Ballycastle, driving the cold winter away.

Ballycastle

Drive the cold winter away

Phantom queens on the mythical shore

Under a slightly ominous and wintery Ballycastle sky fly the Children of Lir. These were the mythical daughters and son of the Celtic sea god, Lir. In our photo, they are possibly accompanied by the Morrigan, the phantom queen and battle crow of Celtic mythology.

The Morrigan appears in many ancient tales. Sometimes, she appears an antagonist and others as an ally to the various characters in the tales. She has an especially complicated relationship with hero Cú Chulainn, the Hound of Ulster and greatest of warriors in ancient Ireland. 

Meanwhile, the story of the Children of Year is a classic Celtic tragedy. A jealous enchantress condemned the children to 300 years on this rugged shore as part of a 900-year curse. Children of the old pagan gods, they awaited the sound of bells from a new religion. After the 900 years had passed, they took refuge in a Christian church, a creed newly-arrived to Ireland. Dying from old age, they were buried together, embracing one another as a family, by the priest of the church. The tale is remembered for posterity in Ballycastle with a classy metallic sculpture on the seafront.     

Tucked away in the northeast corner  

Ballycastle sits in the far Irish northeast, in the county of Antrim and overlooks the Sea of Moyle. This is the stormy narrow northern channel of the Irish Sea separating Ireland from Scotland. It looks across at Rathlin Island, scene of the first known Viking raid in Ireland, said to be in 795AD. The area is the scene of many tales of Celtic Ireland, and the scenery definitely has a mystical feel. 

It sits at the northern point of the Antrim Glens. This is an extremely scenic drive which stretches from the village of Glenarm, on down the coast, to Ballycastle. You can then extend the drive by going westward at Ballycastle along the equally-scenic Causeway Coast. This contains outstanding views and history, with castles, coastal walks and the Giant's Causeway. The Causeway is our very own Irish wonder of the natural world and demands a visit. 

Historical markets and even more history

The town itself is famous for other things, like its place in the invention of radio and Marconi's subsequent links to the area. The Lammas Fair is another interesting event, and is an annual market fair which has run for the last 400 years. You can also find out about the various wars and skirmishes between the Irish clans and the Vikings, or English kings and queens over the centuries. These events often involved interventions and crisscrossing events from and with the neighbouring Scots. Many of the local landmarks attest to this history and you can easily walk or drive to local historical sites. Local historical sites of interest include Bunamargy Friary or Kinbane Castle. Both of these are significant in Ireland's history and its Gaelic clans, and are surrounded by outstanding scenery. 

The beach

It is cool and desolate on the beach in winter, but well worth the walk. You have excellent views of Rathlin Island and the Scottish coast. Scotland is only 12 miles, or 20 kilometres, away at its nearest, only a stone's throw to a mythical giant. The beach is extremely popular in the summertime with both local and foreign tourists flocking to the area. However, if you like a peaceful stroll in low season, the beach here is the place to go. 

There is plenty to do and see here, and we will be adding to this article, so keep an eye here!