Local Wildlife: By Land & Sea
It All Begins Here
Ballycastle, Rathlin Island and the surrounding Causeway Coast are a biodiversity hotspot. Whether you are scanning the cliffs to the sea, here’s a list of what you could expect to find.
Puffins: For most of the year, puffins spend their time at sea, but every spring, the cliffs of the North Coast call them home. Between late March and early April, thousands of these "Sea Parrots" return to the rugged edges of Rathlin Island to breed. They swap the open ocean for the grassy slopes of the West Lighthouse.
By Sea
Seals: Both Common (Harbour) Seals and Grey Seals are frequently seen hauled out on the rocks at Mill Bay on Rathlin or near the Ballycastle marina. Frequently seen on the coastal walk towards Marconi’s cottage resting on rocks.
Note for June: This marks the start of pupping season for Common seals. You may notice pregnant seals resting nearby; to ensure their safety and yours, please maintain a respectful distance at all times.
Basking Sharks: These gentle giants usually arrive in late spring/early summer. Keep an eye out for a large, slow-moving triangular fin near the surface.
Bottlenose Dolphins: The stretch between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island is a prime playground for Bottlenose dolphins. Known for their curiosity, these pods of five to ten are a frequent sight in the Sound, occasionally surfacing just yards from the beach. Add a tour with Kintra Boats to your itinerary for a chance to see Dolphins, Puffins & Seals
By Land
Irish Hares & The Golden Hare: Rathlin Island is a sanctuary for the Irish hare, but it’s famous for a rare genetic quirk: the Rathlin Golden Hare. These striking creatures sport pale blonde fur and piercing blue eyes, looking like something straight out of a Celtic myth.
Common Irish Hares can be spotted around Ballycastle Golf Club or commonly known locally as “The Warren”. They are incredibly shy. Bring binoculars and stay quiet, they can bolt at speeds of up to 30mph!
Follow North Coast Nature for up-close & personal wildlife shots
Red Squirrels: You don’t have to travel far from the town center to find one of the island’s rarest treasures. Ballycastle Forest is one of the few remaining places in Ireland where red squirrels truly thrive. Follow the trails starting from Fairhill Street, and keep your ears open for their distinctive chattering or the sound of pine cones "raining" down from the canopy. These nimble acrobats are most active at dawn, so an early morning walk is your best bet for a sighting. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you can play a vital role in their conservation. By reporting your sighting to The Glens Red Squirrel Group, you're directly helping this local charity in their mission to protect and preserve our native wildlife.
Deer: Several deer species, including Roe and Red deer, can be spotted in the Ballycastle area, particularly around Murlough Bay and Ballypatrick Forest. Your best chances for a sighting are at dawn or dusk, when silence and keeping a respectful distance are key.
Be very cautious when driving at night, deer are famously disoriented by headlights. The bright light causes their pupils to dilate, which temporarily dazes them and makes them freeze. Remember: if you see one, expect more. Deer rarely travel alone, and where one crosses, a second or third is often not far behind. Slow down in wooded areas and be ready to dip your lights if you spot a pair of glowing eyes staring back at you.
Book your adventure break direct on our website or by calling 028 2076 2222
A Guide to the Northern Lights on the Causeway Coast
It All Begins Here
Staying at the Marine Hotel Ballycastle places you at the eastern gateway of one of the world’s most spectacular coastal routes and one of the best places in the UK to witness the Aurora Borealis. With its northern facing horizon and low light pollution, the Causeway Coast offers a front row seat to this celestial wonder.
Top Local Spotting Locations
Because you need a clear, unobstructed view of the northern horizon, these nearby coastal landmarks are prime territory:
Ballycastle Beach & Harbor: Just a short stroll from the hotel, the beach offers views of Rathlin Island and the North Channel. While town lights exist, heading toward the eastern end near the pans rocks (bridge) can provide a darker advantage point.
Kinbane Castle: Located about 2.6 miles away, this dramatic limestone headland juts out into the sea, offering incredibly dark skies away from any town glow. Free carparking with uninterrupted views.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A National Trust site only 6 miles from the hotel, Carrick-a-Rede has also been granted Dark Sky Discovery status. Its car park is open 24 hours for pedestrians, making it one of the premier stargazing spots in Northern Ireland.
