Ballycastle >History

The Shambles
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The word 'Shambles' means a place for the sale or slaughter of animals.

Situated at the junction which leads to Downpatrick Head, the Shambles is one of Ballycastle's oldest landmarks. It is surrounded by a high stone built wall. It was erected between 1830's - 1840's as a Co-Op for the buying of local farm produce. It was taken over by the British Government and used as a British Garrison in the late 1880's. In the 1920's, the Irish Land Commission took it over and rented it to a local farmer. It was used as a market place, where tolls were collected, for the selling of animals.

The walls to the Shambles are constructed of Sedimentary stone. There are a number of openings both arched and square and the main entrance has wrought iron gates.

The Ballycastle/Belderrig Development Co. bought it in 1999 and a number of various options are being discussed as to it's future use.