Ballantrae is an attractive coastal village on the South Ayrshire coast in the area known as Carrick, situated 13 miles south of Girvan and 17 miles north of Stranraer.
Looking out to sea from Ballantrae, you’ll be able to see the coast of Ireland (on a clear day), the Mull of Kintyre, Ailsa Craig and Arran.
Ardstinchar Castle, once home to the Kennedys of Bargany, overlooks the village which offers great fishing opportunities not only in the River Stinchar which is one of our area`s top salmon fishing rivers, but in the many rivers and lochs nearby.
Craigiemains Home and Garden Centre sits at the north end of the village. It has a coffee shop, gift shop, children’s play area, miniature train, farm shop and Visitor Information Point which contains information on things to see and do in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway
The village also has a Primary School, a small SCOTMID supermarket and Post Office, a Thrift Shop, a Medical Centre, a Parish Church, a Community Hall, Play Park and Recreation Ground, a garage with 24hr petrol pumps, and two hotels (Glenapp Castle and The King’s Arms), plus several B&Bs, self catering properties and a caravan park.
Another feature is the putting green situated on the shore at Foreland.
The Ayrshire Coastal Path passes through the village and there are plenty of other local walks nearby.
The village is on the South West Coastal 300 Route and makes an ideal place to explore and perhaps stay along the way.
Each year on the second weekend in June you can enjoy the award winning 2 day Ballantrae Festival of Food & Drink which has become a 'don't miss' event in the food calendar. A giant marquee at the harbour takes full advantage of the spectacular view and houses over 50 diverse food and drink stalls. Celebrity chef demonstrations and food foraging expeditions are just some of the highlights to look forward to.
The village calendar also includes the Ballantrae Smugglers’ Festival which celebrates Ballantrae’s rich smuggling history. Other events in the calendar include Gala Day, Craft and Village Fairs, Firework Displays, a Flower Show, music, theatre, and cinema screenings.
Ballantrae, with its dark skies, sits on the edge of the UNESCO Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. The Galloway Forest Park is within a short distance, affording great walking and cycling opportunities as well as star gazing opportunities at the Galloway Dark Sky Park.
