Looking for the best things to do in Antrim? Relax, sit back and check out our suggestions for some of the best places to visit in County Antrim. Located on the north eastern shore of Ireland and shaped by the wild North Atlantic Ocean, the county of Antrim is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland and full of things to do and see.
Though Belfast is its largest city, there are many things to do in Antrim that are outside of Belfast. We have covered things to do in Belfast in its own section, Yes, it is that worthy.
Have your camera at the ready and be prepared to suspend your current reality and let the glorious glens of Antrim sweep you away to another world as we take you on a tour of some of the most beautiful places to visit in Ireland.
WHERE TO GO IN ANTRIM – GLORIOUS GIANT’S CAUSEWAY
A World Heritage site, The Giant’s Causeway, according to legend, was a pathway across the sea from Ireland to Scotland, used by a famous Irish warrior, Fionn MacCumhail,(pronounced as fin mac cool)
On almost everybody’s list of things to do in Ireland. One of the most popular places in Ireland to visit, The Giant’s Causeway, 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, BT57 8SU. Situated within a few miles of the town of Bushmills, home of the whiskey distillery of the same name
This is a mass of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that sweep down into the sea. These were created through volcanic activity many millions of years ago.
If the scientific explanation is a bit cold for you, why not believe that it was created, as Irish mythology would have it, by the legendary Irish warrior Fionn MacCumhaill (pronounced as, fin mac cool) as a pathway to the not too distant country of Scotland.
A new visitor centre was opened here in 2012. The new centre is the gateway out to the Causeway.
The centre is partially hidden in the hills, along the way you will learn more about the myths, legends, history, wildlife and conservation of one of the greatest places to go in Ireland.
The visitor centre also has a shop and café where you can finds plenty of information on the Causeway, along with lots of local gifts to purchase.
Pedestrian access to the Causeway is free but be aware if you want to use any of the facilities including the car park, visitor rates apply.
If, however, you arrive at the Causeway by public transport, cycling or by foot you can avail of their green discount.
This discount also applies if you use the park and ride facilities in the Bushmills village. Park and ride facilities only run from March to October.
The Giants Causeway is open year all year round but hours do vary from month to month.
CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE. YOUR HEART IN YOUR MOUTH!
Practically beside the Giant’s Causeway is Carrick-a Rede Rope Bridge. This rope bridge, first built by fishermen as a link from the mainland to the island, or vice versa, extends for a distance of about twenty metres long (approx. 70 feet) and a height of 30 metres ( approx.100 feet).
The original builders could never have imagined that it would become one of the “must see places in Ireland”. Guided tours and standard facilities are available.
119a White Park Road, Ballintoy, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6LS
THINGS TO DO IN ANTRIM, TOUR BUSHMILLS’ DISTILLERY
Recover from crossing the rope bridge by heading into Bushmills for a snifter of whiskey.
Bushmills Visitor Centre, 2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, BT57 8XH
Bushmills is the oldest Licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Licensed to distill in 1608, the tour here is highly recommended, you will learn about the treble distilling of Irish whiskey and you’ll get a nice drop of Bushmills at the end of the tour.
There is a very good café located in the centre, and you can access this without taking the tour. Our recommendation is to book your tour in advance, you will not be disappointed.
GLENARRIFF PARK
If you are looking for beauty combined with peace and tranquility, this is the place for you. Glenarriff Forest Park is one of the nine glens of Antrim. Covering over 1,000 hectares, there are plenty of walks for all.
Ranging from 1 km to 8.9 km, these stunning walks, with boardwalks and handrails in the most difficult places, are worth a visit. Bring along your picnic as there are some covered seating areas along the route.
Highly recommended is the Waterfall walk but go that little bit extra and take in the rainbow bridge walk.
Covering such a vast area you will think you are there on your own most of the time. Flora and fauna are in abundance during your walk.
Paths are all well signposted and very well maintained, however, if you are going during the winter months, or in rainy weather make sure you pack appropriate clothing and footwear.
There is a nice café on site, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic, and nicely reminded to bring home your rubbish.
Well worth it when visiting Antrim. It is possible to stay here in a campervan/caravan, but you must book in advance where you will then be given a pin number to access your area.
There is no shop on site so make sure you have your essentials with you. It is not possible to stay here in a tent.
WHERE TO GO IN ANTRIM FOR THRILLS
The Gobbins, a cliff face path at Islandmagee in County Antrim and Rathlin Island, a beautiful island off the coast of Antrim.The Gobbins is a two mile long network of walkways and bridges, caves and tunnels.
Getting close to nature is an understatement if you visit this place. Nature gets up close and personal, making it a very envigorating experience.
A visitor centre and associated services are available, as are guided tours. However, guided tours need to be booked in advance and can be completed online.
The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL
RATHLIN ISLAND
One of the most pleasant things to do in Antrim is to sail the six mile stretch across to Rathlin Island and walk or cycle the island. Visit its working lighthouse, the seabird centre and maybe spot the seals at Mill Bay shore.
Visit the Boathouse centre and learn about island life whilst viewing artefacts from its maritime history. The more adventurous do a bit of scuba diving when they visit the island.
THINGS TO DO IN ANTRIM FOR GAME OF THRONES FANS
The popular series was filmed in Belfast and across Northern Ireland as well as in some other countries. Belfast and Northern Ireland have some of the best tours available.
You can take a guided tour, a weekend tour, a self drive tour or a private tour of your favourite locations. The organised tour come out best here as you get behind the scenes information from your guide.
You will get to see some of your favourite scenes, The Iron Island’s, Pyke Harbour, the Haunted Forest to name but a few.
During the Winterfell Trek, you can meet with Odin and Thor, the two dogs that starred in many scenes, at their home, Winterfell Castle. Meeting needs to be by prior arrangement.
There are many tours to choose from, Winterfell Trek, Iron Island’s, Tollymore Forest, Glass of Thrones walking tours. You can also take a boat tour and a helicopter tour. The choice is yours.
If you are on a tight budget and you are a fan of Game of Thrones then it is possible to take a self drive tour. You will not get the extras from the pre-organised tour but it will be less of a cost on you and you still get to the locations, at your own pace and budget.
WHAT TO DO IN ANTRIM, CLIMBING INTO A WARDROBE?
While in Belfast why not get on the C.S. Lewis trail? C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia was born in Belfast and lived here for the first ten years of his life.
In the C.S. Lewis square you will find seven sculptures of the characters from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
There is also a reading room in Queen’s University, Belfast, where a replica door from the film leads into C.S.Lewis reading room which hosts a huge lion rug and a Narnia Themed table.
This room is for staff and students only but security staff have been known to point visitors towards the room.
Check out our other articles about where to go in Ireland.