The Garden Restaurant in Larne

We love 'the Castle' whether for a meal, a quick bite in the lounge or a drink. Your standards never drop. Welcome in second to none and service and food never disappoints, no matter what member of the staff team we meet. No hesitation recommending. We've had so many nice times there whether for a special occasion or a quick bite. Of course have to mention Norma who is a v special part of what the Castle hospitality is! Thanks to each and all.

We had a lovely day at ballygally hotel celebrating my dad's 70th birthday. The room was beautiful, not too crowded, stunning views and amazing food from soups, salads, seafood and 4 choices of meat for main Sunday lunch. Desserts beautiful and something for everyone followed by tea and coffee out at the bar area. Staff attentive and helpful. The gardens also immaculate and worth a walk round. We will be back again and would recommend the carvery.

We were celebrating our Wedding Anniversary back where we had our reception. The complimentary glass was much appreciated, and helped to make our day special. Thank you .

I was there at carvery with my husband for my birthday and everything was lovely, food was delicious, the only thing was when we went up for main we lifted plates and they were really hot had to use 2 napkins to hold it and my husband behind me bumped into me with plate and burned my arm. The man serving the meat saw me jumping and said he thinks those plates were at the bottom so long they've overheated and lifted a lot out to cool, I went to bar and girl gave me some ice in a napkin which I had to hold against it, there was a couple of plates already sitting out but the one on top had gravy on it so lifted one of the other ones apart from that we had a lovely meal and then a walk in the gardens which r beautiful and we will certainly be back

Beautiful hotel in fabulous surroundings, we have the afternoon tea, the staff couldn't be any nicer and the food was great a really lovely experience altogether.

The room was clean and comfortable which was great for a young family. As it was a family trip for a birthday we were most excited for the evening meal and drinks. Overall we were quite disappointed with the food and the service. The waitresses on that evening were nice but we couldn’t help but feel with some of them, we were a bit of a hassle to them. We do understand that we had 9 children in tow which can be quite annoying for a server, but we couldn’t help but feel a bit apologetic for even attending the restaurant as it felt we were a bit of a nuisance to them. The starters came out before the drinks, the wrong wine came out so it then had to go back and then waited for the next to come out which was grand but then the other couple had to wait even longer for their bottle of wine. We had to ask a couple of times for a side of chips that didn’t come. By the time it came the main was almost finished. The food itself was just ok which was a pity. Overall, it was quite a disappointing experience and for that unfortunately we don’t think we would return. Many Thanks,

Not as Advertised – Disappointing Afternoon Tea We were really let down by this afternoon tea. The menu advertised a range of savoury items, but we were told we could only choose two. One item listed as focaccia was just plain bread, and the mini Caesar wraps were incredibly dry. No tea options were offered — just a basic pot each. The scone was good, but we had to request jam, cream, and butter. Service was slow, and the child’s meal arrived long after ours. Overall, disorganised, misleading, and not worth the price.

Fantastic first visit to Ballygally. We enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, gardens and the history. Along with the delicious food and drink and lovely service we recieved!

A lovely afternoon tea with my folks. Great service and food.

The welcome and service was good and particularly friendly making us feel st home. The food was delicious with really high quality, very tasty ingredients. A lovely place to stay.

Fantastic place to stay and see everyone was so friendly and professional I would really recommend this place thanks everyone for a wonderful time.

The service was efficient and the food was delicious!

Excellent service lovely view staff were helpful.

We had a wonderful experience. Breathtaking scenery over looking the Irish Sea. The ghost room was beautifully tragic. I would recommend Ballygally to everyone.

The manageress of the restaurant/ lounge was clearly under pressure, complaining loudly about the confusion over orders and annoyance that we hadn’t been given the deserts that we had ordered (her choice of language was questionable in front of young ears). My husband ordered the Cajun chicken wrap, we were very disappointed that it was plain chicken with a squirt of Cajun mayo… very dry and mediocre. We commented that perhaps the spar/ convenience store a few hundred yards up the road may have offered something a little more interesting. My main concern is that twice we heard the waiter ask the barman what coffees were decaf before serving customers, on both occasions (two separate orders) the barman and waiter and MANAGERESS all stood and ogled the coffees surmising what one they ‘thought’ it might be, then joked and shrugged. I found this quite concerning as I know how series this could be for some people.

