The much-anticipated annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide has named Ballycastle in County Antrim the best place to live in Northern Ireland. The 2026 guide was released in March this year and gave the seaside town on Northern Ireland's north coast a big thumbs up. 

The Sunday Times guide is a well-respected round-up as it takes into account a huge range of factors. Ballycastle comes top not just for its idyllic location, but its strong sense of community and thriving independent retail sector.

What are the must-see spots in Ballycastle for visitors, and is it worth selling up and heading to the town permanently? Let's take a look at what makes Ballycastle such a great place to live.

A Stunning Location

Ballycastle's location is second to none. It holds the title of eastern gateway to the Causeway Coast and is a fantastic base for exploring iconic Causeway Coast sites. The stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the famous Giant's Causeway are both less than 10 miles away.

The town itself has a beautiful beach, bustling marina and plenty of independent shops and restaurants. Nearby Rathlin Island, known for its bird sanctuary and wildlife, is only a ferry ride from Ballycastle harbour. 

Many people don't realise how close Ballycastle is to Scotland. You have a clear view of Scotland's Kintyre peninsula across the water and can make the 22km trip over to the Mull of Kintyre in about an hour and a half.

A Strong Sense of Community and History

Ballycastle boasts a rich heritage and a strong community and voluntary sector, with a lot of local charities working in the area. It's also home to the Corrymeela Centre, which hosts over 11,000 visitors annually for residential programs and retreats. The centre was founded in 1965 and is Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation.

Ballycastle is particularly famous for the Ould Lammas Fair, thought to be one of the oldest annual fairs in Ireland. The Ould Lammas Fair takes place over two days in August every year and has records dating back to the 17th century. 

Making a Permanent Move to Ballycastle

Despite being one of the most sought-after locations in the country, Ballycastle is relatively affordable, especially compared to mainland UK. With an average house price as of March 2026 of £252,300, it's the cheapest area in the Sunday Times top ten.

Fancy moving to Ballycastle? Your first step is to find out how much your own property is worth and what you can get for your money. Because of the location, you may find you need to be

selling your house quick, so be prepared for this. A cash buying service can be useful here. Rather than find yourself stuck in a chain, they'll give you a guaranteed sale at a time that suits you. You can often get cash in the bank in as little as a week.

Whether you decide to make a move or just want to visit for a holiday, Ballycastle has plenty to offer. You won't be disappointed.