Ballygalley is three miles from Larne and in the parish of Cairncastle (Cairn of the Castle) which derives its name from the old castle on the rock island near Ballygally Head. This castle is sometimes referred to as O’Halloran’s Castle and is said to have been the home of a poet named Agnew at some time in its past. The stone ruins were originally built by the Anglo-Norman Knight Duncan Fitzgilbert who was given lands here in the early 13th century. Ric in history and heritage the most prominent feature is Ballygally Castle (Hotel) which traces its foundations back to 1625.