Slightly limited menu but realise it was Easter

Service in the bar was friendly and the food was very good- had a reservation for lunch and was given a table beside the window- a nice touch- first time visit and will return

Oh my.. I was so emotional. Don't know why but the lovely feel to Ballygally castle and the views are breathtaking. The staff very friendly. They made you feel so welcome. The entrance straight away tells you how clean, how beautiful this hotel is. We went up the spiral staircase to the Ghost Room , Lady Isabella. You actually feel a chill climbing the narrow stairs. The Gardens are well kept, pristine. The evening meal and the staff were the best ever. They really deserved to be tipped. So attentative so for you travellers who just walk out I say show them some appreciation. It has to be said. Breakfast was very nice as well. And, they clear your plates from the table throughout. It's the little things that some hotels miss. They could learn a lot from Ballygally Castle The room itself was spacious and huge bed, views that will stay with me forever, a bath and seperate shower and ever so clean. Magical way to end to our holiday. This by far has been the best hotel of our 16 day tour. Top of the League.

Good pub grub served in a lovely clean restaurant.

First class food coupled with first class service in a first class setting. Says it all. Really enjoyable family dinner.

Very pleasant afternoon. Staff helpful and accommodating.

The lounge dining is the perfect setting for an informal, delicious meal overlooking the sea. Great choice from the menu and staff very attentive and friendly.

Excellent food though in some areas service was a bit slow

We had a lovely experience at the restaurant at Ballygally Castle yesterday. All four of us found our food delicious. There was a lovely atmosphere in the restaurant which catered so well for everyone. Looking forward to returning when we’re back in Larne .

We had the lovely afternoon tea for Mother's Day, it was delicious and the service was fantastic. We will definitely be back.

I took my wife and mother in law for mother's day, we were worried because it's a small menu, my mother in law said she was happy to go because they had fish and chips, as soon as we were seated we were informed that there was no fish and chips so that was not a good start and with it only being 5.45pm that was not good to run out so early in the day, then we were sitting for about 20min no one came to take our drink order I had to ask, eventually someone can and took our order, the starter's came still no drinks I had to ask were they were and was told the bar was busy, we had our starters and mains but to be honest the food was not very good for the money we were being charged, we were then asked did we want dessert and we said yes can we see the menu, 15min went past no menu and again I had to ask then when we got the menu we were informed there was no apple cake and again that was what my wife and mother wanted so I just told the manager to just bring me the bill, so the service was poor, the food quality was poor and then to top it off some things we're not available from the menu, I paid £145 and left feeling I had given it away for such a poor experience.

Lovely experience. Only let down was the fact bread was hard due to sandwiches being made in advance.

Went for afternoon tea. My wife was gluten free. Her meal was terrible . The bread was the cheapest gluten free bread and the crusts were not even cut. Her pastries apart from one were bought in a shop. Her afternoon was ruined. My wife complained and we only paid for one tea. Overall a very disappointing afternoon which was a special treat.

We booked a sea view but the carpark does spoil the views so don’t think I’d pay the extra fee in the future but a beautiful hotel and a beautiful room but would benefit from a mini fridge and a coffee maker,evening meal and breakfast was lovely,this was a gift from my parents for our 30th wedding anniversary which was stated at time of booking a little token would’ve been nice all in all we very much enjoyed our stay Kind regards

Server was fantastic and so friendly! Food was very yummy bar the roast beef sandwiches which were dry but everything else so fresh and tasty!

Very good food and staff were lovely

Fabulous stay at Ballygally. Our room was beautiful. Staff were friendly and welcoming. Food was beautiful particularly breakfast! We will definitely be back!

Loved it. We went midweek and it was a peaceful, tranquil break! Overlooks the coast and the staff were so helpful. Food was good too though breakfasts might have been a bit hotter or a microwave to heat it up. But a great selection of everything. Enjoyed it and will be back.

We were here for afternoon tea , had a lovely table by the window looking out to sea , food was great and the staff were very helpful especially Chloe who went out of her way to rearrange a table at the window for us .

