
Bonamargy Friary
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 15th-century Franciscan friary, steeped in history and local legend, offering a peaceful escape on the Northern Ire...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Bonamargy Friary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a 15th-century Franciscan friary, steeped in history and local legend, offering a peaceful escape on the Northern Ireland coast.
"A tranquil oasis with fascinating history and a touch of spooky folklore."

🚗 Tiny Car Park Alert!
The parking lot is very small. Consider walking from Ballycastle if it's full.
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Admission is free! Enjoy the historical ruins and peaceful surroundings without any cost.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 218 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Friary Ruins
Main structure
Explore the well-preserved cloister, gatehouse, and church ruins of this 15th-century Franciscan friary.

Ancient Graveyard
Surrounding the friary
Wander among centuries-old gravestones, some dating back to the 1500s, adding a layer of history and intrigue.

The Black Nun's Grave
Graveyard
Discover the legendary grave of the 'Black Nun,' a figure of local spooky folklore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Embrace the Quiet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Tiny Car Park Alert!
The parking lot is very small. Consider walking from Ballycastle if it's full.
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Admission is free! Enjoy the historical ruins and peaceful surroundings without any cost.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Great spot for photos with its atmospheric ruins and scenic countryside.
👻 Spooky Folklore
Learn about local legends like the 'Black Nun' for an extra layer of intrigue.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Tiny Car Park Alert!
The parking lot is very small. Consider walking from Ballycastle if it's full.
🚶♀️ Free to Explore
Admission is free! Enjoy the historical ruins and peaceful surroundings without any cost.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Great spot for photos with its atmospheric ruins and scenic countryside.
👻 Spooky Folklore
Learn about local legends like the 'Black Nun' for an extra layer of intrigue.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven ground and potentially through grassy areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bonamargy Friary as a fascinating and well-preserved historical site, offering a peaceful escape with intriguing local folklore. Its free entry and scenic location make it a worthwhile stop, though the small car park can be a minor inconvenience.
"Fascinating historical site. Well worth a visit. The car parking area is very small so if it is full you may need to make the short walk carefully from the town."
Baking Bar
"This is a little treasure just off the main road .. take care to look out for the sign to the friary... it only shows right where the car park is . And yes, the car park is tiny, fit for 3 cars only so best to reverse into your space if you can to make exiting easier. It's a free site to visit and surprisingly good too. There's lots to see and some really old grave stones there too. It's not eerie at all, it's a wonderful set of ruins to walk around and in too.
There's a gate to access the ruins or a set of stone up and over steps which are fun.
The friary is in the middle of a beautiful golf course and is set in great country side surroundings.
Definitely call by if you're on the Antrim coast road, it'll be a shame to miss it if you're so close to it."
Tracey Bee
"If you're looking for a free place to pop into, this is a good little spot. It's not a large spot and can easily be seen in about 20 minutes. Some interesting lore if you go there..."
Kaylan Wells
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bonamargy Friary is located just outside Ballycastle on the Cushendall Road. While there's a small car park on-site, it fills up quickly. Many visitors opt to walk from Ballycastle, which is a pleasant and easy stroll.
Yes, there is a very small car park that can accommodate only about 3 cars. If it's full, you'll need to find parking in Ballycastle and walk.
While specific bus routes directly to the friary might be limited, you can take a bus to Ballycastle and then enjoy a short walk to the site. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Bonamargy Friary is situated near the Carey and Shesk rivers and is surrounded by a beautiful golf course. It's a great stop when exploring the Antrim coast road.
Keep an eye out for the sign to the friary, which often indicates the car park. It's located just off the main road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bonamargy Friary is a free historical site, making it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction for all visitors.
As an open-air historical site, Bonamargy Friary does not have set opening hours and can typically be visited at any time. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, tickets are not required as the site is free to enter. You can visit spontaneously without prior booking.
While you can roam around the exterior buildings and grounds, some interior spaces might be gated for preservation.
Yes, it's a relatively small site and can be explored in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a brief stop.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remains of a 15th-century Franciscan friary, including a cloister, gatehouse, altar, and church. The surrounding graveyard features ancient gravestones.
Absolutely! The atmospheric ruins, ancient gravestones, and scenic countryside make it a fantastic spot for photographers.
Visitors often describe it as peaceful, tranquil, and serene, offering a quiet contrast to nearby busy areas.
There are no visitor facilities on-site, so plan accordingly.
While some associate it with spooky folklore like the 'Black Nun,' many visitors find it peaceful rather than eerie.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light for capturing the ruins. Weekday mornings offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Focus on the architectural details of the ruins, the textures of the ancient gravestones, and the surrounding natural landscape.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and respect the historical and peaceful nature of the site before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the ruins and landscape, while a prime lens can be useful for detailed shots of gravestones.
Yes, you can photograph the grave, but always be respectful of the historical and potentially sensitive nature of the site.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit