The 20-mile (32 km) stretch of coastline that starts in Portrush and ends in Ballycastle is just one of the many surprises in store when you visit Antrim, an incredible coastal county on the island of Ireland.
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Many visitors to County Antrim begin in Belfast and make their way along the Coastal Causeway, exploring its breathtaking scenery, its cute coastal towns, beautiful beaches, centuries-old castles, and more.
The best way to see Antrim is by rental car.
My suggestion is to stop in Belfast first, then explore the remainder of the county.
If you’re flying into Dublin, the journey to Belfast is about two hours by car. That’s about 105 miles (168 km).
You will be taking the M1 motorway much of the way and the A1 toward the end of the journey.
If you prefer not to drive, the 2 ½-hour train ride on the Enterprise from Dublin to Belfast is a great option.
Track improvements are currently being done to that line and are expected to finish this fall. Expect to take a bus from Newry to Belfast to complete your journey.
If you decide to stay in Belfast for a couple of days and use that as your base, there are a number of day tours (preferable if you don't have a rental car) that you can take from the city center that will get you to Antrim’s most popular attractions.
Here are some fun things you can do in County Antrim any time of year.
Belfast
Most visitors who come to Antrim stop in Belfast first. Here are some experiences that you shouldn’t miss in Northern Ireland’s largest city.
Relive the Titanic Experience in Belfast
If you have an interest in the history of the Titanic and its connection to Belfast, you should put this popular attraction on your itinerary.
There’s a lot to see there, including multiple exhibits that tell the story of Belfast itself, how the great ocean liner was built, as well as the events that led up to its tragic sinking in 1912.
You can read all about my visit to the Titanic Belfast, which I hope will help as you explore the eight-story building.
Since I wrote that post, new installations have been installed that make the experience even better.
Understand How the Troubles Shaped Belfast
There’s no doubt that the 30-year-old conflict in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles had a profound effect on Belfast, not only in the many buildings that were bombed over the years (the famous Europa Hotel was one of them), but the emotional scars it left on the city’s Protestant and Catholic communities.
That story is told compellingly by taxi drivers in Belfast who were often deeply involved in it.
There are a number of Black Taxi Tours that will bring you to West Belfast, where you’ll see the famous Peace Wall and the nearby Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods, while drivers retell their version of the conflict.
Other gems worth seeing in Belfast include Belfast City Hall, the Crumlin Road Gaol (or a combination jail and black taxi tour), the Belfast Botanical Gardens, and the Ulster Museum, which is free to visit.
Discover Some of Antrim's Popular Castles
There are several castles in Antrim worth visiting, some more on the formal side and others that are simply ruins. But all of course have a story to tell.
Belfast Castle
Located in an area known as Cave Hill, most tourists visit Belfast Castle to enjoy amazing views of the city and the wealth of natural and archaeological features that surround it
The estate also contains landscaped gardens and mature mixed woodland trees, as well as various species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and more.
There's a great children’s playground on the property as well as a visitor center, where you can find out more about the history of this Victorian structure.
Be sure to stop in the castle’s Tavern Coffee Shop or Cellar Restaurant for a bite to eat after your visit.
Glenarm Castle and Walled Garden
About 45 minutes north of Belfast you’ll find Glenarm Castle and Garden.
This is the ancestral home of the MacDonnells, Earls of Antrim. It was built by the First Earl of Antrim, Sir Randall MacDonnell, in 1636.
Randal, Viscount Dunluce, the son of Alexander MacDonnell, the 9th Earl of Antrim, is its current owner.
Guided tours of the castle and gardens are available. Inside you’ll see a variety of fine Irish furniture as well as portraits of family members from the early 17th century onward.
The Walled Garden is one of the oldest gardens on the island of Ireland and is a must-see. The Walled Garden and Woodland Walk tickets are available on the Glenarm estate website.
If you've got kids with you, the Mini Land Rover Experience is a fun activity.
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Carrickfergus Castle
As you make your way along the Antrim coast from Belfast, you might want to stop at Carrickfergus Castle, a Norman castle located on the northern shores of Belfast Lough.
The castle and the town were strategically important to the British throughout the centuries as they sought to gain control of Ireland’s northern counties.
In fact, Carrickfergus was the only English stronghold north of “The Pale” (the area in and around Dublin) in the Middle Ages.
Over the centuries, this County Antrim castle was under attack from several forces, including Gaelic clans, the French, and the Scots.
From the 18th century until the end of WWII, it also served as an armory and a prison.