Ballintoy Harbour: Famous for its rugged rock formations and lack of light pollution, this harbor (5.7 miles away) provides a stunning, north-facing foreground for photographers.
Murlough Bay: For the ultimate experience, only 4.7 miles from the hotel. A secluded spot and off the beaten track. A clear northern horizon and low light pollution providing the best chances of sight. A photographer hotspot by day & night.
Timing Your Hunt
While the Aurora is a natural phenomenon that can be unpredictable, your chances are significantly higher if you follow these tips:
Best Months: Statistically, activity peaks during the Spring (March/April) and Autumn (September/October) equinoxes.
Optimal Conditions: You need a dark, clear night with no cloud cover. It is also best to avoid nights with a full moon, as the bright moonlight can wash out the faint colors of the Aurora.
Solar Activity: Look for high "Kp-index" ratings. A Kp-index of 5 or higher often means the lights will be visible from the North Coast.igh-efficiency, dual-flush toilets that significantly lower water consumption compared to standard models.
Marine Hotel Ballycastle is Northern Ireland’s Second B Corp Hotel & Fourth across the island of Ireland.
It All Begins Here
“Leading the way in sustainable hospitality…”
What does being B Corp mean?
As a B Corp, The Marine Hotel is legally committed to considering the impact of its decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders and to operating with equal focus on People, Planet, and Profit. This certification places the hotel among a global group of progressive businesses that sit between traditional for-profit models and non-profit organisations in their purpose and values.
With deep community roots and known for its support of local events, sports clubs and charitable initiatives, The Marine has become a hub for locals and visitors alike.
General Manager, Olga Henry with Directors Claire Hunter & Colum McLornan
How have we delivered as a B Corp Hotel?
Sponsorship of local sports clubs
Employee well-being, job satisfaction and development programmes
A living wage employer - all roles are paid above the national minimum wage
90% of contractors and food suppliers are based within 50 miles of the hotel ensuring that the best quality of produce is sourced and supporting the local economy.
Environmental impact by reducing our carbon emissions, eliminating single use plastics & the introduction of smart recycling initiatives
We are committed to reducing our water footprint through guest-led towel reuse programs and the installation of high-efficiency, dual-flush toilets that significantly lower water consumption compared to standard models.
Guests well-being, through free to hire bicycles & yoga mats as well as free to join guest experiences including bread making & whiskey demonstrations, guided walks & beach cleans
Installation of two EV Car Charging stations
Sponsorship of local events
Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Our Vision & Our Mission
The Vision:
To be the leading 4-star hotel on the North Coast, providing consistently excellent and affordable products and services. We aim to use sustainable local produce wherever possible and operate in an environmentally and socially responsible way.
The Mission:
To deliver high-quality, relaxed beachside hospitality in a safe, healthy, fair, and fun workplace. We are committed to team growth, learning, and nurturing talent to build the future of the hospitality industry.
The B Corp journey was rigorous, involving months of documentation, evaluation and a formal change to the hotel’s legal governance.
“We did this because it matters,” said Claire Hunter, Director of Marine Hotel Ballycastle
Food produce sourced from within 50 miles
Giants, Kings & Cliff Edge Castles
It All Begins Here
A Causeway Coast Road Trip
If you’re waking up with us at the Marine Hotel, you’re already perfectly positioned. With the sound of the waves right outside your window and the fresh sea air greeting you, you know an adventure is on the horizon.
Ballycastle isn't just a beautiful seaside town; it’s the gateway to one of the world's most spectacular driving routes: The Causeway Coastal Route.
While you could spend days exploring every hidden cove, we’ve listed the essential "Big Four" road trip itinerary. This route takes you from hidden gems to world famous icons, all within an easy drive of the hotel.
Murlough Bay
Stop 1: The Hidden Jewel | Murlough Bay
Distance from Marine Hotel: approx. 15 minute drive east.
We’re starting the day with a secret. While the tour buses head straight west, we’re taking a quick detour east to one of Northern Ireland's most tranquil and breathtaking spots.
