Business Details
Your Ultimate Irish Pub Experience in Ballycastle
Established in 2002, O'Connors Bar in Ballycastle has become a cornerstone of traditional Irish hospitality. Under the stewardship of local owner Cormac O'Connor, we have cultivated a reputation for serving the finest pint of Guinness in North Antrim, complemented by a menu of freshly prepared dishes crafted by chef Chris Burrows. Our commitment to quality extends to sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring every meal reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Antrim Coast. The bar retains its traditional charm with comfortable booths and a welcoming atmosphere, while our Beer Garden offers seasonal live entertainment and private event hosting.Recognised for excellence in customer service, our team consistently delivers a family-friendly environment where locals and visitors alike can enjoy authentic Irish 'craic agus ceol'. With accolades from patrons praising our generous portions, vibrant ambiance, and exceptional value, we remain dedicated to preserving the warmth and authenticity that defines Irish pub culture.
Services
Traditional Irish Music Nights
Fresh Seafood Dishes
Gluten-Free Options
Beer Garden Events
Branded Merchandise
Private Functions
Local Produce Sourcing
Vegan Cuisine
Cocktail Bar
Live Entertainment
Highlights and features
- We serve the best pint of Guinness in North Antrim.
- Our menu features freshly prepared meals using local ingredients.
- We host traditional Irish music nights weekly.
- Family-friendly environment welcoming locals and visitors.
- Our Beer Garden offers live entertainment in summer months.
What people say
Excellent food
Friendly staff
Best pint
Vibrant atmosphere
Highly recommend
Services
Traditional Irish Music Nights
Weekly traditional Irish music sessions featuring local talent. These events create an authentic cultural experience, combining lively tunes with the warm ambiance of our historic bar. Patrons can enjoy spontaneous performances in a setting that celebrates Ireland's musical heritage.
Fresh Seafood Dishes
Locally sourced seafood prepared daily by chef Chris Burrows. Dishes include mussels steamed in Irish cider cream, monkfish moilee curry, and seafood platters. Ingredients come directly from North Antrim's coastal suppliers to ensure freshness and support local fisheries.
Beer Garden Events
Seasonal summer events in our Beer Garden featuring DJs and live bands. This space combines casual outdoor dining with entertainment, offering a relaxed alternative to the main bar. Available for private functions with full catering support.
Vegan Cuisine
Dedicated vegan menu items including shepherds pie and sweet potato fries. Developed in response to customer requests, these dishes use fresh, locally sourced vegetables and grains. Prepared separately to maintain dietary integrity while maintaining Irish culinary traditions.
Cocktail Bar
Specialist cocktail menu featuring Irish gins and house-made mixers. Signature drinks like 'The Breen Wood Bramble' combine local spirits with fresh ingredients. Premium tonics and garnishes enhance the tasting experience in a traditional pub setting.
People
Cormac O'Connor
Owner
Ballycastle native who revitalised the bar since 2002, maintaining traditional character while introducing modern improvements. Focuses on community engagement and quality standards that earned recognition as North Antrim's top Guinness provider.
Chris Burrows
Head Chef
Responsible for creating menus that showcase local ingredients with both traditional and international influences. Ensures consistent quality across all food offerings while adapting to modern dietary requirements like vegan and gluten-free options.
Questions
What makes O'Connor's Bar unique?
We combine traditional Irish pub atmosphere with modern amenities, serving award-winning Guinness alongside chef-prepared meals using local ingredients in a family-friendly environment.
Do you offer vegan menu options?
Yes, we provide specifically designed vegan dishes like shepherds pie, developed through consultation with customers to maintain authenticity while meeting dietary requirements.
Are live music events free to attend?
Our traditional Irish music nights are complimentary, offering spontaneous entertainment without additional charges for patrons dining or socialising in the main bar area.
Can I purchase O'Connor's merchandise?
Yes, we offer branded clothing with our distinctive logo available for purchase in the bar or through staff assistance via email.
What are your opening hours?
We're open daily from 11:30am until late, with food service available until 9pm. The Beer Garden operates seasonally during summer months.
Is the Beer Garden available for private hire?
Yes, our Beer Garden can be reserved for private functions with full catering support and entertainment options available upon request.
Reviews (7)
Oisin Scullion
Dec 23, 2021
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Great service, lovely Guinness (best pint I've had in a long while), outstanding food. Will definitely be back.
Tom McCready
Nov 30, 2021
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After a long, full moonlit walk along the beach, we had a delightful meal in a very welcoming, homely environment. The ambience & comfort of O'connors was only surpassed by the attentive & professional performance of the staff at all levels. A very enjoyable experience.
P. & M.
Oct 29, 2021
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Saturday 2nd Oct 21 in the afternoon. Had the McKay Burger and my nephew the Club Sandwich which he would have preferred the chunky chips with but was advised only came with skinny fries.Both however very nice indeed
Even tried my first "alcohol free" Guinness - very nice
Would recommend
Even tried my first "alcohol free" Guinness - very nice
Would recommend
Jill Forsythe
Sep 28, 2021
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Great meal. Wonderful staff and the best ever restaurant for following Covid guidance. Felt very safe. Highly recommend
Beverley Black
Sep 28, 2021
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Disappointed with the service received tonight. I didnt receive the meal I ordered, and no apology was given by the staff member. She insisted that she had repeated the order. Obviously a breakdown in communication as I thought I had ordered Mediterranean vegetables on ficaccio and she misheard the order as fishcakes. ...during the rest of the meal our table was ignored by that staff member..not a pleasant experience.
Michael Reid
Jul 13, 2021
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We phoned at the start of the week to book a table for the weekend. We were told that they were no longer taking reservations and that we would get a table if we showed up early enough on the Saturday. After arriving shortly before 6, we were told that they were fully booked from reservations and they could put us on a waiting list with 14 people on it. This was confusing as we were told it would be walk ins only. We were then unable to get a table anywhere else in the town as they were all fully booked. We would have just booked at one of the other restaurants had we known they would be doing
Dan Reilly
Jun 08, 2021
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We went to Ballycastle from Kildare for the weekend. We stumbled across O'Connors bar when looking for food. On arrival we were greeted by a friendly young man (cant remember his name) who found us a spacious table. The service was excellent and all staff extremely friendly. If you were in Ballycastle for a weekend we would highly recommend O'Connors bar
