Antrim

Co. Antrim is one of the six counties that form Northern Ireland, located in the north-east of the island, in the Ulster region. It is situated with the sea bordering much of the county, with Lough Neagh to the west. Londonderry (or Derry) and Down are the two counties which border Antrim. This county offers a vast selection of things to see and do with the following representing just a brief selection of same.

Major Visitor Attractions

The Glens of Antrim offer isolated, rugged landscapes, whilst the Giant's Causeway is a unique landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bushmills produces legendary whiskey, and Portrush is a popular seaside resort and night-life area. The majority of the capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is also in Co. Antrim, with the remainder being in Co. Down. On the scenic coast there are several resort towns, including Portrush (with its well-known golf links course), Portballintrae and Glenarm.

The antiquities of the county consist of cairns, forts, remains of ecclesiastical and military structures, and round towers.

There are three round towers in the county: one at Antrim, another at Armoy, and one on Ram Island in Lough Neagh.

The castle at Carrickfergus, dating from the Norman invasion of Ireland, is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland and is a firm favourite with visitors to the county.

The Glens of Antrim are a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Within their twenty square miles the visitor can experience glacial valleys, sandy beaches, vertical cliffs, tundra plateau, boglands, wooded decidious glens, coniferous forests, waterfalls and picturesque villages. Ancient sites also abound here.

Rathlin Island, off the north Antrim coast has lots to offer those of an adventurous nature, who seek to explore and discover. It is a place steeped in history and abounds with stories and fables of an ancient, unwritten past.

Spanning a chasm some eighty feet deep is the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Originally constructed as a seasonal working bridge for local fishermen, the bridge is nowadays a tourist attraction.

Built on a peninsula, the lovely town of Portrush commands exceptional views to Donegal, Dunluce Castle and the world-famous Giants Causeway headland. It also has two very good quality beaches and excellent coastal walks.

The town of Bushmills developed with the water-powered industries of the 1600's to became one of the main centres for whiskey production in these islands, and is very well known to the present day.

Coleraine is one of the largest towns along the Causeway Coastal Route. It has a fascinating history and the town is a treasure trove of period architecture lining its lovely streets.

Dunluce Castle is an historical gem, its outline providing one of the most classic views along the Causeway Coastal Route and is often described, with good reason, as being one of Ireland’s most romantic castles.

The picturesque village of Glenarm is home to Glenarm Castle and Demense, which provides a central focus of interest to the area. The castle has a walled garden and tea-rooms and is open to the general public during the summer months, when guided tours of the castle are also available. (Check locally for details).

There is much to explore and enjoy in Antrim. Why not pay it a visit and see for yourself?