Slow Bread, Honest Pastry, and Big Coastal Heart: A Visit to Ursa Minor

Just a short stroll from Lagom, tucked into the rhythm of Ballycastle’s seaside streets, you’ll find Ursa Minor — a bakery that smells like heaven, tastes like tradition, and feels like the very soul of the town.

Ursa Minor isn’t your average bakery. It’s a family-run gem rooted in real food, thoughtful baking, and a love for community. Founded in 2014 by Dara and Ciara Ó hArtghaile, it began as a humble pop-up stall and has grown into one of the most respected bakeries in Northern Ireland. And yet, nothing about it feels rushed or scaled. Everything still feels handmade, intentional, and deeply personal.

What makes it special? The bread, for one — all naturally leavened sourdough, fermented slowly and baked with organic flours (many stoneground from the UK and Ireland). No additives. No shortcuts. Just honest, nourishing loaves that are crusty, chewy, and full of life. If you haven’t had real sourdough before, this is where to start. You will Ursa Minor bread in our breakfast area.

Then there’s the pastry. Each croissant, pain au chocolat, and galette is a three-day labour of love, built from wholegrain flours and deep flavour, not just fluff. These are the kind of bakes that make you stop mid-bite and look around for someone to confirm how good it is.

Inside, the space is warm and beautiful in that unpretentious, “we just care a lot” kind of way. The shelves are filled with bakes that follow the seasons — no two visits are ever quite the same. And alongside the food, there’s a philosophy: one of sustainability, local connection, and community care. Ursa Minor isn’t just serving customers — it’s supporting local producers, educating about real food, and hosting events that bring people together over sourdough and story.

This year, they’re expanding that even further with the opening of their bakery school — a place to learn, experiment, and share the craft with anyone curious enough to try.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a workshop or event during your stay, don’t hesitate. And even if you’re just passing through, grab a coffee, a pastry (or three), and find a sunny spot nearby to slow down and taste something meaningful.

How to find it:

📍 Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Quay Road, Ballycastle

Follow them @ursaminorbakehouse or check out Ciara’s weekly blog Gorse for a thoughtful slice of their world.