Food was disappointing. Dishes lacked flavour - I had the slowed cooked beef. Apart from the parsnip puree everything was tasteless; the colcannon contained bitter cabbage. Salting the dish didn’t help. Service was extremely slow and the serving staff seemed bored/disinterested. A girl setting tables dropped piece of cutlery which she picked up and placed on table. I ordered an appetiser which was flat with an aftertaste. This was quickly replaced when mentioned. Hubby asked for vinegar and is still waiting. No butter for wheaten bread accompanying prawn cocktail. Most disappointed.

If you want a relaxing and peaceful stay away I highly recommend this place was so nice

Good well presented tasty food.

We had a lovely time at the Garden Restaurant. We got in touch in advance to inquire about vegan options for our party and the chef was able to make adjustments to the vegan/vegetarian options on the menu. It was beautiful and full of flavour. The serving staff were all very friendly and accommodating. We stayed overnight and for breakfast the next morning we had a similar experience. The serving staff advised what options we had from the buffet, provided alternative milks for cereal and hot drinks, then the chef prepared hot food for us in the kitchen. A truly wonderful experience that I would recommend.

Lovely afternoon spent with family. Great food and attentive service .

Helpful and pleasant staff Good food

Stunning location. Top notch rooms. Meals are good quality but slightly overpriced esp breakfast.

Very nice carvery, and really tasty ingredients. This is my sixth time going all lovely as usual my only slight fault was not as much choice for starters as on previous visits. Everything else fantastic from food to friendly and helpful staff to piano playing in the background. Best carvery in Northern Ireland for sure.😊

Great food , very relaxed and beautiful setting .

Relaxed environment and very friendly staff

Food was amazing, and service was excellent!!

Thankyou for a lovely experience at the buffet lunch on Sunday we have been at ballygallycastle hotel quite a few times. We have found the customer service second to none we are very impressed with the delicious food on offer at all times Thankyou Angela...

Beautiful afternoon tea just how we remember it. We haven’t been to the Ballygally in a few years and it was always our favourite afternoon tea spot pre covid. Since my daughter was diagnosed coeliac, afternoon tea could be a challenge to cater to for gluten free. Ballygally went above and beyond and gave my daughter the same experience as the rest of our party celebrating the end of a week long celebration for my mums 60th birthday. Our server was extremely polite and very helpful and nothing was a bother to him. All staff that attended to us were very helpful and polite so we will be returning more frequently now we know you offer such a great gluten free afternoon tea! Thank you Ballygally 5⭐️

It was a lovely setting, with attentive staff and plenty of delicious treats as part of the afternoon tea package. Thank you!!

Love the relaxed atmosphere of this hotel. Restaurant was fully booked but the service was excellent. Great selection on the menu and the food we ordered was beautiful.

Great hotel, very quiet and love the old part which is were we stayed. Especially the ghost room. Staff were very welcoming and couldn't do enough for you. Food in the restaurant was great, the bar staff were attentive and stocked up the fire for us which was amazing as it was a horrible cold night, great pint of Guinness as well. Also asked for late check out and they were very accommodating. Overall 4/5 and I would go back as it was a great price to stay. Only gripe I would have is the breakfast was a 3/5, no vegetarian option for a cooked breakfast and it was a buffet service, the cooked food was lying in grease. Prefer a cooked to order breakfast as it's not as greasy. Other than that I recommend this hotel.

Our 2nd time staying in this Hotel, very good service & food, very relaxing atmosphere.

Lovely meal and setting, very attentive staff.

Loved our stay here we have stayed in a few of the hastings hotels but this was just so chilled will definitely be back

Unfortunately, we were very disappointed with our main meal in the evening. We ordered chicken in a wild mushroom jou. When it arrived, there was 1 small carrot, no bigger than my small finger, 1 piece of sprouting broccoli, 4 tiny potatoes supposedly pan seared and 1 piece of chicken on the bone. The chicken looked like it had been boiled as there was no colour to the outside at all. Absolutely no flavour whatsoever. As for the jou, there was no more than a small spoonful. I was very upset as my daughter had paid for a gift card totalling £80 for my birthday, and the food was so awful which has made it a complete waste of money. Thank goodness our room etc was really nice. It did not, however, make up for the meal which was the one thing we were looking forward to. Very disappointing

We had the loveliest lunch at Ballygally Castle, my parents and I. There is always a lovely ambience and great views at this venue. The sandwiches were really fresh, the soup was delicious and they had lovely fresh gluten free bread for my mum. We got a side of chips between us and they were so crisp but also fluffy on the inside. The whole experience was really enjoyable. We will be back

I was expecting the choice of food to be better from a Hastings hotel.

