The 10 Best Free Things to do in County Antrim, Northern Ireland

May 5, 2022 Agatha Simes

Discover the best top things to do in County Antrim, United Kingdom including Glens of Antrim, Causeway Coastal Route, Blackhead Path, Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden, Coast Road, The Bank House, Ulster Aviation Society, East Strand, Causeway Coastal Walk, Antrim Coast Road.
Restaurants in County Antrim

1. Glens of Antrim

Northern Ireland
Excellent
82%
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16%
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5.0 based on 61 reviews

Glens of Antrim

There are nine glens of Antrim: these green, tree-filled valleys by the sea are some of the most scenic spots in Europe.

Reviewed By GrandTour50001242440

A stay in the Glens is quite amazing. Perfectly situated for visiting the Antrim coast or Belfast. Beautiful inland and coastal scenery all within easy reach.. Pretty villages with interesting pubs and superb hospitality from the locals.

2. Causeway Coastal Route

Glenstaughey Road, Ballintoy BT64 6NE Northern Ireland +44 7415 751828 [email protected] http://www.causewaycoastalroute.com
Excellent
82%
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16%
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5.0 based on 2,114 reviews

Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is a designated tourist drive around the coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. The route follows the coast and takes you to several major tourist attractions including The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the Glens of Antrim. There are a further nine shorter scenic routes that loop off the main Coastal Route. These are : Islandmagee, Slemish Mountain, Glenariff, Glendun, Torr Road, Glenshesk, Bann Valley, Binevenagh Mountain and the Roe Valley.

Reviewed By nyackgirl47 - New York City, United States

We rented a car at the airport in Belfast, and drove to Derry. Very inexpensive way to see everything if (a) you can drive a stick shift car, and (b) you can acclimate to driving on the opposite side of the road (we're American, so we had to acclimate!). We spent a couple of days in Derry, and then took the Causeway Coastal Route straight down until we picked up the highway just outside Ballygally (spent the night there enroute). We sought out several of the Game of Thrones sites enroute, so we kind of did our own tour (saw the dark hedges, the caves, and a couple of the doors - one at Mary McBride's pub and the other at the Ballygally Castle). You will see so much along this route - the seaside resort town of Portrush (where the British Open golf tournament is currently being played), the remains of the Dunluce castle, the Carrick rope bridge, adorable little towns. It's wonderful!

3. Blackhead Path

1 Old Castle Road, Whitehead Northern Ireland +44 28 9335 8000 http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=322
Excellent
83%
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15%
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5.0 based on 119 reviews

Blackhead Path

Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom

The Black Head Path has reopened again after a couple of years being shut for repairs. Its free. You drive down Old Castle Road to use the car park on the sea front in Whitehead (another road, McRae’s Brae, turns into a private road and is not suitable at all). I was surprised to see something new from the path. It happened very quickly; some big, silvery fish, very close to shore, leaping straight up out of the water. Happened twice, in different places. People tell me it may have been sea trout. The weather was rainy, and I did not care. This is a great coastal walk whatever the weather or month of the year. The new wooden railings on the upper path look great. I went back on a sunnier day, and saw lizards. With the path being closed I’d not seen any for years. Out to sea three Archer Class Royal Navy ships were powering into Belfast Lough. You never know what you’re going to see. Returning here is such a good experience. Blackhead Path Preservation Society were the group of private citizens who got together to successfully lobby to get the path restored. The money came from Mid & East Antrim Council, while the work was done by contractors F.P. McCann and ProNet the cliff netting specialists. Good job, many thanks.

4. Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden

Castle Street Ballymoney, Ballymoney BT53 6JR Northern Ireland +44 28 2766 0230 http://www.visitballymoney.com/joey-dunlop-memorial-garden.aspx
Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 131 reviews

Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden

Reviewed By karenhH1463SI

A beautiful garden just around the corner from Joey's bar. Along side a main road but still feels peaceful. Lovely tributes in the way of trees planted by the family, Honda UK, the council etc. A path wanders all around so you can see everything. A moving statue of Joey on his bike and one of Robert celebrating victory.

5. Coast Road

Coast Road, Larne Northern Ireland
Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 210 reviews

Coast Road

Reviewed By 816johna - Belfast, United Kingdom

The Antrim Coast Road drive is a must do activity for anyone visiting Northern Ireland. Start at Larne and drive northwards towards Ballycastle for the best views...they just keep getting better and better. Stop off at any of the small villages and towns along the way to relax and take in the sights. It's a lovely way to spend a day.

6. The Bank House

12 Edward Road BT38 9QB, Whitehead BT38 9QB Northern Ireland +44 28 9335 3021 http://www.thebankhousewhitehead.co.uk/
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5.0 based on 51 reviews

The Bank House

Reviewed By ChrisHuntingdon - Belfast, United Kingdom

I am fussy about my “flat white” coffees (first tried in Brisbane 20 years ago alongside their “long black” coffees). Bank House has it nailed. Most places have no idea how to make them and give you a cappuccino with less milk... Missed this place during “lockdown”. Also has a great deli (try the chicken liver parfait with pink peppercorns...) and a classy gift shop with some unique local craft items. Did I mention the paintings of local artists for sale? Relax here after your Blackhead path walk!

7. Ulster Aviation Society

94-B Halftown Road via Gate 3 - Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn BT27 5RF Northern Ireland +44 7724 896215 [email protected] http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 317 reviews

Ulster Aviation Society

WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council

Reviewed By BoardingPass162734

Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.

8. East Strand

Portrush BT56 Northern Ireland +44 28 7034 7234 [email protected] http://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/beaches/east-strand-portrush
Excellent
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5.0 based on 193 reviews

East Strand

Reviewed By Expedition600826

Perfect beach for young children: good clean sand and long stretches with clear views. The water is cold when you first go in but soon warm up running in and out! Perfect to build up an appetite. Fussy eaters were looking for extras.

9. Causeway Coastal Walk

Portrush Northern Ireland
Excellent
84%
Good
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Causeway Coastal Walk

Reviewed By DaveThomasLeicester

A fantastic walk with great views over the sea to Scotland.Well marked. Be prepared for Irish weather!!

10. Antrim Coast Road

Northern Ireland
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
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4.5 based on 143 reviews

Antrim Coast Road

An undeveloped, scenic stretch of road that passes along the nine Glens of Antrim.

Reviewed By ksparky70

We were on a tour and this was a beautiful drive along the coast of Ireland on our way to The Giant's Causeway which was fascinating and the cute Video online makes you look at the coast in a whole different way.

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