Causeway Coast & Glens

Scenic Journey

As an area of unsurpassed natural beauty, the Causeway Coast and Glens offers a unique fusion of breathtaking scenery and bustling towns; of fascinating heritage and inspiring myth. A timeless landscape where rugged coastline surrounds silent, romantic glens and lush forests, where Saint Patrick once tended his herds on the slopes of Slemish Mountain, where beautiful beaches beckon and where pure rivers wander through unspoilt lowlands and picturesque villages. The world famous Giant’s Causeway with its array of hexagonal basalt columns and tales of ancient Irish giants, and ‘Old Bushmills’, Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery, are a must for every itinerary.

The Causeway Coastal Route takes you from the outskirts of Belfast on one of Europe’s most scenic journeys taking in picturesque fishing villages, rugged cliffs, four designated areas of outstanding natural beauty and the UNESCO world heritage site at the Giant’s Causeway; and the magnificent Glens of Antrim.

To travel along the Causeway Coastal Route is to experience one of the most dramatic routes in the world. This 120 mile coastal drive will transport you past rugged and windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery and fabulous unspoilt beaches. It’s a coastline sprinkled with historic castles, churches and forts. Many are now just ruins but each holds the memories of a mysterious and heroic past - a past populated by seafaring Vikings and swashbuckling tales of the ancient Irish clans.

It’s a journey not to be hurried. Every twist and turn in the road will reveal new sights, well placed stopping points, offering uninterrupted views to Scotland on one side and tall limestone cliffs dissected by beautiful glens on the other. As you journey northwards the magnificent nine Glens of Antrim will slowly unfold - a corner of Northern Ireland where fairies and folklore are part of daily life. Famed in legend and song, each glen has its own distinct character and charm but all remain unspoilt and unexploited.

The Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland’s top tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage site, the world famous Giant’s Causeway displays formations of unusual six sided basalt columns and a wealth of local and natural history. Coast and cliff paths for exploration. The wreck site of the Armada treasure ship ‘Girona’ is found at Port-na-Spaniagh. A minibus service is provided at a small charge to take visitors to the Causeway stones. There is a visitor centre with interpretive displays, AV theatre and tourist information. The National Trust manage the entire site and provide a visitor shop and tea room. Specialist guided tours operate (booking essential). Tours also available out of season (booking essential).

Rathlin Island

The island’s rugged cliffs are home to the biggest seabird colony in Northern Ireland. Discover a wealth of rare flora. It was the stopping place for Robert the Bruce and his famed spider. Rathlin offers a range of accommodation, bar, café, guided tours and information centre. Access by ferry with Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd.

Dooey's Cairn

A Neolithic Courtcairn dating from around 2000 to 4000BC and named after the Dooey family who gave it into State care. Open all year, admission free.

Ballymoney Old Church Tower and Graveyard

(Church Street, Ballymoney)

The tower is the oldest surviving building in the town, with a date stone inscribed 1637. The church was rebuilt after it burned during the 1641 Irish rebellion and was used until 1782.

Mountsandel Fort

(Coleraine)

21.2 hectares of mature conservation mixed woodland overlooking the River Bann, Mountsandel Wood contains the oldest known human settlement in Ireland. The Fort dates back to the Iron Age and is beside the site of the first hunter-gatherer settlement in Ireland, dating from before 7000BC. There are panoramic views of the Bann which reflect the earlier importance of this area. The forest walk goes from a high point at the Fort down to the banks of the Bann and passes close to the weir at the Cutts. Open from dawn to dusk daily. For further information contact the Forest Office.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Enjoy the challenge of crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge which crosses a 24m deep and 18m wide chasm which gives access to a salmon fishery. Stunning views over the sea to the Scottish coast. Coastal walks along the limestone headland. Tea room and information point. Free car park. Per person charge to cross Rope Bridge. Bridge open weather permitting. Final access to Rope Bridge is 45 minutes before closing time. Car park and North Antrim Coastal Path open all year.

28 February to 24 May: 10am to 6pm daily

25 May to 31 August: 10am to 7pm daily

1 September to 1 November: 10am to 6pm daily

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Perilously close to the edge of a sheer drop stands this beautiful 18th Century folly, originally inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta. It is a much photographed landmark built close to the extensive gardens, grounds and forest of the ruined Downhill Castle. Admission charged when facilities open.