Beautiful place, really enjoyed our stay. View amazing and very friendly staff. We will come back soon 💕

A beautiful hotel in a lovely location, but what really makes a hotel is the staff and here Ballygally Castle excels, the staff were a credit to their profession. Each and every member of staff were so friendly and give excellent service.

Really enjoyed the food and the show, staff were excellent

❤️ love the place!!! Trying to recover from the loss of my glorious mother! E eron🥹✊✊✊🥹🥹🥹✊

Lovely helpful staff and delicious starters and deserts. We enjoyed the carvery but thought it would have been perfect if it had been just a tad hotter! Thank you

We had a wonderful weekend break at Ballygally Castle Hotel. The food in the Garden Restaurant was amazing. We would definitely recommend you visit.

A very welcoming place to stay.

Good food and lovely atmosphere. The only comment I would make for further improvement on what is already a lovely dining experience would be for a chocolate fountain as part of the desserts option. Kids loved this before and were a little disappointed that it wasn’t there this time round. Also would be good for all desserts to be named on the slates. Dessert in a cup, not sure what it was, a heated plate with what I think was white chocolate and ice cream with no lid to show flavour, strawberry maybe, not sure. Pianist was amazing!!!!

We had afternoon tea for my mum's birthday. The quality and quantity of the food was excellent. The staff are very helpful and accommodating on our visit. There's no pressure to leave after a certain time which is lovely because it makes the day so relaxing and enjoyable. I would highly recommend your establishment to family and friends.

This is our second visit. Simple food done well. Fresh, tasty, good variety. Everyone enjoyed the grub. Attentive service too. Thanks.

Returning yet again for a carvery meal on Sunday we were not disappointed. The food and service were outstanding as always. Our go to for a perfect Sunday roast!

Arrived before check-in and had the Sunday buffet. Delicious and excellent service. Loved the room and just sat by the fire most of the evening relaxing with a glass of wine or two. Room was spotless and modern with everything we needed.

Lovely restaurant...food was very good, we had the duck which we would've liked a bit rarer but that's just a matter of preference. Starter and dessert were first class.

This is one of the best Hotels we have ever stayed in. Everything from beginning to end was superb. So relaxing with a nice pleasant atmosphere. If you want a wee break this is the place you won’t be disappointed.

Everything was perfect, our room was very suited for two people. The food was amazing. The service was great. The only thing I would say is the atmosphere was not the best due to not getting seated in the area where the singer was playing, the lights were dimmed a lot and looked like people wanted to go to bed but it was very chilled. The drinks was amazing but a bit pricey and the heat in the room was very warm! Other than this I would definitely stay again. The coast on the outside was the perfect little touch to our stay.

Things that were good – prior to our afternoon tea I had emailed to request some plain ham sandwiches for my picky daughter. The email was answered promptly and when we arrived and looking at the menu it was clear that my request had been met which was brilliant. The customer service from beginning to end was 2nd to none. All of the staff were polite, attentive and friendly. We enjoyed where we were sitting at the window. The atmosphere was really nice with the festive decorations. The scones were lovely and warm, but they were somewhat dry. But we got extra butter and cream so they were lovely. There was a nice variety offered of both Savoury and sweet. There was a real Wow factor when the food was brought out on the stands. Things that could be improved – the sandwiches appeared to have been sitting around for quite some time and the bread was dry. Some of my family’s sandwiches seemed to be nicer than others! For example, for the festive sandwiches, my husband’s didn’t have any cranberry sauce. The festive trifle did not have much flavour and could’ve done with some sponge to make it more like a trifle. To be honest, for the price, the food was a wee bit disappointing. It looked good, but wasn’t particularly flavourful/special. Would I recommend it? Probably, but I would advise friends to go earlier in the day so the sandwiches would be fresher. Overall - thanks for a lovely afternoon. My daughters had never had afternoon tea before and they really enjoyed it 😊

Fantastic range of very appetising food and 5 star service from the very polite attentive staff

We had dinner while staying at the Ballygally Castle Hotel. The place surely has a very medieval vibe to it. Great selection of food on the menu. Tried the slow cooked beef and was blown away. Everything was perfect and very good and friendly service.

