Timeless Wonders: Giant’s Causeway & Antrim Glens

It’s deeper into the wild and thrilling Northern Ireland we go today. We depart the city of Belfast and head to reach the northern coast. 

Once there, we pass the ruins of Dunluce Castle for a quick photo stop. This truly is an iconic location. Whoever thought to build castles on cliff faces overlooking the sea deserves an award of some kind, because it truly is a specular sight. Dunluce Castle has been around for a long time, evidence of settlements going back to the first millennium. But what you’ll see here today dates to around the 16th and 17th centuries. We’re only passing here for a quick look, but you’ll surely be able to understand why the McQuillan and MacDonnell clans fought over this location. Fans of Game of Thrones may get a niggling feeling when you arrive. This stunning ruin was modified with CGI for the show and used as the striking cliff-haunting Castle Greyjoy. 

We continue along the coastline, following the winding and magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. A truly sensational experience, the journey takes you past craggy cliffs and ruined castles.  

The crowning glory of this coastal drive is the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a place where history and myth collide spectacularly with raw geological power.  But she doesn’t stand alone. The Causeway is flanked by the powerful Atlantic Ocean and domineering cliff faces. It’s no wonder it’s been a source of inspiration for centuries – from artists wishing to capture its beauty to scientists debating the how and the when.  

As much as the science behind it is awe-inspiring and fascinating, some prefer to believe in something a little more mystical. What’s left is for you to decide: is it science or myth? 

With legends teasing your mind, we stop in at the lovely seaside town of Ballycastle for lunch. It’s up to you how you’d like to spend your time – maybe you’ll hunker down in a pub or perhaps you’ll get something to go and sit with a view of the water. 

After lunch, it’s time for something spectacular but not for the faint of heart as we begin our scenic drive towards Glenariff Forest Park through the Glens of Antrim, a region of Northern Ireland so stunning it’s been classified an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The nine glens (or valleys) sweep around you as we wind our way along this route – a route that bigger buses can’t go down – so we’re really taking you ‘off the beaten track’ to explore a part of Northern Ireland you may not have thought to explore. 

We head along the narrow roads around Torr Head and descend into valleys, before rising to cliff edges… but we’re certain the views will keep you distracted and delighted, with a stunning view of the Mull of Kintyre across the way in Scotland. 

We carry on down the coast and arrive at Glenariff Forest Park for a wee walk and perhaps you’ll treat yourself to a tea or coffee at their lovely Tea Room. Remember those nine glens of Antrim we spoke about earlier? Glenariff is their leader, known as the Queen of the Glens. She covers over 1000 hectares with a landscape of woodlands, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces, and conservation areas. Behind the cafe you’ll spot an easy 1.5km walk called the Waterfall Trail – so why not grab a takeaway coffee and meander down for the incredible view? 

We’re almost home to Belfast now but as we continue south, we’ll stop in at the wonderful Carrickfergus Castle for a quick photo. This Norman Castle is still in excellent condition, despite being besieged by the Scots, Irish, English and French… that’s a lot for one castle to handle. And yet it’s the only preserved castle of its age open to the public today.  

After a quick visit, we arrive back in Belfast in the early evening.