A trove of local experiences

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 timersNovice 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.

Download Map Here

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