A visit to Carrickfergus Castle includes a tour of the Great Hall.
The castle is open from April 1 through the end of September. Admission is £6 for adults (18+); £4.50 for seniors and students with an ID; £4 for children aged 5-17; and £18 for a family of 5, with children under 5 admitted free.
The 10 Best County Antrim Tours & Excursions in 2024
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle might be in ruins but it is totally worth seeing given its incredible location and the views that you’ll get from the castle, which is perched high above a cliff on Northern Ireland’s Coastal Causeway Route.
The earliest version of a castle appeared during the 13th century when Richard Óg de Burgh, the 2nd Earl of Ulster, commissioned its construction.
However, no evidence of that early castle exists today.
The present castle was built by the MacQuillan family around 1500.
Its location was so precarious that parts of the kitchen fell into the sea during a violent storm in the 1600s.
Remains of the kitchen are still intact, though, and can be found next to the manor house. You can see evidence of an oven and a fireplace when you take a self-guided tour.
After the castle was seized by the powerful MacDonnell clan in the mid-1500s under the leadership of Sorley Boy MacDonnell, a number of reinforcements were made to the building.
Most of the walls and towers you see today were built under his direction.
Given the castle’s importance in the area, it’s not surprising that a small merchant town developed around it. Unfortunately, evidence of it is scarce, except for the findings of a recent archaeological dig.
You can read more about the history of the atmospheric Dunluce Castle when you visit, but the dramatic scenery is what most tourists are after.
Dunluce Castle is open year-round (February-November: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., and December-January: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
Admission is £6 for adults 18+, £4 for children 5-17, £4.50 for students and seniors, and £18 for a family ticket. Admission is free for children under 5.
Other castles worth visiting in County Antrim include Kinbane Castle in Ballycastle; Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, the official residence of the secretary of state of Northern Ireland; Lissanoure Castle at the foot of the Glens of Antrim; Dunseverick Castle, and Shane's Castle (used during the filming of the Game of Thrones).
Discover Antrim's Coastal Attractions
There are several popular attractions along Antrim's coast to enjoy. Here are some of them.
Giant’s Causeway
This is by far the most popular attraction that people flock to in Antrim.
The Giant’s Causeway is a unique sight, famous for its unusual basalt columns left there by a volcanic eruption 50 to 60 million years ago.
Of course, this being Ireland, the more popular explanation is that the warrior Finn MacCool got into a dispute with a Scottish giant named Benandonner, who was threatening Ireland.
An angry Finn grabbed chunks of the Antrim coast and threw them into the sea, forming a path for Finn to follow so that he could get back at Benandonner.
You’ll have fun stepping from one column to the next, some as high as 12 meters (39 feet). That activity is not recommended for those who have mobility issues, however, as the stones can be quite slippery.
The Giant’s Causeway is actually free to visit, although you must pay an entrance fee if you use the nearby parking lot.
In that case, you will need to pay the admission fee, which is £13.50 for adults, £6.75 for children and £33.75 for a family ticket, which are the online prices.
While it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance, you can also purchase on-site, which will be more expensive.
A visit to the Giant’s Causeway is not complete without taking a hike around this beautiful area. You can choose from four trails, known as the red, blue, green, and yellow trails.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
There may be long lines to this attraction, but it is totally worth it.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first built by salmon fishermen in 1755 to avoid taking a boat to the tiny island of Carrickarede.
The bridge that you’ll cross over is much sturdier than the original one, handling weights of up to 10 tons. The new one was constructed with the help of local rock climbers and abseilers.
Once you get to the other side of the rope bridge, you can sit and relax for a while, taking in the natural wildlife, including the many puffins that call the island home, while taking in the views of Rathlin Island and Scotland.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is managed by the National Trust.
The Gobbins
Also along Antrim’s Coastal Causeway is the Gobbins Path, a dramatic cliff path that was first constructed in 1902.
The attraction, a network of walkways and bridges located at the base of the cliffs and on the edge of the Irish Sea, was popular for many years. After World War II, interest in it slowly declined and in 1954, it was closed.
Thanks to a special EU fund, The Gobbins reopened in 2015 and is a favorite attraction among tourists visiting Antrim.
The one-of-a-kind cliff walk begins by going through the “Wise’s Eye,” an opening in one of the cliff rocks. You’ll make your way along narrow paths, up stairways carved into the cliff face, and through tunnels hidden under the sea.
Throughout the tour, expect to hear the story of how the Gobbins came about, as well as other fascinating tales.
