Stella Maris Statue

Have you ever heard of a convent becoming a hotel and a hotel becoming a convent? Here at the Stella Maris Statue, overlooking Bunatrahir Bay, a fascinating story unfolds. The Stella Maris Statue stands as a silent witness to this unusual exchange. The story begins in the mid-1800s. The British built this very building as a Coast Guard Headquarters. The gun turrets, small holes carved into the stone, still look out over the bay. Around 1916, the Sisters of Mercy took over. They renamed the building “Stella Maris,” meaning “Star of the Sea” in Latin. The sisters used the building as their home. They taught school in nearby Ballycastle, traveling by horse-drawn cart. They also taught lace making and music here at Stella Maris. Around 1960, a new school was built in Ballycastle, closer to the church. The Sisters of Mercy moved into a former hotel in the village. The church sold Stella Maris, and it became a small country hotel. The former hotel became a convent, and the former convent became a hotel. In the mid-1960s, Stella Maris was the heart of the community. It hosted baptisms, weddings, and social events for miles around. The Stella Maris Statue, though perhaps not present in its current form at that time, symbolizes this lively history. Stella Maris provided a breathtaking view of the Atlantic, the same ocean crossed by many Irish emigrants seeking a new life. The building became a private home in the late 70s and early 80s. Then, in 2002, it reopened as the Stella Maris Country House Hotel. The aim is to preserve its rich past. So, as you admire the Stella Maris Statue, remember its connection to the building behind it. Remember the Coast Guard, the Sisters of Mercy, and the community gatherings. This statue represents the ever-changing tides of history and the enduring spirit of Stella Maris.