Granny Rock, Bayview Road, Ballycastle, Co Antrim

This is a prominent geological rock formation, likely dating back before 1600, now situated within the Town Parks townland of Ballycastle, County Antrim. The rock, known as Granny’s Rock, is a large, black outcrop that projects significantly from a base of concrete. It rises as an impressive column from a concrete concourse designed to improve access to the harbour. A commemorative granite plaque is set into the base of the rock, marking the historical experiments in telegraphic communication carried out by Marchese Marconi and George Kemp. Prior to harbour improvements, the rock was situated so that waves would lap against it. The Ordnance Survey map of 1832 does not name the rock, although the 1856 revision introduces the name “Granny’s Rock” and suggests it may have served as a coastguard flag signal point at that location. The plaque was originally erected in July 1973 and was relocated on 24th July 1998, likely during the harbour construction. Marconi and Kemp used the rock as one of several test sites to achieve a signal from Rathlin Island. The rock is now fully encompassed within the concrete concourse created as part of the harbour improvements. The site is located within the Ballycastle Conservation Area.