| Ballycastle
meaning 'Town of the Castle' is a village on the scenic west
coast of Ireland. With so much to offer, it is worth taking
a visit.
At
Downpatrick Head, you see
the spectacular sea-stack 'Dún Briste' which was separated
from the mainland in 1893 and a puffing hole 'Poll na Seantainne'
with subterranean channel to the sea. There is also a viewing
stand here to view the many species of birds on Dún Briste.
The
'Céide Fields' are 8 km west on the Ballycastle to Belderrig
road. Here you have stone age farm settlements, preserved
beneath the wild blanket bog, with old landscape of stonewalled
dwellings and megalithic tombs. There is an Interpretive Centre
on the site, which explains the archaeology, botany and geology
of the site. It also offers guided tours and a short film
on the area.
Across
the road from the Céide Fields
entrance, there is a viewing platform where you can enjoy
the fantastic view of the 365ft high cliffs, the Staggs of
Broadhaven to the west and the sea-stack 'Dún Briste' to the
east of here.
There
are also standing stones, ring forts, stone circles and 30
court tombs. The Standing Stone
in Doonfeeney cemetery is the second largest in Ireland.
Activities
include walking, fishing, diving, wind-surfing, horse-riding
and swimming. It is also on the 'Tír Sáile' Sculpture Trail
and the Western Way Walking route.
Ballinglen
Arts Foundation hosts an Art Exhibition by international artists
during July/August in the Foundation Gallery and Ballycastle
Art Group hold an Exhibition by local artists in the Resource
Centre.
The
Tourist Office situated in the Resource Centre, upper Main
Street will give you information on the area and also offers
fax, internet and photocopying services. |
