The North Antrim Coast is one of the most beautiful areas of Northern Ireland. It boasts amazing views and many historic landmarks as well as numerous golden sandy beaches.
The Giant’s Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site which consists of thousands of basalt columns that tumble down into the Atlantic Ocean and dating back to a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago. You will learn of the legend of Finn McCool in the new eco friendly Visitor Centre, an Irish Giant who picked a fight with the Scottish giant Benandonner who constantly hurled insults at Finn. This led to Finn building a path to reach Scotland to have it out with Benandonner who in turn ripped it up, resulting in the Giant’s Causeway.
For further information re opening times and admission costs contact the Visitor Centre on 028 20731855.
Note you only have to pay to enter the Visitor Centre, entry to the actual Causeway is free following the path over the top of the Visitor Centre.
Ballintoy Harbour: The distinctive little white Ballintoy Parish Church stands at the start of a very narrow, steep winding road which leads to BallintoyHarbour and small visitor cafe.
This picturesque little harbour location has been used for exterior shots of the fictional Pyke Harbour and the Iron Islands in the famous television seriesGame of Thrones. The harbour was closed off from 15th August 2011 to facilitate filming on 18th, 19th & 22nd.
Dunluce Castle: This iconic ruin is just 150m from Dunluce Guide House. It was built around 1500 by the MacQuilkan family. It was seized by the rather ambitious MacDonnell clan sometime in the 1550’s. Archaeological digs have uncovered the cobbled streets and stone merchants houses of the small town of Dunluce established in 1608. There are many stories of this historic castle including how the kitchen fell into the sea on a stormy night in 1639. For visitors, there is an audio visual tour of the castle and a treasure hunt for younger visitors to explore. There is a group rate (10+) entrance fee which must be pre-booked. You can walk down to the large cave free of charge.
Bushmills Distillery: Contact details Tel 028 2073 3218, postcode BT53 8XH visitors.centre@bushmills.com
This is the oldest working distillery in Ireland with the original grant to distill being signed by King James 1 in 1608 and makes Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Guided tours are available, and there is a specialist whiskey shop and a well stocked gift shop to explore.
The Dark Hedges: Opposite the Bregagh Road stands Gracehill House which was built in c1775 by James Stuart and named after his wife Grace Lynd.
An avenue of 150 beech trees were planted by the family as a means to impress visitors as they approached the house. Today this avenue of ancient trees is known as the Dark Hedges.
In recent years this unique avenue of trees features as the Kings Road in the famous HBO series, Game of Thrones. It is now one of the most photographed areas by tourists from around the world and locals alike.
