Belfast, N. Ireland – Gateway to the spectacular Antrim coastline

With some of the most beautiful and diverse countryside in Europe, it is a great time to explore Northern Ireland, and nowhere is very far from Belfast!

County Antrim

County Antrim forms the North-East corner of Ireland, where a channel only 13 miles wide separates Torr Head from the Scottish coast. Lough Neagh (the largest lake in Ireland) and the fertile valley of the Bann occupy the western part of Antrim.
To the East, a magnificent coast runs north from Larne and curves around the base of steep headlands, through which the beautiful glens of Antrim open to the sea. On the northern coast the Giant’s Causeway, a striking basalt rock formation, is truly awe-inspiring. It’s close to the popular seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart.

City of Belfast

City break or longer stay, Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreat of Northern Ireland.

At the head of Belfast Lough, the city is compact and easy to get around, whether by car or on foot. Belfast is teeming with a multitude of stylish bars, gourmet restaurants, trendy clubs and some of the best shopping in the UK. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music in a local pub or dance the night away to the latest vibes – the choice is theirs!

Top Things to Do

1.Giants Causeway

For centuries countless visitors have marvelled at the majesty and mystery of the Giants Causeway. At the heart of one of Europe’s most magnificent coastlines its unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms. The rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire our visitors. To stroll on the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time.

2.Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

A short coastal footpath leads to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. On the way, there are wonderful vantage points to stop and take in the natural beauty. The geology, flora and fauna have won Carrick-a-Rede recognition as an area of special scientific interest.
Of course, Carrick-a-Rede also boasts an exhilarating rope bridge experience. Traditionally fishermen erected the bridge to Carrick-a-Rede island over a 23m-deep and 20m-wide chasm to check their salmon nets. Today visitors are drawn here simply to take the rope bridge challenge!

3.Old Bushmills Distillery Co.

The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery having received its licence to distil in 1608. It is devoted to the production of Single Malt Irish Whiskey. The great tradition and craftsmanship first established in 1608 has been handed down over the generations and has been conserved to this very day. As a result there have been very few changes in how Single Malt Irish Whiskey is made today.

Bushmills Distillery. © ChristopherHeaney | Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

4. Glens of Antrim

Famed in poetry, song, myth and magic there are nine Glens of Antrim – Glenarm, Glencloy, Glenariff, Glenaan, Glencorp, Glenshesk, Glentaisie, Glenballyeamon, Glendun – each endowed with an evocative name and each weaving its own special magic. Lush, green secret places with the sound of water alternately softly swirling, then falling in dramatic torrents, the nine Glens delight the senses. Entwined with their rich beauties are equally diverse and magical stories, combining the colourful history, myth and the traditions of the communities within the glens.

Glens of Antrim. ©: Tourism Northern Ireland | Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

5. Belfast

Whether it’s culture, history and heritage or entertainment, shopping and fun you will find it in Belfast.
Open and compact, with acres of idyllic parkland, Belfast is very accessible and easy to get around and explore on foot. This city encompasses the historic cultural heartland of the Cathedral Quarter, the cosmopolitan charms of the Queen’s Quarter, the cultural diversity of the Gaeltacht Quarter and the waterfront development of the Titanic Quarter, host of the new Titanic visitor Centre, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor Experience, where you will visit the birthplace of the Titanic and experience the story from her birth in Belfast to the fateful maiden voyage and her eventual discovery on the seabed.

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