Northern Ireland
Belfast
Derry/Londonderry
North Antrim Coast
North Antrim Coast
As the home of the Giant's Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery, the coast of County Antrim probably does not need anything else to draw visitors. But those two popular attractions are only the beginning. To whet your appetite, here are a few of the highlights:
Giant's Causeway
This unique natural rock formation extends for three miles along the coast. It is undoubtedly Northern Ireland's most photographed attraction—often called the 8th wonder of the world and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List of Sites. It consists of more than 37,000 tightly packed basalt columns, almost like stone steps. The tops of the stones begin at the foot of the coastal cliffs and reach into the sea, disappearing under the water. Most of the stones are six-sided in shape and vary in size, with some as tall as 40 feet. It is a one-of-a-kind natural formation, not duplicated anywhere else in Ireland. Start a tour by looking at the exhibits and 25-minute audio-visual in the visitor centre, maintained by the National Trust. Then step outside and explore the rocks for yourself.
Old Bushmills Distillery and Visitor Centre
The Bushmills Distillery is the oldest distillery of its kind in the world, officially licensed in 1608. Visitors are welcome to take a walk-through tour of the plant to view the whole process, essentially unchanged over the centuries. Escorted by well-versed guides with informative and amusing commentaries, the 40-minute tours end in the Potstill Bar, a pub-style tasting room where guests are invited to sample the results.
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
Near Ballycastle is a swaying, 63-foot wooden plank bridge with a wire handrail positioned 80 feet above the sea, spanning an open chasm between the mainland and Carrick-a-rede Island. Each spring fishermen put up the bridge to give them access to a salmon fishery on the island, but the general public is welcome to use it. Access is from Larrybane car park, where there is a visitor centre operated by the National Trust.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is one of Northern Ireland's most photographed castles, even though it is a ruin. Built by Richard de Burgh, the Earl of Ulster, in c. 1300, it is a splendid structure sitting on basalt rock jutting out over the sea, reached by a wooden walkway. It was for many years the home of the Irish MacDonnell’s, chiefs of Antrim.
Mount Stewart House and Gardens
A fascinating 18th century house with 19th century additions, Mount Stewart was the home of Lord Castlereagh. The gardens feature an unrivalled collection of rare and unusual plants, colorful parterres, and magnificent formal and informal vistas. The Temple of the Winds, James Stuart's banqueting hall of 1785, overlooks Strangford Lough.