To witness the drama of Northern Irelands Causeway Coast is to walk with the ancient spirits of its deep glens and experience a unique blend of majesty and sheer beauty. You won’t just walk or drive through this land, you will take a journey of the spirit through one of the most natural, wild and unspoilt places on earth. And when you have wondered at the unsurpassed natural dramas of the Causeway Coast, from the golden sands to the heathered hills, you’ll find they are matched by the man made glories. Heritage, culture and visitor attractions abound.
Ancient castles brood, their stones remembering long-gone nights of feasting and days of treachery and slaughter. Crumbling church ruins testify to the births, the marriages, the deaths of generations forgotten, their joys, their struggles.
Places to See...
Giants Causeway:
The Giant's Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. A joy to visit when the weather is good - bring plenty of warm clothing if you visit in the winter or colder weather. If it is not raining then take the time to walk down to the Causeway - if it is pouring then catch the little shuttle bus down and back.
Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills:
The Old Bushmills Distillery is Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery. Distilling in the area is truly a time honoured tradition: in 1608, a royal licence was granted for the district of Bushmills to distil ‘uisce beatha’ (water of life in Irish, or whiskey as we know it today).
In 2008, Bushmills celebrates 400 years of local distilling history… a unique, unbroken whiskeymaking tradition still very much alive today at the Old Bushmills Distillery. Just two miles from the spectacular Giant’s Causeway, the distillery lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty which is rich in histoy and folklore. Whe you approach the town you will be able to smell the whiskey in the air.
At Bushnmills you can see for yourself the craft and skills of making Irish whiskey at its best. Their guided tour will unravel some of our trade secrets, from the special water from St. Columb’s Rill and the finest malted barley, to the art of triple distillation in copper stills and ageing in oak casks. Of course, no visit would be complete without enjoying a complimentary glass of the final product, one of the famous Bushmills whiskeys. They have a fantastic gift shop and cafe/restaurant as well. Volunteer for the 'taste test' and come away with a special certificate!
Note - Children under 8 are welcome to visit the Distillery but are not permitted to join guided tours.
Rathlin Island:
The ferry to Rathlin Island travels just six miles across the "Sea of Moyle". The main ferry is run by Caledoniain MacBrayne, or fast ferries are available from Aquasports. Also at Ballycastle just across from the island are plenty of charter boats to take you across the water to the island at very reasonable rates and some rates including an overnight stay and/or meals at the only hotel/pub there. This island is six miles long, one mile wide, "L" shaped and home to a small population of around seventy people.
In the harbour is the Boathouse, where visitors can discover some of the exciting history, learn about present day island life and see some artefacts from shipwrecks around the island. A short walk around to Mill Bay there is a colony of seals, who are fun to just sit and watch!
It is also home to some magnificent views, on clear days Donegal, the North Antrim coastline, the island of Islay and the Mull of Kintyre can be seen. Throughout the year special occations are celebrated with ceilidhs. Music, song and dance remain at the heart of the community life. There are many tales of myth and mystery surrounding Rathlin, the most famous tells of Robert the Bruce. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England and took refuge on Rathlin. While he was on Rathlin, it is said that he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually it succeeded. Robert the Burce took heart from the spider's efforts, raised fresh forces and returned to Scotland to fight for his kingdom. He too, eventually succeeded and in 1314, regained the crown of Scotland.
It was also from Rathlin Island that Marconi transmitted the first radio signals via airwaves across the Atlantic. A plaque commemorating this event can be viewed just across the water on the cliff at Ballycastle. Just up the hill and near the boat hire piers.
Glenarm Castle Estate and Walled Gardens, 2 Castle Lane Glenarm:
Walled Garden and tearoom are open from May through to September, with various events from a Fine Food Fair and annual Tulip Festival to Classical Music and Opera.
Glenarm Castle Falconry will also open throughout the summer season in conjunction with the Walled Garden with three unique shows daily covering a wide range of raptor species from all over the world.
In July they welcome visitors to the annual Open Days. These are wonderful days out for the whole family and featuring world class Highland Games.
Salmon and trout fishing are from March to October and rods are available for hire on a daily basis. Personal tuition and expert training on falconry. Displays are given in castle grounds from Easter to October.
Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway, Bushmills:
A truly heritage experience travelling on a steam locomotive along a magnificent coastal stretch of line between Bushmills and the World Heritage Site at the Giant's Causeway.
The railway now provides a passenger link between the historic town of Bushmills and the famous stone columns of the Giant's Causeway World Heritage site. The railway has been built to the Irish narrow gauge of three feet and runs for two miles along the track bed of the former Giant's Causeway Tram.
Open Saint Patrick's weekend, Easter, then every weekend until end of June. July - August daily, then weekends until October.
Dunluce Castle, Bushmills:
The spectacular castle-crowned crag, on the famous north Antrim coast, was shaped when the sea cut deep into the rock. Dunluce Castle, originally occupied by the MacQuillan family and later the MacDonnells was besieged by the British in the 16th Century. An accord was eventually signed with the English monarch in the name of peace. Part of the castle broke off and the kitchen plunged into the sea, during a storm one night, killing all the cooks and kitchen-hands. There remains a dark hollow. Dunluce Castle is thought by many to be the most picturesque and romantic of Irish castles. Visitor centre, shop and guided tours all available.
Note - There is very limited wheelchair access and children under 16 must be accompanied.
Mussenden Temple, Castle Rock:
Perilously close to the edge of a sheer drop stands this beautiful 18th Century piece of folly, orginally 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. There is quite a walk from the car park to get to it but a lovely grassy walk none the less.
Ballycastle:
A small sleepy seaside holiday resort it is surrounded by the breathtaking Nine Glens of Antrim renowned for their beautiful scenery and outstanding views. Just a short six mile ferry trip from its shoreline lies Rathlin, the only inhabited island off the north coast. The name Ballycastle derives from two Gaelic words, 'baile' meaning town or village, and 'caisleain' which means a castle. The castle from which the town got its name stood alongside the Holy Trinity church in the Diamond. The town is also famous for one of Irelands oldest traditional fairs namely the "Ould Lammas Fair" which always takes place on the last Monday and Tuesday of August where thousands of visitors come from far and wide to sample the Dulse - seaweed/kelp - and Yellow Man - a yellow rock hard type of toffee sold in pieces, not for the faint hearted or loose of tooth!
If you wish to visit the Ould Lammas Fair in August(and you should!)we highly recommend you take a bus there or get there VERY early as it is impossible to park your car any later than 11am. You could otherwise get there later in the afternoon but what would be the point as you will have missed out on so much during the day. It is very popular so be prepared to walk shoulder to shoulder through the streets of the town; take plenty of cash.
Getting here:
By Ferry:
There are two main ferry ports in Northern Ireland, Belfast and Larne. These can be reached from Great Britain via Stranraer, Cairnryan, Troon, Fleetwood, Birkenhead and Isle of Man. Stena Line, the world’s leading ferry company offers the shortest and fastest crossing from Scotland to Belfast aboard the superb Stena HSS the world’s largest fast ferry speeding you over in just 105 minutes. With superb onboard facilities for everyone this is by far the best way to sail to the Causeway Coast and The Glens.
By Air:
The Glens (and the Causeway Coast) can be easily accessed by air with 3 airports within a 90 minute drive: Belfast International (Aldegrove), Belfast City (George Best Airport) and City of Derry with direct flights from a number of international destinations. The region can also be reached via international connections in Great Britain.
By Bus:
Regular Bus journeys are available between the above airports and The Glens.
Ulsterbus run a service called the 'Antrim Coaster' which travels along the coast and into each one of 'The Glens' and villages. Buses connections are available from Belfast Terminal. Express coach services from Britain to Ireland are operated by Eurolines in conjunction with Bus Eireann. Ulsterbus can arrange travel directly to Northern Ireland. Bus tours offering day trips or longer are widely available from the Belfast Bus Terminal.
By Train:
Regular train services run by Northern Ireland Railways also travel between Belfast and the northcoast as well as Belfast and Londonderry and to various destinations in between, including the Glens.
By Car:
Driving to The Glens is a visual joy. From Belfast take the M2 or the coastal road.
