The Northern Ireland town named in The Sunday Times Best places to live four times
Every year, The Sunday Times newspaper publishes its definitive list of the Best Places to live in Northern Ireland, and the judges make their decision based on a number of factors, including schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.This week, Ballycastle was named as the 2026 winner of the Best Place to live in Northern Ireland, with Dundrum, Co Down and Ormeau in South Belfast named as joint runner-up.In their verdict the judges said; "Ballycastle is a town with a beautiful setting and a big, beating heart that’s always on display in the meet-ups at the library, the Solas charity that provides mental health support at minimal cost, the thriving independent high street and lively pub scene. The long sandy beach is the meeting point for dog walkers, birdwatchers and swimmers.READ MORE: Seaside town named best place to live in NI by Sunday TimesREAD MORE: Council unveils proposed pedestrianisation of city centre for Fleadh Cheoil"Ballycastle’s reputation as a foodie hub is mainly down to Ursa Minor, a friendly café and one of the UK’s best bakeries, along with the greengrocers and butchers in town and local produce from Broughgammon Farm Shop, the North Coast Smokehouse and the Naturally North Coast and Glens Sunday market."This year wasn't Ballycastle's first time on the list; in fact, it has been included in four of the seven lists published by The Sunday Times, and was named as overall winner three times.A few other spots across Northern Ireland also make repeat appearances in the lists, including Holywood, Dundrum and Ormeau.Here's a look back at the winners and runners-up from the past seven years:2019:2020:Ballycastle, Co Antrim - regional winnerSouth BelfastDundrum, Co DownHillsborough, Co DownHolywood, Co Down2021:Holywood - regional winnerMagherafelt, Co DerryStrangford Lough, Co Down2022:Ballycastle, Co Antrim - regional winnerDerryHelen's Bay, Co Down2023:Donaghadee, Co Down - regional winnerOrmeau, BelfastEnniskillen, Co Fermanagh2024:Portstewart, Co Derry - regional winnerDonaghadee, Co DownOrmeau, Belfast2025:Dundrum, Co Down - regional winnerHolywood, Co DownPortstewart, Co Derry2026:Ballycastle, County Antrim- regional winnerDundrum, County DownOrmeau, Belfast BT7Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says: “It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community."Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live. These judges have travelled the length and breadth of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, selecting the top towns and villages, suburbs and cities for the 2026 guide. One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.
