet conditions — as Northern Ireland’s road death toll rises to 15 before the end of February. Officers from the Maydown Road Policing Interceptors carried out a morning of focused patrols in the town on Friday, February 27. Multiple

The former Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle town centre Seventeen months on, a closed street and an unresolved building safety issue are now threatening the future of a £2million investment designed to rejuvenate Ballycastle town centre. Sinn Féin MLA for North Antrim, Philip McGuigan , has called for urgent collaboration between the owner of the Antrim Arms and statutory organisations to address structural safety and planning concerns that have left Fairhill Street closed —

From Ballycastle to Carryduff, communities across Northern Ireland are being urged to step forward as Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) launches a major On-Call Firefighter recruitment campaign. Branded ‘Your Town, Your Team, Your NIFRS’ , the three-week drive is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals who live or work within five minutes of their local On-Call Fire Station — people willing to carry a pager, respond at short notice and help protect their c

The derelict Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has said it will initiate further legal proceedings in relation to the potential demolition of the historic Antrim Arms Hotel in Ballycastle. The listed building, elements of which are more than 400 years old, was declared a dangerous structure by the council last year. At February’s meeting of the Environmental Services Committee, Alliance councillor Lee Kane put forward a motion seeking

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council  has agreed a below-inflation District Rate increase of 3.35% for the 2026/27 financial year, following a Special Council meeting held on 12 February 2026. The decision means householders in the borough will pay an additional £20.58 per year — equivalent to £0.40 per week — based on a domestic property with a rateable value of £124,728. The Council said both officers and elected members had “worked diligently” to deliver a smaller tha

Ronnie Duncan from Ballycastle encourages other farmers to compare their business with others through using the CAFRE Benchmarking Tool. Farm businesses that have a clear understanding of where they are performing well – and where improvements are needed – are better placed to strengthen profitability and resilience, according to the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). While farmers cannot control external pressures such as weather conditions, volatile

Mrs McCloskey's classroom celebrating with Papa Elf.  Festive cheer was delivered in style at Ballycastle Integrated Primary School after its Primary One class was named the winner of the Fibrus ‘Christmas Classroom’ competition. Local Full Fibre broadband provider Fibrus surprised pupils when Papa Elf and the Fibrus Tinsel Team arrived at their classroom bearing a sack filled with presents for every child. Papa Elf, a familiar festive figure who has brought Christmas cheer