Explore the magic & mystery of the Causeway Coast and Glens
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A rugged landscape, romantic glens and majestic coastline
Explore the world-famous Giant's Causeway and Glens of Antrim... and lots more magical sights and experiences. This region has it all, from spectacular natural wonders and golden beaches to dramatic cliffs and picturesque villages.
The Causeway Coast and Glens... the very name exudes magic and mystery waiting to be explored!
This is an area of unsurpassed natural beauty. A timeless landscape, where rugged coastline surrounds silent, romantic glens and lush forests.
It takes its name from the famous Glens of Antrim and the majestic coastline which has the world-renowned Giant's Causeway as its focal point.
Just think of the wondrous sights that lie ahead and the great heritage all around you. The region is a kaleidoscope of natural wonders, a unique blend of majesty and outstanding beauty. From golden beaches and dramatic cliffs to pure rivers and unspoilt lowlands, what variety and spectacle! Not forgetting picturesque villages and a friendly people.
This territory, stretching across to Co. Derry, is a region packed with something for everyone.
Whatever your choice - walking, fishing, sailing, diving, horse riding, island-hopping or just leisurely sightseeing, it's all here.
World-famous visitor attractions and natural wonders vie with many other excellent sights and facilities for your attention. The coastal route from Belfast Lough to Lough Foyle is one of the most dramatic in the world.
Filled with history, myth, beauty and song, the Causeway Coast and Glens offer an exciting voyage of exploration. Let your imagination flow and the journey begin!
THE HIGHLIGHTS
The Giant's Causeway
A truly unique experience. Famous all over the world, the Giant's Causeway is Ireland's top tourist attraction and an UNESCO World Heritage site. Be spellbound by a 60 million year-old natural history phenomenon and a great Irish myth.
View the magnificent basalt columns and the outstanding natural beauty of the area. The marvelous geology, flora and fauna of the area will fascinate you. Equally fascinating are the great legends that link the mighty Irish giant, Fionn MacCool to this spot!
Bushmills - a famous distillery
The chance of a lifetime... to learn the secrets of good whiskey making and sample a glass of the finest Irish produce! This is the treat that awaits you at the Old Bushmills Distillery Company - the oldest distillery in the world.
The famous distillery first got the go-ahead from King James I in 1608. Now is your opportunity to observe this 400-year old craft at close quarters. Find out all about the special skills, which have changed little over the years, before tasting your complimentary glass!
Take up that rope challenge!
Be adventurous... experience the thrill and excitement of crossing the precarious Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy on the North Antrim Coast Road.
Enjoy the magnificent views out to sea as you cross over the 24m deep by 18m wide chasm that connects the rocky island to the cliffs. Don't forget also the breathtaking cliff walks nearby which bring you into close contact with wonderful geology, flora, fauna and birdlife.
Royal Portrush - a world-class golf links
Once venue to the British Open Golf Championship, this magnificent links course dates back to 1888. Enjoy the wonderful challenge of this historic course and the great scenery all around you. To play this course is many a golfer's dream.
Explore mystical Rathlin Island
Make the 45-minute ferry trip from Ballycastle, Co. Antrim to beautiful Rathlin Island and experience another world! This is Ireland's largest inhabited offshore island and what a treat lies in store.
Steeped in history, mythology and the wonders of nature, Rathlin is an explorer's dream. Look out for the masses of sea birds that inhabit the island's rugged cliffs. There's rare flora to be discovered and many friendly islanders to chat to. Hear all about the great tales concerning the island down through the centuries, including its close links to King Robert the Bruce.
PLACES TO VISIT
To travel through the Causeway Coast and Glens is an unforgettable experience. On your journey along the 128km route, you will come across a fascinating mix of rugged cliffs, spectacular scenery, fabulous unspoilt beaches, historic ruins and breathtaking glens. A number of beautiful towns and villages, with great character and atmosphere, are also on the route.
If you start your journey at Newtownabbey on the outskirts of Belfast, you will soon come upon Carrickfergus - a town not to be missed. A dramatic Norman castle, Jacobean town walls and charming 12th century church are among the highlights.
Moving on from the major port of Larne, you will soon reach the first of the majestic Glens of Antrim at Glenarm (glen of the army). Famed in legend and song, each Glen has its own distinct character and charm. You will be enthralled by the mystery, romance and beauty as you explore each one - Glencloy (glen of the dykes), Glenariff (glen of the plough), Glenballyemon (Edwardstown Glen), Glenaan (glen of the little lords), Glencorp (glen of the dead), Glendun (brown glen), Glenshesk (glen of the sedges or reeds), and Glentaisie (named after Taisie, the princess of Rathlin Island).
Don't forget to stop a while in the villages of Cushendall, the 'capital of the Glens', Cushendun, where pretty Cornish-style cottages line the streets, and Balllycastle, from where you can catch a ferry to mystical Rathlin Island. Recall to mind the famous legend of the Children of Lir being turned into swans by their evil stepmother, Aoife as you stand on the windswept Torr Head nearby.
A detour inland will bring you towards the flower-filled village of Broughshane and Ballymena.
As you travel westwards from Ballycastle towards Coleraine, Limavady and the market town of Dungiven, you will encounter many magical sights, including the Giant's Causeway, the Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and Portrush, with its famous golf links. You will also come across the picturesque little harbours of Portbradden, Ballintoy and Portballintrae, ideal spots for a pleasant picnic.
