Northern Ireland

Ballycastle named best place to live in Northern Ireland

Ballycastle in Co Antrim has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2022 list. Picture by Mal McCann
Ballycastle in Co Antrim has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2022 list. Picture by Mal McCann Ballycastle in Co Antrim has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2022 list. Picture by Mal McCann

BALLYCASTLE in Co Antrim has been voted the best place to live in Northern Ireland.

Recognised for its "welcoming atmosphere, it was named the north's number one spot in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2022 list.

The comprehensive guide listed a total of 70 locations around Britain and Northern Ireland.

The judging panel assessed a range of factors when making their decision including schools, transport, broadband, culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

While Ballycastle was named the best location in Northern Ireland, Derry and Helen's Bay in Co Down were also recognised.

The judges said Ballycastle is an "unspoilt fishing village" which is "a real coastal town rather than a tourist honeypot, with a strong independent streak and a welcoming atmosphere".

"There’s a vibrant food scene, with everything from old-fashioned fish and chips at Morton’s by the harbour to tasty sourdough at Ursa Minor bakery.

"The mile-long beach and beautiful surroundings make it a blissful base for families."

The judges said Derry is "reaping the rewards of years of investment and with a fine cultural reputation, this much-improved city stands out as somewhere cool, credible and cheap, with a bright future".

Helen's Bay was described as having a "natural beauty and an outdoorsy vibe" which have made "this corner of the gold coast a magnet for families who flock to its dog-friendly beaches and convenient trains to Belfast".

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said the list is "necessarily subjective".

"Leave it just to statistics and you will never capture the spirit of a place," she said.

"For that, you need to visit to take into account that ‘you have to be here’ feeling. Is the pub dog-friendly, for example? Can you live car-free? What are the schools and houses like? Is it multicultural and multigenerational, and can it offer a good way of life to lots of different sorts of people?

"This year we have discovered new best places to live, from resurgent city centres in the north, rejuvenated suburbs across the country, hidden villages in the southwest, and a commutable Scottish island.

"We hope there is something to suit everyone."