Murlough Bay is famous for its incredible beauty and relative seclusion. Nestled between Fair Head and Torr Head, this sheltered bay offers sweeping vistas across the sea to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The drive down is an adventure in itself, a steep & winding road that demands your attention but rewards you with scenery that feels untouched by time.
It’s peaceful, rugged and utterly mesmerising. Take a walk along the shore, breathe in the isolation and watch for the wild goats that cling to the steep slopes. At night, you might even spot some deer’s.
Local tip: Drive carefully on the descent. It’s narrow and steep, so take your time and use passing places.
Dark Hedges
Stop 2: The Mystical Avenue | The Dark Hedges
Distance from Murlough Bay: approx. 25 minute drive back inland.
Leaving the coast behind for a moment, we head inland to a phenomenal atmospheric avenue of trees. Planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors approaching their Georgian mansion, the Dark Hedges are an avenue of ancient beech trees that have interwoven to create a natural & haunting tunnel.
In recent years, they’ve gained worldwide fame as the "Kingsroad" in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Even if you’ve never seen the show, walking beneath these twisting, gnarled branches is a magical, slightly eerie experience. The interplay of light and shadow here is a photographer's dream.
Please note: Help protect these ancient trees. To preserve the tree roots, the avenue is now a pedestrian only zone. Please adhere to the local signage and use the designated car park nearby.
Dunluce Castle
Stop 3: Romance on the Edge | Dunluce Castle
Distance from Dark Hedges: approx. 20 minute drive back towards the coast.
Now, we rejoin the coast and head west, where history meets dramatic geology. Suddenly, rounding a bend, you’ll see it: Dunluce Castle, clinging to a basalt outcropping, appearing as if it’s about to tumble into the sea below.
These iconic medieval ruins are arguably the most romantic and photogenic on the island of Ireland. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the castle has a rich history of feuding clans and even a kitchen that supposedly fell into the sea during a storm in 1639.
Wander through the roofless great hall and imagine the feasts that once took place here, all while the sound of the crashing waves fills the air.
Giants Causeway
Stop 4: In the footsteps of the Giants - The Giant's Causeway
Distance from Dunluce Castle: approx. 10 minute drive west.
You can’t come to the Antrim Coast without visiting the jewel in its crown. Just a short hop from Dunluce is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Giant’s Causeway.
Was it formed by rapidly cooling volcanic lava sixty million years ago, creating nearly 40,000 interlocking hexagonal columns? Or, as we prefer to believe, was it built by the Irish giant Finn McCool as a stepping-stone bridge to Scotland to face his rival, Benandonner?
Whichever story you subscribe to, the sight is awe-inspiring. Scramble over the geometric stones, let the sea spray hit your face at the water's edge, and marvel at a landscape that looks utterly alien. Make sure to take a seat on the “Wishing Chair”.
A trove of local experiences
It All Begins Here
Experiences this Spring
Stay ~ explore ~ shop ~ swim ~ eat ~ drink
Niche Coastal: A Sea Sauna Experience
Niche Coastal is a small independent business founded by young entrepreneur Declan McCook, driven by a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, promoting well-being, and offering a slice of luxury that’s both accessible and affordable. With Niche Coastal
Sauna, Declan’s vision is to create a community of like-minded individuals who can experience the transformative power of sauna therapy in a unique setting. By combining the rejuvenating effects of the sauna with the stunning coastal views, Niche Coastal Sauna aims to help people feel and see the remarkable benefits for themselves.
Niche Coastal, Sea Sauna Experience in Ballycastle
Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours
We have all experienced spectacular sea views from cliff top paths, viewpoints and beaches. Now, with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours you have the chance to experience the beauty of Northern Ireland like never before, Our tours will show you the beauty, heritage and history of Northern Ireland from a totally unique perspective. All Tours suited to varieties of experience. All our tours and experiences are fully guided, Our highly qualified and experienced local guides are self motivated to make every tour as memorable as possible with the local knowledge of the regions they are paddling.
Horse Trekking with Sheans Horse Farm
Trekking at Sheans is for First timers, Novice riders and Beginners.