LOTS TO DO
Pull up your walking boots, hook up your waders or dispense with footwear altogether and jump into activity mode! Whatever your fancy, there's so much to do in the Causeway Coast and Glens.
A golfer's paradise
Whether you play off scratch or are starting from scratch, there's a wonderful selection of excellent golf courses to choose from. While the Royal Portrush links rightly attracts the most headlines because of its ancient history and international standing, you can choose from over 30 superb courses throughout the region. Pick from many fine links and parkland courses.
Get up close on foot or two wheels
There is no better territory for exploring on foot or on two wheels. Get a great feel for the magnificent coastal scenery and idyllic glens as you traverse the area. Take off on your own to explore the sights, including breathtaking geology and archaeology. Or check out the various organised walking and cycling tours available. One way or the other, there's no better way to see the countryside and meet the friendly people.
Be adventurous!
All the ingredients for great adventure pursuits are here. A spectacular coastline, with dramatic cliffs and currents, a highly varied landscape, and great adventure centres. Stick on that wet suit and go waterskiing or windsurfing. Go diving deep into dark salty waters in search of ancient shipwrecks.
Clear the cobwebs with a gallop on horseback across deserted beaches or through peaceful forests. Get fantastic views of the coastline from your sailing boat and call into the fine marinas along the way, such as Carrickfergus, Ballycastle, Portglenone or Coleraine. Try abseiling on the majestic cliffs or let yourself go (literally) on an exciting parachute jump!
Cast a line
What variety and quality lies in store for the angling enthusiast! Why not try some shore fishing from the shore or hire a boat and head for the open seas? Inland, you have great salmon and trout angling on rivers such as the Agivey, Bann, Bush, Margy and Roe. Avail of the excellent services locally, including ghillies and expert advice.
The call of the sea
Watch the Atlantic breakers crash on white sandy shores or shallow waters lap quiet sheltered bays. The Causeway Coast and Glens has beaches to refresh and relax both body and soul. You'll come across magnificent Blue Flag beaches around almost every twist and turn of this dramatic coastline. Free your spirit of discovery and explore the vast golden stretches and neighbouring habitats.
There's something for all ages at the many fine seaside resorts, with indoor waterworlds, leisure centres, amusement parks and various sporting facilities.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE
Carrickfergus Castle
See Ireland's best preserved Norman castle - Carrickfergus Castle. Marvel at the great architecture and the castle's long history - built in 1178 by John de Courcy, it has seen action right up until the Second World War.
Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden
For a special insight into one of the world's sporting 'greats', pay a visit to this memorial garden developed as a special tribute to motor cycling hero, Joey Dunlop at Ballymoney. Dunlop achieved phenomenal success at international level, winning five Formula One world championships and a record 26 Isle of Man TT races. Relax and enjoy the serene gardens while reflecting on a legendary Northern Ireland sportsman.
Glenariff Forest Park
What a beautiful setting for relaxed strolls and spectacular sightseeing! Take a stroll through this forest park at Waterfoot where scenic paths and trails lead through tranquil woods up to magnificent mountain viewing points.
Mussenden Temple
Just imagine the folly of it all! Be amazed by the positioning of this beautiful 18th century temple built perilously close to the edge of a sheer drop near Castlerock. As you view the sight, think of the people who created this folly and how they were inspired, it seems, by the Tivoli Temple of the Roman Goddess, Vesta. The temple is built close to the extensive gardens, grounds and forest of the ruined Downhill Castle. And don't forget to bring your camera - the landmark is a much photographed spectacle!
Carnfunnock Country Park
This park, at Larne, has something to suit all ages. Roam through the vast 191 hectare of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, ponds, walking trails and coastline. Have fun as you tour the walled garden with unique sundials and view the miniature railway. There's plenty of exploration too, with a maze, orienteering course and adventure playground on hand. A caravan and camp site, together with golf activities, are also on site.
HOT TIPS
Why not visit one or more of the ancestral origins of three American Presidents in the area? Watch out for the parental home of the 7th President of the USA, Andrew Jackson which has been carefully restored at Boneybefore near Carrickfergus. Drop into Arthur Cottage in Cullybackey near Ballymena to see the restored homestead of the 21st US President, Chester Alan Arthur or visit Conagher, north of Ballymoney to see the site where the family of William McKinley, the 25th President came from.
Clamber up the Slemish Mountain and retrace famous footsteps and a famous era in Irish history. This is where St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is said to have tended livestock as a slave boy in the 5th century.
Drive right to the top of Binevenagh Mountain, between Coleraine and Limavady, to get a staggering view of the beautiful Roe Valley. While in the area, why not drop into Roe Valley Country Park in Limavady for beautiful riverside walks and a look at a countryside museum.
Marvel at the dramatic scenery all around you as you make your way through the Glenshane Pass to Dungiven.
Watch a spade being made at Ireland's last surviving water-driven spade mill! Drop into Patterson's Spade Mill in Templepatrick to see spades being made with original equipment, such as hammers, turbine and press, which have been carefully restored.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above on this website, or on the area in general, please contact:
Causeway Coast & Glens
11 Lodge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1LU
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7032 7720
Fax:0044 (0) 28 7032 7719
Email: mail@causewaycoastandglens.com
Web: www.causewaycoastandglens.com