Your tour guide will also talk about the geological importance of the region, as well as the abundance of puffins, cormorants, and dolphins around the site.
Hard hats must be worn throughout the entire walk.
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Torr Head
The detour to Torr Head off the Coastal Causeway route is well worth the time it takes to see some spectacular views of Scotland, which is the closest you’ll get from the island of Ireland.
Some say it is Ireland’s most scenic sidetrack.
The road is narrow, though, with hairpin bends and blind spots, so be extra careful.
At the top of the headland is a tower that was once used to transmit messages of ship movements in the area to the Lloyds of London insurance agency.
Places to Hike in County Antrim
Glenariff Forest Park
Glenariff Forest Park is known as the Queen of the Glens, one of the nine Glens of Antrim.
It covers close to 2,500 acres and contains planted woodlands, lakes, outdoor recreational spaces, as well as many areas of conservation. It is home to animals like the red squirrel, the hen harrier, and the Irish hare.
If you're looking for a place to hike and soak up nature when visiting Antrim, this is the place to do it.
There are several walking trails in the forest, including the Scenic Trail, which is the most popular and the longest, taking the average hiker about 2 hours to complete.
Part of the trail is currently closed due to felling works to remove trees that are infected with the Phytophthora Ramorum disease. Diversions are in place, however.
Once you reach the more elevated parts of the trail, you'll be treated to some fantastic views and on a clear day, the opportunity to see Scotland's Mull of Kintyre in the distance.
Divis and the Black Mountain Summit Trail
A more challenging hike is this 3-mile summit trail that will take you across open heath and blanket bog, eventually leading you to the highest peak in the region where panoramic views of Belfast, Lough Neagh, the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough are common.
Be sure to wear the appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks for this challenging hike.
Fairhead Cliffs
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of areas in Northern Ireland that include Ballycastle, Murlough Bay, Rathlin Island and the Scottish islands, then heading to Fairhead should be on your itinerary.
There are three hiking trails at Fairhead, each offering a different experience for walkers of various skill levels.
They include the Coastal Path/Bealach Runda Walk, otherwise known as the Blue Route (4.2 km/2.6 miles), which will take you along the cliff edge; the Lough Na Cranagh Trail/Lough Dubh Walk or Red Route (2.4 km/1.49 miles), which is a circular trail that includes historic loughs and offers stunning views of the cliffs and coast; and the Farm Track Loop/Green Route, which is the easiest of the three, perfect for adults and even young children.
The route will bring you through open farmland, historic loughs and equally beautiful views of the Fairhead cliffs.
Please be careful when attempting any of these walks as there are no guardrails at Fairhead, meaning you must stay far away from the edge.
Historic Sites in Antrim Worth Visiting
Bonamargy Friary
The coffins of several earls of Ulster and the chieftain, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, were laid to rest in this friary, which was built by Rory MacQuillan in 1500.
Much of the friary is quite well preserved, including its cloister, gatehouse, altar, and church. Be sure to look for the sealed burial vault, where the chieftains are buried.
The friary is located on the coast road near Ballycastle.
The Andrew Jackson Homestead
If your ancestors came from Northern Ireland, you may want to visit this attraction in Carrickfergus that is dedicated to President Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States and one of many with Northern Irish heritage.
The cottage, which is free to visit, is one of 12 built in the style that was popular in this part of Northern Ireland during the 18th century.
The original Jackson home was, unfortunately, torn down in 1860 to make way for a railway.
There is, however, an impressive exhibition on the president’s life and that of his parents.
Also on the grounds is the US Rangers Centre, a museum dedicated to the elite American Army unit of the US Rangers that was activated in Carrickfergus in 1942.
Game of Thrones Attractions
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, you'll be happy to know that there are several related attractions in County Antrim. Here are some of the more well-known ones.
The Dark Hedges
The long pathway that leads to Gracehill House was where the scenes for the King’s Road were filmed.
It is an iconic location for sure with its avenue of beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century.
It takes a bit of hunting to locate, however, as it is about 7 miles (11 km) from the Coastal Causeway Route.
If you’re a fan of the show, visiting this Antrim attraction is a must. It has become one of the most photographed places in Northern Ireland.
The Cushendun Caves
The Cushendun Caves are a short distance from the town of Cushendun in County Antrim, a pretty seaside village that is famous for its Cornish-style cottages, now owned by the National Trust.
In the Game of Thrones series, they depicted the fictional Stormlands.
The most notable scene that was filmed there is the shadow creature's birth in Season 2, Episode 4.
