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County Antrim

From Ballycastle to Portrush, Antrim's famous coastline is truly spectacular. But while the Causeway Coast might get the crowds, there's plenty more to see in this stunning county, from the nine wooded Glens of Antrim to a 12th-century Norman castle in Carrickfergus.

Explore County Antrim

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Latest Stories from County Antrim

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout County Antrim.

  • Landmark

    Giant’s Causeway

    This spectacular rock formation – Northern Ireland's only Unesco World Heritage site – is one of Ireland's most impressive and atmospheric landscape…

  • Bridge

    Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

    This 20m-long, 1m-wide bridge of wire rope spans the chasm between the sea cliffs and the little island of Carrick-a-Rede, swaying 30m above the rock…

  • Lighthouse

    Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre

    This Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) centre offers spectacular views of a thriving seabird colony, where every summer thousands of…

  • Castle

    Dunluce Castle

    This medieval castle ruin is perched on top of a dramatic cliffside overlooking the glorious Causeway Coast.

  • Distillery

    Old Bushmills Distillery

    Bushmills is the world's oldest licensed distillery, having been given permission to produce whiskey by King James I in 1608. The whiskey is made with…

  • Area

    Dark Hedges

    Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as the formal entrance to their property, these shadowy, gnarled, entwined beech trees are now among…

  • Castle

    Carrickfergus Castle

    The central keep of Ireland's first and finest Norman fortress was built by John de Courcy soon after his 1177 invasion of Ulster. The massive walls of…

  • Brewery

    Hilden Brewery

    Ireland's oldest independent brewing company, dating from 1981, produces superior brews including caramel-malt Twisted Hop, Buck's Head double IPA, Barney…

  • Castle

    Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden

    Since 1750, Glenarm has been the family seat of the McDonnell family, earls of Antrim; it's currently the home of Lord and Lady Dunluce. The castle itself…

  • Mountain

    Slemish Mountain

    The skyline to the east of Ballymena is dominated by the distinctive craggy peak of Slemish (438m). The hill is one of many sites in the North associated…

  • Church

    Layd Old Church

    From the car park beside the beach (follow the golf-club signs), a coastal path leads 1km north to the picturesque ruins of Layd Old Church, with views…

  • Museum

    Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum

    The history of Lisburn's once prosperous linen industry is celebrated at this interesting museum, inside the 17th-century Market House. The 'Flax to…

  • Museum

    Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience

    Built into the hillside and walled with tall black basalt slabs that mimic the basalt columns of the Causeway, the Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience…

  • Museum

    Whitehead Railway Museum

    There is plenty to see at this interesting museum run by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, an organisation set up to preserve and repair steam…

  • Castle

    Kinbane Castle

    On a limestone headland jutting out from the basalt cliffs, with stupendous views of Rathlin Island and Scotland, this castle, now ruined, was built in…

  • Gardens

    Antrim Castle Gardens & Clotworthy House

    Pass through the Barbican Gate (1818), a portion of the old castle walls, and the underpass beyond to reach Antrim Castle Gardens. The castle burned down…

  • Museum

    Carrickfergus Museum

    The glass-fronted Museum and Civic Centre on Antrim St houses the local museum, which has an interesting collection of artefacts relating to the town's…

  • Forest

    Glenariff Forest Park

    At the head of the Glenariff Valley is Glenariff Forest Park, where the main attraction is Ess-na-Larach Waterfall, an 800m walk from the visitor centre…

  • Museum

    Boathouse Visitor Centre

    South of the harbour, this combined visitor centre/museum details the fascinating history, culture and ecology of Rathlin Island, and can give advice on…

  • Beach

    East Strand

    Portrush's main attraction is the beautiful sandy East Strand beach that stretches for 3km to the east of town, ending at the scenic chalk cliffs of…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in County Antrim.