Top Things to do in County Antrim
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What to do and see in County Antrim, Northern Ireland: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in County Antrim, United Kingdom including Causeway Coastal Route, Sentry Hill Historic House, Blackhead Path, Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden, Ulster Aviation Society, East Strand, Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast Road, Carrickfergus Castle, Bushmills Distillery.
Restaurants in County Antrim
1. 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!
2. Sentry Hill Historic House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.
Reviewed By L5303WFjimd
A hidden history gem and a great wet weather plan this venue is a time capsule of artefacts well worth A small detour of the beaten track to visit very impressed
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. 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.
5. Ulster Aviation Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
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.
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. 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.
8. Antrim Coast Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
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.
9. Carrickfergus Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 896 reviews
Due to the military impenetrability of this castle the town of Carrickfergus long thrived even when surrounding villages suffered defeats.
Reviewed By Happycamper45454545 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Spectacular in the sunshine!! Lovely stroll and an excellent part of the world when the sun shines and a few out on to Belfast Lough!!
10. Bushmills Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,741 reviews
Opened in 1608, this is the oldest licensed distillery in the world and exports its whiskey internationally.
Reviewed By matts23 - Brighton, United States
A tour of the Bushmills distillery was definitely called for when in the area! Overall, the tour was excellent...very informative, and went through the working area of the distillery. Unfortunately, this was during the distilleries' "down" time (approx. 2 weeks), when they perform maintenance and cleaning of most areas, so we didn't get to see any of the production going on. Fortunately, the staff at the visitor's center made it very clear that this was the case (as did their website) before you pay for the tour, so the expectations are clear. As a nice added touch, patrons were provided a small sampler bottle of Bushmills as consolation for not seeing the production. Despite not seeing production, our tour guide was fantastic, and the tour itself very informative. We thoroughly enjoyed this visit. The sample at the end of the tour was also very much appreciated!! In the "sample" bar, there are also options to purchase additional samples and drinks, so there's no rush to leave, and it's easy to pass some time, enjoying the beautiful tasting room. Underage patrons receive a free non-alcoholic beverage, which was appreciated. Of course, after the tasting room is the gift shop, including some limited edition whiskeys, so after the tasting room, it's easy to feel your wallet get lighter........ My only negative is that picutres during the tour were strictly prohibited; it would have been nice to capture some pictures of the grounds and buildings.
