Bonamargy Friary

While the friary grounds are generally flat, the terrain around the ruins can be uneven, and there are well-worn steps leading to the dormitory in the gatehouse. Visitors with mobility challenges may find some areas difficult to navigate. The site is an ancient ruin, so paths are not always paved or smooth.

Bonamargy Friary is generally dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs on leads within the grounds. Many of the surrounding walking trails, including the coastal paths near Ballycastle, are also suitable for dogs. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the site's historical integrity and natural beauty.

Local bus services connect Ballycastle to the area near Bonamargy Friary. While specific schedules should be checked with local transport providers, it's a viable option for those without private vehicles. Alternatively, the friary is a pleasant walk of approximately 2 kilometers from Ballycastle, taking about 30 minutes to an hour.

Most visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the main features of Bonamargy Friary, including the church ruins, gatehouse, burial vaults, and the grave of 'The Black Nun'. If you plan to combine your visit with a walk from Ballycastle or explore nearby coastal paths, allocate more time for your overall outing.

Bonamargy Friary is located just outside Ballycastle, where you'll find a good selection of cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering local cuisine. There are also various accommodation options available in Ballycastle, ranging from guesthouses to hotels, making it a convenient base for exploring the North Antrim Coast.

The friary's sealed burial vaults hold the remains of significant historical figures. These include the celebrated chieftain Sorley Boy MacDonnell, his grandson Randall MacDonnell (the 1st Marquess of Antrim), and several other Earls of Antrim. The grave of the 17th-century prophet and recluse, Julia MacQuillen, known as 'The Black Nun', is also a notable point of interest, marked by a worn Celtic cross.

The immediate area around Bonamargy Friary is relatively flat, but the ground within the ruins can be uneven. Walking trails leading from Ballycastle to the friary are generally easy and flat. For coastal walks along the North Antrim Coast, you can expect varied terrain, including paved paths, grassy tracks, and potentially some inclines and declines, offering diverse experiences for hikers.

Beyond the main church and burial vaults, be sure to look for the small two-story gatehouse, which once served as a store, workroom, and dormitory. The impressive traceried east window, erected in 1621, is also a notable architectural feature. Don't miss the distinctive worn Celtic cross marking the grave of 'The Black Nun' at the west end of the main church, a site steeped in local legend.

While Bonamargy Friary can be enjoyed year-round, it tends to be less crowded during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) and on weekdays. Summer weekends, especially during good weather, can attract more visitors. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help you experience the site with fewer people.

Julia MacQuillen, known as 'The Black Nun', was a 17th-century prophet and recluse associated with the friary. Legend says she wished to be buried at the entrance of the chapel so that people would walk over her grave as a token of her humility. Her grave is marked by a unique worn Celtic cross with a hole in the center. Folklore also suggests she haunts the site, with a local saying that 'those who do the black nun spy, on that very day will die'.

The North Antrim Coast is rich in history. While Bonamargy Friary is unique as the only Franciscan foundation to survive in such tangible form in Northern Ireland, other historical sites in the region include Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, and the Giant's Causeway, which, while a natural wonder, also has significant historical and mythological connections.