Former Railway Station, Council Yard, Ballycastle, Co Antrim

The ruinous station building is a good example of a small seaside town railway station, offering potential for restoration as part of Ballycastle’s industrial heritage and contributing to the setting of the nearby Tow viaduct (HB05/14/027).

The station building is a single-story structure, significantly affected by vegetation and fencing, making a detailed elevation description difficult. It appears to have been originally constructed in red brick and later rendered, at least in parts. The roof retains its Bangor blue slates and a single red brick chimney. A wall extending along the platform is built of coursed random rubble basalt. A similar basalt wall supports a cylindrical water cistern, which was used for engines.

The Ballymoney to Ballycastle narrow gauge railway received Royal Assent on 22nd July 1875, with plans prepared by John Lanyon and James E McKinnon, using a gauge of 3 feet. Construction began in January 1879 and traffic commenced on 18th October 1880; the station building likely dates from around 1880. Although the lowest tender was submitted by Messrs Connor and Manisty, financial difficulties led to the contract being transferred to Messrs Butter & Fry. Rail traffic ceased in the 1950s. The site is now partially occupied by a bus depot and the council yard of the Moyle District Council. The Tow viaduct remains (see HB05/14/027), and sections of the permanent way without rails extend as far as Fairhill Street. The station is recorded as derelict and of industrial archaeological interest, situated within a conservation area.