County Antrim

Northern Ireland
Dunluce Castle featuring a ruin and heritage elements as well as a small group of people
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
Belfast
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Tours
Just an hour away from the pretty Atlantic coast is Belfast, the vibrant and welcoming capital of Northern Ireland.

Reasons to visit

  • Waterfront Hall
  • Queen's University of Belfast
  • Grand Opera House
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
  • Kinbane Castle
Giant\'s Causeway showing heritage elements, rugged coastline and general coastal views
Bushmills
Known for Bars, Historical and Castle
For the quintessential Northern Irish experience, the small village of Bushmills in County Antrim won’t disappoint. Situated 60 miles north of Belfast, just inland on the northern coast of Ireland, Bushmills promises the best of country and sea. You’ll also find the residents in this quaint little village are as warm and welcoming as they come.

Reasons to visit

  • Giant's Causeway
  • Dunluce Castle
  • Old Bushmills Distillery
Ballymena
Ballymena
Known for Small town, Spas and Sea
Ballymena is a pretty, historic town in Northern Ireland that is a 30-minute drive from Belfast. The town has much to offer visitors. There is a beautiful waterfall walkway that is often described as a mini-Switzerland and a twelfth century castle to explore. You can also admire the Georgian architecture, stroll along the banks of the River Braid or visit a local workshop that makes sporting hurls.

Reasons to visit

  • Glenarm Castle
  • Glenariff Forest Park
Portrush Beach which includes a bay or harbor, a coastal town and general coastal views
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
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
Known for Friendly people, Historical and Bars
One of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, Carrickfergus is only 11 miles north-east of Belfast centre, the city it predates and rivals in terms of a warm Irish welcome. On the shores of Belfast Lough – formerly known as Carrickfergus Bay – the imposing 12th century Carrickfergus Castle is the seaside town’s best-known landmark, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find countless attractions and amusements within and around segments of the 16th century walls that enclose the old town.

Reasons to visit

  • Carrickfergus Castle