Guidebook for Moyle

( for Airbnb) LOCAL INFORMATION To make the most of your stay, here is some information about the local area. In Ballycastle we enjoy a slower pace of life so take the time to relax and chat to people. We are in an ideal base for exploring Northern Ireland and in an area of outstanding natural beauty but it is essential to have a car to explore the area properly as public transport is limited. Safe journey. Updated March 2023 Pubs, cafes and Restaurants We were very impressed with the food and service at the Cellar Restaurant (March 2023) and definitely recommend it- serves an Early Bird menu till 6.30pm and also serve fresh Ballycastle Lobster- best to book-closed on Wednesdays. Thyme and Co. have a range of real homemade dishes and is very popular with locals. Ursa Minor is a vegan friendly , artisan cafe and popular with visitors - more expensive than most- closed Sundays and Mondays. Dolly’s serves a good Ulster fry and another locals choice. The Salthouse Hotel is the upper end of eating here, there are wonderful views and it’s great for a morning coffee or a more expensive lunch or dinner. The Bothy on the coast road after White Park Bay is another good stop for coffee and food- closed Sundays. The Bushmills Inn serves lovely food in the bar or restaurant, it is a fabulous old Inn with real gas lighting in the bar and open fires. They have live music on Saturday nights and there is also a small cinema (set menu, 2 courses plus cinema ticket for 8pm viewings, see website for details) best to book. In Ballycastle, The Central Bar or O’Connors ( live traditional Irish music on Thursdays) are very popular and good for families. We like the Boyd Arms and The House of McDonell ( outdoor courtyard at back and live music most weekends) which are ‘atmospheric’ Irish drinking pubs, great for a pint of Guinness but no food. Life is laid back in Ballycastle and opening times are very flexible and aren’t always as advertised so it’s best to phone or pop along and check out places in person. Morton’s fish and chips ( takeaway or covered sitting area) are famous in Ballycastle but we were very disappointed with the food last time we visited. Hope that helps, there are taxis in town to get in or out of town and if you want to leave the car at the cottage, you could even walk into town along the coast road/ beach and get a taxi back. Walking on the main A2 road into Ballycastle is not recommended especially at night as it is a busy road and can be dangerous. Doctors Dalriada health centre, (No A&E) Castle Street, Ballycastle, BT54 6BA Opening hours are usually Monday - Friday 0830-1730. Reception is closed on a Wednesday afternoon from 1300. The practice is closed at weekends. In case of emergency please ring 999 (non- emergency/ urgent NHS 111. Or police 101). Main hospital with A&E department: Causeway Hospital, Coleraine Dentist: Quay dental practice, 79 Ann Street, Ballycastle Banks: Northern are on Ann Street and HSBC is available at the post office. ATM: Ann Street, Boyles Spar at the seafront, post office/petrol station, Spar shop on Moyle Road and Eurospar. Shop, Eat and Stay Local . Ballycastle has all the shops you need from pharmacies, bakers, butchers, grocers, hardware, clothes, shoe shops and smaller supermarkets. Bigger supermarkets and shops can be found at Ballymoney, Coleraine , Ballymena and Belfast Car parking There are carparks with free parking on Castle Street, behind the petrol station; in the Diamond; on the way to the seafront by the football pitches and at the seafront and free on street parking in places , however, most street parking is limited to 1 hour. Be particularly careful if parking outside the Marine Hotel because the spaces in front have a 1 hour limit but on the opposite side of the road beside the park there is no time limit. Many places have a time limit or you may need to buy a ticket from the machine. Always check for parking instructions. There is a carpark behind the council offices, opposite the tennis courts which can be used free of charge on weekends and bank holidays.