Ballycastle arson: 'Deeply concerning' deliberate fire at 270-year-old hotel probed
A deliberate fire at a derelict hotel that dates back to the 1750s is being probed by police.
The Antrim Arms Hotel building in the Co Antrim town was set ablaze last night, damaging a structure that has been listed for protection due to its historical significance.
Described by officials as “a rare example of a mid-18th century inn, which, externally at least, has been relatively well preserved”, the three-storey former hotel is a local landmark in the seaside town’s centre, but has been lying empty for several years.
Cordons had been in place around the building since 2024 due to concerns over its structural integrity.
It was set on fire around 8pm on Sunday night, resulting in several streets being closed off as emergency services battled the blaze.
Finally extinguished after midnight, the PSNI now say the fire is being treated as deliberate and have appealed for information.
Stating he’s glad no one was hurt in the blaze, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew said the fire is “deeply concerning”.
“It is a shame that a building with such historical significance has been damaged further,” the DUP politician told the News Letter.
“For the sake of Ballycastle town a long-term solution needs to be found to address its long-standing structural and safety issues. I thank the Fire and Rescue Service for their swift action.”
During the blaze, 42 firefighters, two aerial appliances and a command support unit were at the scene, while local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland described the incident as “really concerning for the town”.
“The Antrim Arms had been such an important part of Ballycastle’s heritage, and tonight’s events will be worrying for many,” she stated. “The potential loss of heritage and a cultural cornerstone is devastating.
“It’s important that we allow the authorities the space to carry out their investigations.”
In a post on social media, councillor Lee Kane said he and Ms Mulholland spent several hours at the scene of the fire on Sunday night.
Describing the building as “an iconic part of this area’s built heritage”, he added: “Over the past few years I’ve heard from so many people locally who care deeply about it and want to see it protected. To see flames coming from the rear roof and windows is really sad to witness.
“I want to sincerely thank our emergency services for their professionalism and courage.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fire at a property in Castle Street, Ballycastle, on Sunday.
“The fire at the derelict hotel, which is being treated as deliberate, was reported to police shortly after 8pm on Sunday evening.
“Officers attended and closed a number of streets in the area while fire service personnel extinguished the fire.
“All streets have now re-opened.”
The Fire Service has confirmed their personnel left the scene just before 12.45am on Monday, after more than four hours battling the blaze.
A spokesperson stated it was “a well-developed fire at a derelict premises” that saw personnel from Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Portrush, Kilrea and Portstewart fire stations rush to the emergency.
“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the scene was handed over to the PSNI,” added the spokesperson.