Stunning setting, fabulous food, attentive and friendly staff - we enjoyed a great afternoon tea in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Loved it, will be back!!!

We have been to Ballygalley Castle Hotel on a number of times for carvery & or coffee. This was our first a la cart dinner, breakfast and overnight stay. Firstly, on arrival the welcome was genuinely warm & friendly, check in was prompt, then we got to our room which was huge & pleasantly decorated. It had all the amenities one could want. Then to the bar/lounge; warm decor and with 60 mph winds blowing outside the lounge was near silent apart from the quiet chat of the many customers. Real log fires added to the atmosphere. Drinks prices were slightly cheaper than other 4* hotels. They certainly know how to make proper Irish coffees too (10/10). The meal in the Garden restaurant was quiet: due to the pre-Christmas rush but the menu was comprehensive. The food was expertly cooked and presented. The waiting staff & matre’d (waiter/manager) pleasantly efficient. A good choice of average priced wines available too. Breakfast next morning was cooked the way the famous Ulster Fry should be cooked, and with all ingredients locally sourced there was absolute no stodginess. In fact it was just perfect, only the Grand Central 5* hotel in Belfast Ulster Fry is comparable quality. Our entire visit was very pleasant with nothing of note to complain about. Other aspects such as parking, are all catered for. All in all - Excellent!

Food was lovely, though portion sizes were not as big as other restaurants we have eaten in. Staff were very friendly. And the place looked beautiful, especially with the christmas trees etc.

Delicious food excellent service highly recommended

Birthday treat for wife, booked bed and breakfast and afternoon tea, great relaxing time, afternoon tea was fantastic with a festive touch. 🎄☃️ great breakfast too.

The afternoon tea was lovely. All the food was delicious - and lots of it. We had a seat by the window which we enjoyed on a stormy Saturday afternoon. and the staff were great too.

Our first visit to Ballygally Castle. We had a beautiful meal in the Garden Restaurant, service was excellent. Well worth a visit.

we booked the Garden Room restaurant a couple of months in advance for a special occasion. we received a phone call two hours before the reservation time to advise the restaurant was booked and we would have to eat in the bar. luckily a proper height table was provided but it was a disappointing experience.

Fantastic variety of hot and cold scrumptious food. Attentive staff and cozy Christmas atmosphere ... perfect way to start the festive season. See you again soon.

Great experience here! The food was good, and the room was very peaceful. I also have a gluten allergy, and the staff was prepared to tell me everything I could safely eat, which I really appreciated. Would absolutely return again.

Excellent stay and the receptionist who booked us in and out is an assett to your company! I think her name is Katherine?

Great friendly service and staff

We spent a very relaxing evening at the hotel. Nice surroundings, nice room and nice staff.

Is there anywhere else in the world you could eat a delectable, lovingly prepared Sunday dinner, in a Castle whilst a pod of dolphins played in the bay? Only at Ballygally Castle Hotel. We love the Sunday Carvery, the choice and quality of food is second to none. I particularly love the linen tablecloths and napkins, the polished cutlery, the glassware and attention to detail. All staff are so warm and welcoming, local, polite and 5 star at their job. The pianist just adds that touch of luxury to a relaxing ambience.

Staff were brilliant, accomodating a very fussy 3 year old! Food was lovely and the children enjoyed exploring the Ghost Room whilst waiting for dinner. The only reason atmosphere is 4* was due to our early sitting etc. it felt a bit lacking in atmosphere in a large room, but that is probably more our fault than the hotel!

Yet another wonderful lunch with my mum. Many thanks to Jess, Chloe and Grace for their exceptional customer service and for always making us feel like VIP's.

We ate here as we were staying in hotel. Restaurant is very pretty and service was friendly and efficient. The menu is small and limited if staying a few nights. It lacks the zing of a hotel promoting province. The food is fine. But it didn’t entice us back for a second night. It’s pricey for what it is.