Dunluce Castle

Clinging fast onto a dramatic cliff top, Dunluce is thought to be the most romantic and picturesque Castle in Ireland dating back to the 14th Century. Admission charge. Guided tours.

Hezlett House

300 year old thatched cottage with timber frames dating from 1690, making it one of the oldest buildings in Northern Ireland. Cruck-truss roof is viewable in the attic with tiny rooms evoking the mood of the 19th Century. Admission charge.

Old Bushmills Distillery Co Ltd

Experience for yourself the craft and skills of making Irish whiskey in Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery, granted a royal licence to distil in 1608. Our guided tour will unravel some of our trade secrets, from the special water at St Columb’s Rill and the finest malted barley, to the art of triple distillation in copper stills and ageing in oak casks. Guided tours (unsuitable for disabled), café, shop, AV presentation. Admission charge. Phone for opening and tour times and group bookings. Children under 8 years old welcome to visit, however, they are not permitted to join tours.

Glenarm Castle Walled Garden

Dating from the 18th Century, The Walled Garden at Glenarm Castle is one of the oldest in Ireland. Beautiful in all seasons, the garden and Tea Room are open daily from May until end September, hosting various events, exhibitions and workshops, as well as the annual Tulip Festival and Glenarm Castle Opera.

Ballymoney Drama Festival

One of the oldest festivals in Ireland attracting leading dramatic societies from all over the Province during March. Plays performed range from modern American to those of local playwright George Shiels. Admission charge.

Heart of the Glens Festival

Join the festivities from 1st to 9th August 2009 when visitors and locals sing, listen and dance together from morning to night during this traditional Irish festival.

Ould Lammas Fair

Last Monday and Tuesday in August. One of Ireland’s oldest fairs. Livestock sales and countless stalls sell souvenirs and bric-a-brac of every description. Sample the local specialities - ‘dulse’ a dried edible seaweed, and the deliciously sweet chewy toffee 'yellow man', made from a closely guarded secret recipe.

The Glens of Antrim

Alternating sandy bays and rocky shores contrast with high cliffs and forbidding headlands. The Antrim plateau, high and undulating is deeply dissected by steep sided glens and rushing rivers. No wonder then that much of this area has been designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Medieval churches add character to the towns and villages of the Glens whilst the many remains of once impenetrable castles create images of a turbulent past.

Characterised by tumbling waterfalls, rushing rivers, lush forest parks and spectacular scenery each glen is unique in its beauty and each deserves a visit. Experience nature in its purest form on the windswept Garron Plateau - a wild blanket bog designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest. Littered with lakes and consisting of peat, the bog supports a unique and beautiful plantlife.

Picturesque villages such as Ballygally with its Castle hotel and famous haunted bedroom and Cushendun with its Cornish style cottages complement the distinctive charm of Glenarm, with its majestic castle, home to the Earls of Antrim since the 16th Century. Carnlough boasts a famous hotel once owned by Winston Churchill whilst Cushendall and Ballycastle are popular coastal havens for family holidays.

The Glens of Antrim are famous the world over for their ‘fleadhs’ or festivals. Traditional music and Irish dancers spill onto the streets during the many events held throughout the summer months. The Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle is a particular favourite. Warmth and hospitality are the hallmark of this unique region. No matter where you go in the beautiful Glens of Antrim, you’ll find the friendliest of people ready to stop, have a chat and help you towards your next destination!

The Nine Glens

Glenarm

The glen of the army - with Glenarm village, eleven miles north of Larne, on the famous Antrim Coast Road.

Glencloy

The glen of the hedges, two miles north of Glenarm, with the village of Carnlough at its foot.

Glenariff

The arable or fertile glen, the best-known of the nine, which sweeps majestically towards the village of Waterfoot. Glenballyemon Edwardstown glen, at the foot of which is Cushendall - more or less at the centre of the nine glens.

Glencorp

The glen of the slaughtered, close by Glenaan and roughly parallel to the main road from Cushendall to Cushendun.

Glenaan

The glen of the colt's foot or rush lights, a rugged glen - having the site of the legendary Ossian’s grave, with the Cushendall – Ballymoney mountain road.

Glendun

The glen of the brown river, adjacent to Cushendun village; spanned by a viaduct on the main Cushendall - Ballycastle road.

Glenshesk

The sedgy glen, east of the town of Ballycastle, and sweeping towards the ruins of historical Bonamargy friary.

Glentaisie

The glen of 'Tasie of the bright sides', roughly west of Ballycastle and, like Glenshesk, close to the town.