Ballygally Castle

Ballygally Castle stands on a headland above Ballygally Bay in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It was built in 1625 by James Shaw, a Scotsman who rented the land from Randal MacDonnell, Earl of Antrim. The castle is a four-storey Scottish baronial building with walls nearly 1.5 metres thick and four corner turrets. A bawn once surrounded the castle, and a walled garden remains a Scheduled Historic Monument. The main entrance bears a Middle Scots inscription about divine providence. The castle has a long history of resistance and education. In 1641, Irish forces tried several times to capture it but failed. Later, in the 1730s, the Shaw children were taught by David Manson, a pioneer of Belfast education. The castle was extended around 1760 when Henry Shaw married and brought his wife’s sisters to live there. By 1799, the Shaw family’s wealth had declined, and the castle passed through many owners before becoming a coastguard station. Today the castle operates as a hotel and is known for its haunting reputation. Paranormal writers like Jeff Belanger have highlighted its ghostly reputation. The building retains its original turrets and spiral stairs, though part of the bawn was removed in the 19th century for a coast road. The walled garden and thick stone walls add to its historic atmosphere. Visitors can explore the castle’s rooms and enjoy views over the bay.