Ballycastle has secured a spectacular double success for the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough, taking home two Silver Awards at the 2026 High Street Heroes Awards.
The beautiful seaside town was recognised with a Silver Award in the High Street of the Year category, with Dromore taking the overall title.
Further cementing Ballycastle’s reputation as a premier shopping destination, popular local independent retailer Home Made Beautiful also scooped a Silver Award in the highly competitive Best Homeware Retailer category.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins, welcomed the double success:
“We are absolutely thrilled by Ballycastle’s fantastic success at this year’s High Street Heroes Awards. Being recognised as one of the top high streets in Northern Ireland is a tremendous accolade and a wonderful reflection of the hard work, resilience and community spirit of our local traders and residents.
“Congratulations also to the team at Home Made Beautiful on their well-deserved Silver Award. As we head into the autumn and winter months, I would encourage everyone to continue supporting our local businesses. Every local purchase makes a difference and helps keep our high streets vibrant and thriving.”
Commenting on their success, the team at Home Made Beautiful said:
“We are delighted to have received the Silver Award for Independent Homeware Retailers at the recent High Street Heroes event, and it feels particularly special as it’s decided entirely by a public vote.
“Our biggest reward will always be our customers choosing to support us again and again. For that we are truly thankful.
“It is an honour and a privilege to represent Ballycastle, which was awarded Silver for High Street of the Year, and the wider Causeway Coast & Glens in a room full of independent retailers and businesses from across Northern Ireland.
“There really is nowhere quite like our wee town!”
The High Street Heroes Awards celebrate the independent businesses, staff and high streets that play an important role in communities across Northern Ireland. The 2026 campaign was driven entirely by public support, with local people voting for their favourites across 13 categories.
The winners were announced at a special awards reception at Belfast Harbour Commissioners on Wednesday 23 September.
The double Silver win is a significant achievement for Ballycastle and highlights the strength and diversity of its independent retail offering, as well as the continued support of the local community.
As we head into the autumn and winter seasons, residents and visitors are encouraged to shop local and support independent businesses right across the Causeway Coast and Glens. From our towns and villages to our coastal communities, there are many fantastic local businesses, shops, cafés, restaurants and experiences to discover and support.
The Causeway Coast and Glens Gift Card is also a great way to support local businesses while giving friends and family the flexibility to enjoy the region’s shops, hospitality and experiences