𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥… For well over two centuries, the Antrim Arms Hotel watched over Ballycastle’s Diamond, standing as one of the town’s most recognisable and historic landmarks (Videos of the demolition available on Love Ballymena Facebook platform) This is the scene on Thursday morning (9 July), after demolition crews worked through the night to remove much of the fire-damaged building. Following years of decline, planning disputes and unsuccessful efforts to determine its future, the devastating fire earlier this year ultimately changed the fate of the landmark forever. For many, the Antrim Arms was more than bricks and mortar. It was part of Ballycastle’s identity – a building woven into generations of memories, photographs and stories, welcoming visitors to the town for centuries before its closure in 2007. Today, a familiar piece of the town’s skyline has all but disappeared. While the building itself may be gone, its place in Ballycastle’s history will endure for generations to come. 📸 Anne Kelly Art and Photography • @annlizkelly

The Antrim Arms building, in the Diamond area of Ballycastle, is currently alight after a fire started around 20:15 tonight. 📸 McAuley Multimedia