Major fire engulfs derelict Antrim Arms building in Ballycastle as police urge public to stay away
- Love Ballymena
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Image: McAuley Multimedia
A major fire broke out in Ballycastle on Sunday evening, sending thick plumes of smoke across the town and prompting urgent safety warnings for residents as dozens of firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.
The incident unfolded at the derelict former Antrim Arms building in The Diamond area, with emergency services receiving the first call at 8:08pm on Sunday 19 April 2026.
Firefighters battle blaze at prominent town centre site
Witnesses reported seeing large volumes of smoke rising into the evening sky as crews arrived and began tackling the fire at the long-vacant building, a prominent structure in the heart of Ballycastle.
In a statement issued during the incident, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed a significant multi-agency response was underway.
Image: McAuley Multimedia
A NIFRS spokesperson said:
“Crews are currently attending a fire at a derelict premises at The Diamond, Ballycastle.
“The initial call was received at 2008hrs, Sunday 19th April 2026.
“Currently 42 Firefighters from stations in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Portrush, are attending. 2 Aerial appliances, 1 from Northland Station and 1 from Springfield Station, are attending the incident along with a Command Support Unit from Kilrea Station. Crews are currently working hard to bring the incident under control.
“Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed, and members of the public are asked to avoid the area to support firefighting operations.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we dealt with this incident.”
The scale of the response underlined the seriousness of the fire, with specialist aerial appliances deployed to tackle flames at height and support containment efforts.
Police issue public safety warning as operation continues
Image: Anne Kelly
Police also moved quickly to secure the area, warning members of the public to stay clear of the scene as emergency services continued their work.
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said:
“Members of the public are advised to refrain from entering the vicinity of the Antrim Arms on Castle Street, Ballycastle.
“Emergency services, including personnel from the Police and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), are actively engaged in managing an ongoing fire in this area.
“We kindly request that all individuals prioritise their personal safety and provide the necessary space for NIFRS to perform their duties effectively.
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
Residents in nearby properties were specifically advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke conditions.
Derelict listed building at centre of demolition plans
Image: Anne Kelly
The building at the centre of the fire has been vacant for some time and has been the subject of recent planning activity.
Owners Maplemanor Properties submitted a Listed Building Consent application in 2025 to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council seeking permission to demolish the entire structure at 75 Castle Street.
In their application, the owners stated the former Antrim Arms Hotel had become a “dangerous structure” and required demolition.
The fire now raises fresh questions over the future of the site, which occupies a key position in Ballycastle’s town centre.
Emergency response ongoing as investigation likely
Fire crews continued working into the evening to bring the blaze under control, with operations focused on containment and preventing further spread.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
Further updates are expected as emergency services complete their response and assess the extent of damage to the structure.
At a glance
Major fire broke out at derelict Antrim Arms building in Ballycastle on Sunday evening
Emergency call received at 8:08pm on 19 April 2026
42 firefighters from Ballycastle, Ballymoney and Portrush attended
Two aerial appliances and a Command Support Unit deployed
Residents urged to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke
Police advised public to stay away from The Diamond and Castle Street area
Building owned by Maplemanor Properties and subject to demolition plans
Listed Building Consent application submitted in 2025
Owners previously described structure as a “dangerous structure”
Cause of fire not yet confirmed