Occupying Ireland’s picturesque north eastern corner, County Antrim is renowned for its vibrant capital, Belfast. It is also known for its lush glens and intriguing geographical and historical attractions.
If you are planning to visit Antrim in the near future, read on to discover some of the county’s must-see attractions so you can plan the perfect itinerary – whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids.
Out And About In Belfast
The Northern Irish capital of Belfast is located, for the most part, in County Antrim. It is a popular vacation spot for many visitors to the Republic. Renowned for its volatile political history, as well as for being an industrial hub and the birthplace of the Titanic, these days Belfast has plenty to offer the 21st-century traveller. As well as historic attractions that shed new light on the city’s fascinating past, Belfast is also a bustling creative centre, home to world-class shopping, entertainment, wining and dining options.
During your time in the city, you will probably want to make your way to the Thompson Dry Dock and immerse yourself in the world of the Titanic Belfast. This dramatic edifice is home to nine immersive galleries which recount the story of the world-famous ship, from how it was designed and built, to the moment it sank beneath the icy waves of the Atlantic. While you’re here, you can even view the dry dock where the gargantuan Titanic was housed before her launch, and you can enjoy a guided tour given by one of the ancestors of the people who were involved in the building of the legendary ocean liner.
Of course, the Titanic Belfast is just one of the city’s historic attractions. During your time in the city, you may also wish to visit Belfast City Hall, with its distinctive architecture; Carrickfergus Castle, nestled on the picturesque north shore of Belfast Lake; and Shankill Road, which used to be an unlikely battleground during the worst of Ireland’s political troubles but is now also known for its colourful and poignant murals.
Before you leave Belfast, if the often-damp Antrim weather allows, you should also be sure to visit the city’s Botanic Garden. The historic gardens date back to 1828 and feature a number of notable attractions, including the lush Palm House with its birds of paradise, and some of the oldest seed plants in the world, which can be found in the Tropical Ravine.
Antrim’s Natural Wonders
As well as being home to some unique cultural gems, Antrim is also renowned for its natural beauty. Also, it is perhaps most famous for being home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Giant’s Causeway. With a mythical origin story rooted in Irish legend, these 40,000 columns of ancient basalt make an undeniably enthralling sight and should definitely be included on any Antrim itinerary.
It is also located on the awe-inspiring coastline is the Gobbins Cliff Path, a scenic walkway which gives you a unique perspective of the shore. This iconic path includes several bridges, which link one dramatic headland to another, giving you the opportunity to gaze down into the foaming waves or rocky crevasses where seabirds rear their chicks.
Of course, while the Gobbins Cliff Path may not be for the faint of heart, the Glens of Antrim will surely appeal to all visitors, with their foaming waterfalls, rugged glens, and picture-postcard beaches. As you are travelling around, you may even recognise a number of locations from the highly popular Game of Thrones TV series, which is sure to be a thrill for fans of the books and the show.
Something For Everyone: Activities To Try In Antrim
During your tour of Antrim, you should be sure to make time for some of the many activities the county has to offer, which will appeal to a wide range of ages, abilities, and interests. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling with young children, by yourself, or with adult friends – you won’t struggle to find ways to keep entertained while on holiday.
One of the many family-friendly attractions you can explore while in County Antrim is the World Of Owls, located at Randalstown Forest. This rustic bird sanctuary is home to a wonderful variety of owl species, as well as eagles, hawks, vultures and other birds of prey, not to mention a number of resident farm birds.
Younger children are also bound to enjoy the whimsical magic of Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail, where little ones can embark on a woodland treasure hunt, pay a visit to the tooth fairy herself, and explore Galgorm’s enchanted fairy village. While many of Ireland’s fairy legends are undeniably grown-up, Galgorm provides a pretty pastoral haven where your offspring can indulge their fondness for the Little Folk.
Elsewhere in Antrim, you can encounter the eerie splendour of The Dark Hedges, on Bregagh Road. This spooky man-made avenue of trees is rumoured to be home to its own resident ghost. Even without tales of spectral apparitions, it makes for a mysterious sight and is sure to enthral kids of all ages.
Moving on to more adult pursuits, and if you are keen to sample some of Ireland’s famous whiskey, then you shouldn’t leave Antrim without paying a visit to Bushmills Distillery. It first obtained its license over 400 years ago – making it the oldest licensed distillery on the planet. While you’re there, book a tour to see the production process for yourself, and enjoy sampling some of its finest concoctions.
After all, you may need some Dutch – or in this case, Irish – courage if you plan to try out some of Antrim’s more adrenalin-pumping activities, such as crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, or trying out a coasteering adventure in Ballintoy. Not sure what coasteering involves? It includes rock climbing, jumping off rocky heights, and swimming in the sea. Before you decide against giving it a go, don’t worry, you will be provided with both ample training and safety equipment, and the activity is tailored to all levels of confidence.
In Conclusion
As you can see, a trip to County Antrim is sure to provide you with some truly unique and memorable experiences, whether you are musing on the Titanic’s haunting legacy, following in a giant’s footsteps, or hunting for fairies in the picturesque Irish woods. The only unpleasant part of your visit will be deciding which experiences will have to be postponed for another trip, as there is only so much you can cram into your Antrim itinerary.
