County Antrim Travel Guide

Northern Ireland

Dunluce Castle which includes heritage elements and a ruin as well as a small group of people
Dunluce Castle showing general coastal views, a ruin and heritage elements
County Antrim
Old Bushmills Distillery showing signage
Giant\'s Causeway showing general coastal views, heritage elements and rugged coastline
County Antrim is locatedin the north-east of Northern Ireland and is rich in history and stunningnatural beauty. Characterised by isolated, rugged landscapes, unspoiltcoastlines and bustling cities, County Antrim is afantastic place to visit for all ages.

Nature and History in County Antrim

The marine drive north from Laren, past the famous Giant'sCauseway to the seaside resort of Portrush,follows 60 miles of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful coastline.

Along the marine drive, you’ll pass several coastalvillages, each with their own distinctive character.

Cushendall,just below the north-east tip, is a quirky, colourful town with severalinteresting monuments. The red curfew tower in the middle of the town was builtin 1809 as “a place of confinement for idlers and rioters” and remains, wellpreserved, as a point of interest for visitors.

Here you can also see Oisin’s Grace - a megalithiccourt cairn on a hillside near the Glenann River. It is believed to be theburial place of Oisin, the Celtic warrior poet.

Further along the coastal road, the serene greencrescent of MurloughBay comes into view. Climb further towards the eerie tableland of FairHead in the north-eastern corner of CountyAntrim, a haven for intrepid rock climbers, and enjoy a bird’seye view of RathlinIsland.

Further up the coast, Ballycastleoffers Blue Flag beaches and dramatic coastal views. Here you can climb the1,695 feet to the summit of Knocklayde, a heather-covered mountain, whichprovides extensive views over Ballycastle, Rathlin Island, Fair Head andScotland.

Just six miles off the coast, Rathlin Island offers afantastic place for walkers to enjoy rugged landscape and tranquil beauty. Youcan get the ferry across the “Sea of Moyle” from the mainland. There areseveral bed and breakfasts and restaurants on the tiny island, as well as anRSPB Seabird Centre and walking tours available.

Significant Towns in County Antrim

Belfast,the capital of Northern Ireland, is the largest city in the country. With itsbuzzing energy and countless excellent bars and restaurants, it is a localmust-see and an enjoyable place to spend several days during your trip toCounty Antrim.

Belfast is a centre for arts and culture. There areseveral theatres, including the GrandOpera House, UlsterHall and The MAC, which offer a wide range of performances fromtheatre companies all over the world. The Ulster Orchestra, Northern Ireland’sonly full-time symphony orchestra, is based in Belfast and there are manytraditional Irish bands playing throughout the city.

Ranging from Edwardian buildings, such as the CityHall, to modern high rises, the landscape of Belfast is vast andvaried. The county town of Antrimstands 18 miles northwest of Belfast. Situated in the north-east of NorthernIreland on the banks of the Six Mile Water, Antrimis a picturesque town with a range of important historical buildings.

AntrimCastle is of particular note. All that remains is the Barbican Gate,the old gateway to the castle, which stands proud on the banks of the river.About a mile from the town is one of the most perfect of the round towers ofIreland, which stands, at 93 feet high, in the grounds of the Steeple near theprehistoric “Witches’ Stone”.

Enjoy County Antrim

Explore the rugged, unspoilt coasts and beautifulmountain ranges of County Antrim. Enjoy thebuzzing nightlife of Northern Ireland’s capital or relax on one of the county’saward-winning beaches. A place of colour, contrast and character,County Antrim is one of Northern Ireland’s mostbeautiful treasures.

Popular cities in County Antrim

Belfast featuring a city and heritage architecture
Belfast
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Tours
Get away to Belfast! Enjoy the bars, museums and theatre.

Reasons to visit

  • Titanic Belfast
  • SSE Arena
  • Queen's University of Belfast
Ballycastle
Ballycastle
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Ferries and boats
Ballycastle is a town in Northern Ireland, located in County Antrim, near to the northernmost tip of the country. Its proximity to the coast, and the fact that it is located on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Antrim Coast and Glens, has led to it being an extremely popular destination for tourists.

Reasons to visit

  • Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
  • Ballintoy Harbour
  • Ballycastle Beach
Giant\'s Causeway showing general coastal views, heritage elements and rugged coastline
Bushmills
Known for Bars, Historical and Castle
For the quintessential Northern Irish experience, the small village of Bushmills in County Antrim won’t disappoint.

Reasons to visit

  • Giant's Causeway
  • Dunluce Castle
  • Old Bushmills Distillery
Portrush Beach showing a bay or harbour, general coastal views and a coastal town
Portrush
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Beaches
Portrush is Northern Ireland’s quintessential seaside town: a fun and lively resort with sandy beaches, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of daytime amusements. Portrush stretches out across a mile-long peninsula that juts into the North Atlantic and presents a panorama of the Causeway Coast, from the Giant’s Causeway in the east to Lough Foyle and the headlands of Donegal in the west. With its range of restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and eye-catching scenery, Portrush is a great place for a family holiday.

Reasons to visit

  • Portrush East Strand Beach
  • Portrush West Strand Beach
Ballymena
Ballymena
Known for Small town, Spas and Sea
Ballymena is a pretty, historic town in Northern Ireland, just a 30-minute drive from Belfast.

Reasons to visit

  • Glenarm Castle
  • Glenariff Forest Park
Ballymoney
Ballymoney
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Bars
Get away to secluded Ballymoney! Enjoy the local cuisine, countryside and sightseeing.

Reasons to visit

  • The Dark Hedges