County Antrim is locatedin the north-east of Northern Ireland and is rich in history and stunningnatural beauty. Characterised by isolated, rugged landscapes, unspoiltcoastlines and bustling cities, County Antrim is afantastic place to visit for all ages.
Nature and History in County Antrim
The marine drive north from Laren, past the famous Giant'sCauseway to the seaside resort of Portrush,follows 60 miles of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful coastline.
Along the marine drive, you’ll pass several coastalvillages, each with their own distinctive character.
Cushendall,just below the north-east tip, is a quirky, colourful town with severalinteresting monuments. The red curfew tower in the middle of the town was builtin 1809 as “a place of confinement for idlers and rioters” and remains, wellpreserved, as a point of interest for visitors.
Here you can also see Oisin’s Grace - a megalithiccourt cairn on a hillside near the Glenann River. It is believed to be theburial place of Oisin, the Celtic warrior poet.
Further along the coastal road, the serene greencrescent of MurloughBay comes into view. Climb further towards the eerie tableland of FairHead in the north-eastern corner of CountyAntrim, a haven for intrepid rock climbers, and enjoy a bird’seye view of RathlinIsland.
Further up the coast, Ballycastleoffers Blue Flag beaches and dramatic coastal views. Here you can climb the1,695 feet to the summit of Knocklayde, a heather-covered mountain, whichprovides extensive views over Ballycastle, Rathlin Island, Fair Head andScotland.
Just six miles off the coast, Rathlin Island offers afantastic place for walkers to enjoy rugged landscape and tranquil beauty. Youcan get the ferry across the “Sea of Moyle” from the mainland. There areseveral bed and breakfasts and restaurants on the tiny island, as well as anRSPB Seabird Centre and walking tours available.
Significant Towns in County Antrim
Belfast,the capital of Northern Ireland, is the largest city in the country. With itsbuzzing energy and countless excellent bars and restaurants, it is a localmust-see and an enjoyable place to spend several days during your trip toCounty Antrim.
Belfast is a centre for arts and culture. There areseveral theatres, including the GrandOpera House, UlsterHall and The MAC, which offer a wide range of performances fromtheatre companies all over the world. The Ulster Orchestra, Northern Ireland’sonly full-time symphony orchestra, is based in Belfast and there are manytraditional Irish bands playing throughout the city.
Ranging from Edwardian buildings, such as the CityHall, to modern high rises, the landscape of Belfast is vast andvaried. The county town of Antrimstands 18 miles northwest of Belfast. Situated in the north-east of NorthernIreland on the banks of the Six Mile Water, Antrimis a picturesque town with a range of important historical buildings.
AntrimCastle is of particular note. All that remains is the Barbican Gate,the old gateway to the castle, which stands proud on the banks of the river.About a mile from the town is one of the most perfect of the round towers ofIreland, which stands, at 93 feet high, in the grounds of the Steeple near theprehistoric “Witches’ Stone”.
Enjoy County Antrim
Explore the rugged, unspoilt coasts and beautifulmountain ranges of County Antrim. Enjoy thebuzzing nightlife of Northern Ireland’s capital or relax on one of the county’saward-winning beaches. A place of colour, contrast and character,County Antrim is one of Northern Ireland’s mostbeautiful treasures.
