Top Things to do in County Antrim
Countries
Top 10 Nature & Parks in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in County Antrim, United Kingdom including Glens of Antrim, Causeway Coastal Route, Blackhead Path, Whitehead Conservation Area, Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden, East Strand, Causeway Coastal Walk, Giant's Causeway, Murlough Bay and Fair Head, Rathlin Island.
Restaurants in County Antrim
1. Glens of Antrim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,114 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
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. Whitehead Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Hanni_LR43 - Whitehead, United Kingdom
There is a great new artwork on show in the gardens of The Bank House, on Edward Road. The volunteers of Brighter Whitehead have woven a life-sized ploughman and horse from willow. One of their people, Bill Pollock, also restored a real antique plough to accompany the figures. They look very good. Meanwhile the public library has started a pilot for out-of-hours opening, which is going to be very useful. I took a history walking tour during the famous Victorian Street festival in November and heard many surprising stories such as the 90 ton spoil trains that would rumble though the town, or the people evacuated here from Belfast in World War II. There is a lot to see in this charming seaside town.
5. Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 131 reviews
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.
6. East Strand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
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.
7. Causeway Coastal Walk
8. Giant's Causeway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,147 reviews
Northern Ireland's most popular tourist destination: this large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago.
Reviewed By Orrix55
A one kilometer walk or bus ride (£1 each way for the bus - free for walking) gets you to this fascinating attraction created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. There is a very entertaining audio guide that provides information on the various features on the landscape, such as the camel and organ pipes etc. The walk down could be a bit challenging, the road and path down is quite steep so I would suggest the bus for those with any problems. We walked down and took the bus back. Make time to visit the visitors centre at the end, it has something for everyone, especially children, coffee, drinks and food available.
9. Murlough Bay and Fair Head
10. Rathlin Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Between Ballycastle and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, Raithlin Island is eight miles long and barely one mile wide.
Reviewed By ciaragn - Belfast, United Kingdom
We stayed a night on the beautiful Rathlin Island in mid-May 2019. We chose to stay with Rathlin Glamping Pods. We would highly recommend Rathlin Glamping Pods for anyone thinking of staying the night on the island. The Pods are a short five minute walk from the Harbour and can hold up to four people. The Pods are extremely well equipped for a short stay. There is a double bed and a large pull-out sofa bed - both beds were comfortable. There is a small ensuite with an excellent shower. The kitchenette is well stocked with cutlery, plates, cups, pans, etc. There is also a small fridge, kettle, microwave and single ring electric hob. The information booklet provided was useful and informative. Overall, the clean and tidy Pods contain everything you need for a comfortable stay. The hostess, a lady named Nicola, was extremely courteous and friendly. Nicola kindly met us, in her pick- up truck, upon our arrival at the Harbour and brought our heavy bags to the Pods for us. She also brought our bags back to the Harbour for our return Ferry journey. The cherry on top of the Rathlin Glamping Pods experience has to be Nicola’s adorable golden retriever, Murphy, who is often found hanging around the Pods. Rathlin is a must-see for any Northern Irish person, or for any guest to Northern Ireland. Extraordinary wildlife, centuries of history, stunning scenery and the friendliness of islanders’ all combines to make this rugged island off the north coast of Ireland a true gem of the archipelago of the British Isles. We recommend a trip to The RSPB Centre, to catch a glimpse of Rathlin’s most famous inhabitants - the colony of Puffins. Other seabirds, such as Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Razorbills are also there to see. Binoculars are provided. Visit the RSPB Centre between early-May and late-July for the best chance of seeing the seabirds. The RSPB Centre is accessible by taking the Puffin Bus, driven by a hilarious driver who doubles as a tour guide named Dennis. Thanks for having us, Rathlin. Ciara & Kathryn.
