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.
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. +1
"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
"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
"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
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. +1
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no specific play areas, the natural surroundings provide space for kids to roam. The legend of the 'Black Nun' can also be a fun, slightly spooky story to share with older children, adding an element of excitement to the visit.
Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The ancient graveyard, with its weathered gravestones, provides a sense of history and offers opportunities for detailed, evocative imagery. Consider visiting during the golden hour in the late afternoon for soft, warm light that enhances the textures of the stone.
Weekday mornings are ideal for capturing the ruins without other visitors in the frame. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The ease of access from Ballycastle and the free entry make it a spontaneous and rewarding detour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
This Franciscan friary was once a significant religious center, though it faced periods of contestation, notably by the MacDonnell clan. The ruins, while not fully intact, offer a fascinating architectural study with remnants of a cloister, gatehouse, altar, and church. Notable features include an east window, a staircase, and a sealed burial vault, which historically housed coffins of several Earls of Ulster. The friary's setting is as captivating as its history. Nestled near the Carey and Shesk rivers and surrounded by the lush greenery of a golf course, it provides a tranquil atmosphere.
While there are no visitor facilities on-site, the friary is easily accessible and free to visit.
The Legend of the Black Nun
While the specifics of the story vary, it often involves a tragic figure whose spirit is said to linger around the friary grounds. Visitors interested in the supernatural or local legends often seek out the supposed resting place of the Black Nun within the graveyard.
The graveyard itself is a significant feature, with many gravestones dating back to the 16th century, adding to the sense of history and mystery. Whether you're a believer in ghosts or simply appreciate a good story, the legend of the Black Nun is a captivating element of the Bonamargy Friary experience. It's a reminder of the rich oral traditions and historical narratives that are woven into the fabric of Northern Ireland's landscape.
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