Best place to live in Northern Ireland unveiled - 'beautiful setting and big, beating heart' clinches top spot
A north coast town boasting a “beautiful setting and a big, beating heart” has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland.
And it’s a return appearance to the top slot of the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live poll for this Co Antrim seaside town, which is hailed as a “foodie hub” nestled among stunning scenery.
Ballycastle has been named the province’s number one place to make your home in 2026, beating out last year’s winner Dundrum – which, along with the Ormeau area of Belfast’s BT7 postcode, made a shortlist of Northern Ireland’s hot spots only to be pipped at the post.
Boasting dramatic scenery and an enviable beach, the Co Antrim town is on the doorstep of some of Ulster’s most famous natural wonders including the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges.
Home to only around 5,600 people, according to the last census, it’s popular with tourists and day-trippers, while its harbour hosts a ferry to Rathlin Island as well as small passenger services to Scotland’s Argyll coast.
Judges describe Ballycastle as “a town with a beautiful setting and a big, beating heart that’s always on display in the meet-ups at the library, the Solas charity that provides mental health support at minimal cost, the thriving independent high street and lively pub scene”.
Adds the Sunday Times panel: “The long sandy beach is the meeting point for dog walkers, birdwatchers and swimmers.
“Ballycastle’s reputation as a foodie hub is mainly down to Ursa Minor, a friendly cafe and one of the UK’s best bakeries, along with the greengrocers and butchers in town and local produce from Broughgammon Farm Shop, the North Coast Smokehouse and the Naturally North Coast and Glens Sunday market.”
It’s at least the fourth time the Sunday Times has awarded Ballycastle the Northern Irish top spot in its annual poll. Back in 2019, for example, the town was hailed as “Game of Thrones country” – the TV show’s final series was about to air – stating people would struggle to find “a more inspiring landscape than the sturdy coast and lush green glens” around it.
The full 72-strong list of best places to live across the UK can be found at https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-live