Police in Ballycastle are investigating a fire at the derelict former Antrim Arms hotel on Castle Street as deliberate. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service received the first call at 8.08pm on Sunday 19 April 2026. Firefighters responded to a well-developed blaze at the property.

At peak, 42 firefighters attended from Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Portrush, Kilrea and Portstewart stations. Two aerial appliances came from Northland and Springfield stations. A command support unit arrived from Kilrea. Crews departed at 12.44am on Monday 20 April 2026 and handed the scene to police.

Officers closed streets around the area during the incident. All roads have reopened.

PSNI reference number 1487 19/04/26 applies to the case. Enquiries continue. Police ask for information, dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area. Contact Coleraine on 101 or submit online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Anonymous tips go to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.

Council cordons have enclosed the building for over a year over structural issues. The property dates to the 1700s. An application to demolish it was refused last year.

Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said local residents seek renovation and structural safety for the building. Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane voiced concern for nearby residents, businesses and emergency services.