The Open 2025 Accommodation
Ballycastle: The Perfect Base for Golf Fans Attending The Open in Portrush
Located just a 30-minute drive from the famous Dunluce Links, Ballycastle provides a relaxed and less congested environment while still offering stunning coastal scenery, excellent golf, and great dining options.
Nearby Airports – Ballycastle is approximately 1 hour from Belfast International Airport and 1 hour 15 minutes from Belfast City Airport, making it easily accessible for international visitors.
The Property – Ballapousta - 52 Leyland Meadows Ballycastle BT54 6JX
This is a holiday home rental that is not used very often so is available for golf fans for the Open.
• A family-friendly detached 4/5 bedroom home in a great seaside location.
• Completely refurbished and uncluttered. All new appliances and furniture.
• Easy walking distance to pubs, restaurants, supermarkets, shops etc.
• Enclosed and private garden with gazebo and bbq.
• Ballycastle is a lovely seaside town with beach, bars, restaurants and golf course.
• Short driving distance to Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery, Causeway Coast, Dark Hedges and Rathlin Island.
• One hour to Belfast including the Titanic Quarter.
Ballycastle Golf Course – A Hidden Gem
In addition to great bars, shops, pubs and restaurants Ballycastle has its own 18 hole links golf course. Golf fans will love Ballycastle Golf Club, a challenging yet scenic 18-hole links and parkland course that offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fair Head. It’s one of the few courses in Ireland where you can play beside both the sea and ancient ruins. If you're looking for a round before or after The Open, Ballycastle is an excellent choice, with affordable green fees compared to other championship courses.
Great Pubs & Restaurants – Without the Crowds
During The Open, Portrush can be overwhelmed with visitors, making it difficult to find a good place to eat or grab a drink. Ballycastle, on the other hand, offers fantastic dining options without the long waits. Some highly-rated spots from TripAdvisor include:
• O’Connors Bar – A lively pub with great food and a fantastic whiskey selection.
• Marconi’s Bar & Bistro – Ideal for fresh seafood and classic Irish dishes.
• Thyme & Co – A cozy café perfect for breakfast or brunch
• Morton’s Fish & Chips – Award winning Fish and Chip shop
• The Salthouse Hotel – A stylish spot for a quiet drink or a meal with stunning views.
Looking for Other Activities Before or After the Golf?
Top 10 Popular Attractions Near Ballycastle in N.Ireland:
1. **Giant's Causeway** A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic activity, with local legends adding a mythical twist.
2. **Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge** Suspended 30 meters above the Atlantic, this bridge offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and the Scottish coast.
3. **Dunluce Castle** Ruins of a medieval castle perched dramatically on the cliffs, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.
4. **Rathlin Island** A short ferry ride from Ballycastle, Rathlin Island is known for its birdwatching, rugged scenery, and lighthouses.
5. **Dark Hedges** Made famous by *Game of Thrones*, this hauntingly beautiful avenue of beech trees is perfect for a scenic drive or walk.
6. **Bushmills Distillery** The world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, offering guided tours and tastings.
7. **Torr Head** This rugged coastal viewpoint offers panoramic views, especially stunning for photography enthusiasts.
8. **Whitepark Bay Beach** A quiet, scenic beach perfect for a peaceful stroll, bordered by cliffs and rolling sand dunes.
9. **Fair Head** Known for its breathtaking cliffs, this is another *Game of Thrones* filming location, perfect for hikes and panoramic views.
10. **Belfast Titanic Museum** Just an hour from Ballycastle, this museum tells the story of the Titanic through interactive exhibits in the city where it was built.
Location: Ballycastle, County Antrim
Bedrooms: 5
Price: 800 per night