Fantastic place to visit for a meal and a bit of scenery. The gardens are a great place for some pictures and if you are lucky enough for a sunny day a beer in the gardens. The staff were great but confused us over some of the starters that had been taken off the menu. Overall a lovely place to visit, eat and drink.

Room and view was lovely, comfortable massive bed, two red velvet buns, and bottled water, also tea and coffee. Let down for me was the food, I had the pate which was lovely but did not really like it on soda bread. We have stayed there a few times and I decided to order the Steak for the second time and for the second time it was over cooked, I asked for medium but it was well done no sign of pink at all. Not really surprised because you never seem to get a steak cooked properly anywhere. The Breakfast staff were brilliant, but I wish they would cook the bacon a bit more, no fried eggs in the buffet but the waitress got me two, the potato bread was a disappointment, there was lots of choice, orange juice hit the mark, as did the fresh grapefruit.

Staff rather young but friendly, atmosphere quite nice but the food is thoroughly overpriced and below what you can expect from a place like this. Was served a £9 "couscous salad" that was basically dry couscous, seeds, broccoli and rocket salad thrown into a bowl without any dressing at all. Got olive oil and balsamic dressing after I asked for it, but it's really not worth it. Disappointing, as this restaurant has the potential to be a really pleasant spot.

Having grown up in Co Antrim in the 1980s / 90s, it’s sad to see that most of the independent, family run hotels and restaurants have mostly been taken over by hospitality companies. Each time I return home from England, I find that more and more traditional establishments have gone and as such the menus and drinks selection have become standardised and more akin to English pub grub than traditional Irish food. My parents often spoke warmly about the cellar bar in Ballygalley Castle, however that has long gone - likely a victim of health and safety or fire regulations. So the main restaurant is now the garden restaurant. While the restaurant is pleasant, I was disappointed at the limited choice available. Half of the starters were also available as main courses, and there were 2 salad options. There also seems to be a lot of pork options available, pork belly for both mains and starters, and sausage and mash for mains. There’s nothing wrong with pork, however, on a very limited menu, it seems a lot. For starters we had soup and the pate dish. The soup was fine, however the pate was served with soda bread, which wasn’t really toasted enough to be crispy. The big disappointment was the selection of main courses. Being on the coast, I was hoping for a decent fish selection. However this was limited to battered fish and chips (pub grub), or sea trout - a fiddly dish if ever there was one. Where was the mackerel, sea bass or salmon that are caught locally? There was also no lamb option. In the end we had a chicken and slow cooked pulled beef dish, a beef dish and sausages and mash - which was called something fancy. While the food was tasty and nicely prepared, it’s obvious to see the menu is based on cost cutting rather than variety. Particularly noticeable as the chicken / beef combination used exactly the same slow cooked beef as the single beef dish. As someone who eats out regularly, there is nothing wrong with this. However at approximately £20 per main course, I would expect individuality and not a mix n match approach. I did fancy the 10oz sirloin steak, however this was priced at £32, and I had eaten exactly the same steak in another restaurant the previous evening for a mere £20. The dessert menu was even more limited, and in all honesty, reminiscent of a supermarket frozen aisle, so I opted for coffee instead. When it finally came the coffee was lukewarm and extremely bitter. At £4.20 for a small cup, this was disappointing. The staff were pleasant, and for this reason I decided on 3 stars. However, until the menu is significantly overhauled, I don’t think I shall return.

The menu is the star , great food ,great table ,great service good atmosphere

There isn't a huge choice of restaurants along this part of the coast so we drove back down the lovely coast road to have dinner here--an interesting place with some Game of Thrones connections. The food was very good and reasonably priced and the service was spot on.

Excellent food and amazing service. The surroundings were also beautiful.

We had our evening meal here during our stay in the hotel. We were sat right next to the fire, which was lovely. The service and food were excellent and very reasonably priced. The two of us had 3 courses, with drinks, came to £80. After the main, we needed a break and the waitress kindly let us go out into the garden for a little stroll between courses! The Apple Crumble for dessert worth the Salted Caramel Anglaise was particularly good!

Our recent stay in the hotel included a 3 course evening meal. Great selection on the menu and the food was fantastic. A good wine selection also!