The caves were formed over 400 million years ago. Once you get there, take the long gravel walkway to the two large caves.
If you’ve got kids, this is a great place for them to go rock pooling and discover the many small pools of water that have been formed on this rocky shoreline.
It is known for its variety of seaweed, as well as anemones, crabs, fish, sea urchins, and other marine life hiding between the rocks.
Ballintoy Harbour
There was once a thriving trade with nearby Scotland in the small village of Ballintoy, where several scenes were filmed.
The location served as the fictional harbor of Pyke which was the Iron Islands’ capital city.
You’ll recognize the pier in the scene where Theon Greyjoy steps off his boat in search of his sister, Yara.
While there, be sure to pop into Roark’s Kitchen, a popular spot for a cup of tea and dessert.
Other Game of Thrones attractions in County Antrim include Dunluce Castle/The House of Greyjoy, Glenarrif Forest Park, known as the fictional Runestone, Murlough Bay, where Tyrion and Jorah came ashore and were captured by a slave ship; Cairncastle, where Ed Stark beheaded a deserter, and Larrybane Quarry (near the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge).
Take a Tour of the New Game of Thrones Studio
Fabulous Beaches in Antrim to Enjoy
The Coastal Causeway has a multitude of fabulous beaches, with many of them located in County Antrim.
Some of the most beautiful ones include these two.
Whiterocks Beach
The 3-mile-long Whiterocks Beach is popular with locals and tourists. And it’s easy to see why.
What’s most striking about this Blue Flag beach is the unique limestone cliffs that make up its stunning backdrop.
Formed millions of years ago, the cliffs have eroded and created a group of spectacular caves and arches that are just waiting to be explored.
Shelagh’s Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock, and the Lion’s Paw are all headlands that dramatically rise out of the ocean along this beautiful stretch of County Antrim coastline.
White Park Bay Beach
There are so many beaches on the Coastal Causeway that are beautiful but the beach in White Park Bay is a truly spectacular one.
The beach forms a white arc in between two headlands on the North Antrim coast that is quite secluded and is in fact a great place for a walk.
White Park Bay is about 8 miles/12 km west of Ballycastle and 6 miles/9 km from Bushmills.
From the parking lot, you’ll take a rather steep path toward the beach but before that, look out for a small, white-washed building that was at one time part of a larger complex of buildings known as the “Old Hedge School” for “young gentlemen.”
The building is in a beautiful location and has been featured in many an Instagram post.
On your beach walk, you might encounter the odd sheep or cow as well as plenty of birdlife.
Walk to the eastern end of the bay and then back again on the same route.
You should be extra careful of high tides on White Park Bay Beach, and as a result, swimming is not allowed here.
Other notable beaches in County Antrim include Ballycastle Beach, Ballygally Beach, and Cushendun Beach, among others.
Offshore Islands to Visit: Rathlin Island
Most people visiting Antrim may not consider making the trip to Rathlin Island, which is also a part of the county.
The six-mile journey to the island starts at Ballycastle Harbor and takes you across the Sea of Moyle. It is one of several offshore islands around Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Rathlin Island is home to a large seal colony, which you will spot if you choose any one of the island’s eight walking trails.
If you’re visiting this Antrim island between April and June, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of the thriving puffin community.
Learn more about the island’s birdlife at the refurbished seabird center, which is housed in the island’s working lighthouse, Rathlin Island West.
If you're interested in exploring the island with a native, you might want to take this tour.
Bushmills Whiskey Distillery for Whiskey Lovers
The Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, which is about 2 ½ miles (4 km) from the Giant’s Causeway, is a must-see while you're exploring County Antrim.
While a license was granted to a local landowner in 1608 to brew whiskey locally, the company did not formally begin distilling until 1784, making it the oldest whiskey distillery in Northern Ireland but not on the island of Ireland (that status belongs to the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery in County Westmeath).
When visiting Antrim, be sure to take a tour of Bushmills, which includes information on the triple-distilling process that makes Irish whiskey different from Scotch whiskey.
You will also discover more about the whiskey maturing process, which typically takes between five and 30 years depending on the blend.
Three tours are available at Bushmills. They include a 1-hour guided walking tour of the distillery costs £15 per person, its Premium Tour and Tasting Experience costs £50 per person, as well as its Distillery Tour and 3-Malt Tasting, which costs £35 per person.
While you're in Northern Ireland, why not visit some of the province's other whiskey distilleries that are part of a new spirits trail?
Are you planning to visit County Antrim? Let me know in the comments section below.