All treks involve getting mounted up and a short lesson before going out on an escorted walking trek on our tracks, (trotting is only done outdoors on hacks). Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the North Antrim hills with views over 5 counties before returning to the stables, where we will teach you how to trot. (for those who want to).
Stay & Play with Ballycastle Golf Club
On the North Antrim Coast, situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located just a few minutes from the town center and your base at the hotel, the club’s position is unique for its beachside location.
Parkland & Rivers: The first five holes are set in lush parkland along the banks of the Margy and Carey Rivers, wrapping around the historic 12th century ruins of Bonamargy Friary.
The Shoreline: From the 6th hole onward, the course transforms into a classic links layout, running directly alongside Ballycastle Beach.
Panoramic: The "top holes" on the back nine climb into the seaside hills, offering sweeping views of Fair Head, Rathlin Island and even the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland on a clear day.
Discover Golf Breaks in Ballycastle
Ballycastle Golf Club, Causeway Coast
Exploring the Causeway Coast
Departing from the hotel's seafront location, you are perfectly positioned to loop through a mix of cinematic history and geological wonders.
The Journey from Ballycastle
The Dark Hedges: A short 15-minute drive inland brings you to this hauntingly beautiful avenue of ancient beech trees. Planted in the 18th century and made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones, the intertwining branches create a natural tunnel that is best captured in the soft morning light.
Giant’s Causeway: Continuing west along the coast, you’ll reach this UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, 40,000 interlocking basalt columns tumble into the Atlantic—a landscape steeped in the myth of the giant Finn McCool and shaped by 60 million years of volcanic history.
Dunluce Castle: Perched precariously on the edge of a crumbling basalt cliff, these medieval ruins offer one of the most dramatic silhouettes in Ireland. Accessible via a short drive past Bushmills, the castle provides panoramic views of the "mermaids' cave" beneath its foundations.
Our Recommended Route
Starting at the Marine Hotel, head south to the Dark Hedges first to beat the midday crowds. From there, strike back to the coast to visit the Giant's Causeway, and finish your afternoon at Dunluce Castle for a spectacular sunset over the ruins.
The Causeway Coastal Route
Boat Sightseeing Tours with Kintra
Departing Ballycastle harbour for a tour along the North Coast, on departing the harbour you are greeted with spectacular views of the cliffs at Fairhead, Rathlin island and Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. We make our way Westward along the North Coast, taking in the sights of Kinbane Castle, a McDonnell strong hold from 1547, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, salmon fisherman’s cottage on Carrick-a-Rede Island, spectacular sea caves, the giants cut in the limestone cliff, smugglers cave, and the mermaids waterfall. The cliffs are alive with nesting sea birds from early spring. Seals, dolphins, whale and Basking shark in late summer, can all be encountered on our tours.
Kintra Boat Tours, Ballycastle
Sea Swimming
Find yourself feeling free when at Sea? The Causeway Coast is not only a feast for the eyes, but a haven for sea swimming enthusiasts. Breathtaking scenery as far as the naked eye can see, unique rock formations that will leave you wondering and Irish waters to absorb natures minerals. From Cushendun along the coast to Portstewart, each location offers a unique experience of its own.
Ballycastle Swimrise Club, morning swims daily from 8:30am
Shop, Eat & Drink Local
Ballycastle is a town that prides itself on being a "special little place" where the local spirit is baked, woven and crafted into everything you find. When you step out from the Marine Hotel, you aren’t just walking through a town, you’re entering a community of makers to Bakers. The town invites you to slow down. Take the time to step inside, chat with the shopkeepers and find that perfect something for yourself.
Home made Beautiful - A gift shop packed with little treasures on every shelf.
“you're a good person and you deserve to be surrounded by lovely things”Ursa Minor Bakehouse - Follow the scent of toasted grain and yeast to find their legendary sourdough bread.
“bringing their love of baking to their local community and travellers who pass through the town.”House of McDonnell (Wee Toms) - Enjoy a pint of Guinness and live traditional music in one of Ballycastle’s oldest pubs
"One of the only architecturally listed Pubs in Ireland. Famous for its music and owned by the same family for 278 years”
Home made Beautiful, Ballycastle