Ballycastle on the Antrim coast has been named Northern Ireland's best place to live in the 2026 Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. The guide selected 72 locations across the UK, with Norwich in Norfolk as the national winner.

Judges assessed places using criteria that include schools, transport links, broadband speeds, mobile coverage, green space access and high street conditions. Ballycastle secured the regional top position.

The town features community activities such as the Solas charity that offers mental health support. Its long sandy beach attracts dog walkers, birdwatchers and swimmers throughout the year.

Local food businesses include Ursa Minor cafe, independent greengrocers and butchers, Broughgammon Farm Shop, North Coast Smokehouse and the Naturally North Coast and Glens Sunday market.

Two other Northern Ireland places appear in the guide: Dundrum in County Down and Ormeau in Belfast BT7.