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United Kingdom / Ireland : Northern Ireland

The Antrim Coast and Glens Walking

Trip code: W07AN 5 (1 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

13.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • UNESCO world heritage site of Giants Causeway, hexagonal interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago
  • Stay in Bushmills, the home of the famous Bushmills whiskey distillery
  • Explore Northern Irelands glens, the nature reserves of Glenariff and Slieveanorra and the forests of Ballycastle and Glenariff
  • Spectacular scenery with castles and beautiful beaches

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Breakfasts daily
  • Navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers as required
  • Return ferry ticket to Rathlin Island

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This 7 night holiday explores the beautiful Northern Ireland coastline and the most famous Glens in the area. You start by exploring the nature reserves of Slievenorra and Glenariff, with spectacular views and bird watcing a plenty! Through forest paths and along the magnificent coastline, this holiday has it all. Visit the wonderful Rathlin Island renowned for its sea birds and classed as the largest sea bird colony in Europe.

Cross the famous Carrick-a-Rede bridge used as a location in the popular Game of Thrones TV series and walk across the magnificent UNESCO listed Giant's Causeway where there are more than 40,000 hexagonal interlocking, basalt columns, formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions or maybe, as local legend suggests, built by the giant Fionn as a path to Scotland to challenge his rival there.

Coastal walking galore, impressive forests and waterfalls, a naturalists delight, the impressive Giants Causeway, fantastic castles, beautiful beaches and a whiskey distillery - experience it all here in Northen Ireland.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrival in Cushendall

Arrive in Cushendall

You stay at Glendale.

hotel details

 equivalent

Glendale B&B, Cushendall

TRIP ADVISOR

WiFi
TV


Glendale is a family run B&B located on the famous Coast Road in the pictureque village of Cushendall and just 4 minutes walk from the beach. It is set in private gardens and around 100 yards from the road. It offers views of the sea and the nearby Lurig Mountain.

Day 2: Orra Beg to Glenariff Forest Park (14km/8.7mi)

A transfer to Orra Beg today and you’ll head south to through the Slieveanorra Nature Reserve, which has spectacular views over the glens and plays host to a great variety of birds. From Slieveanorra you carry on over open moorland towards Trostan Mountain and on to the Glenariff Nature Reserve and Forest Park with its visitor centre, nature trails and famous waterfalls. From here you will be collected and returned to your accommodation.

Day 3: Orra Beg to Ballycastle (20km/12.4mi)

After a transfer to Orra Beg you head north for Ballycastle along the Moyle Way. Passing through forest tracks and along the banks of the Glenshesk River through the Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve. Continuing onward by country road with views of the Glenshesk River, Knocklayd Mountain and Coolaveely Wood before following a good forest path through Ballycastle Forest following a good forest path into Ballycastle itself where you stay for the next three nights.

You stay at Corratavey B&B.

hotel details

 equivalent

Corratavey B&B, Ballycastle

TRIP ADVISOR


Corratavey bed and breakfast is a few minutes walk to Ballycastle seafront and harbour and is situated close to the Giants Causeway Coast & Glens.

Day 4: Fair Head Loop (8km/5.0mi)

A return transfer takes you to the start of your walk around the magnificent coastal route of Murlough and Fair Head. The path hugs this ruggedly beautiful coast with dramatic cliff drops. Return to Ballycastle.

Day 5: Rathlin Island (3km/1.9mi or 7km/4.3mi)

Rathlin is described as a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered and is just six miles across the Sea of Moyle (return ticket included). It’s an L-shaped island, six miles long and nowhere is more than a mile across. The island is a naturalist’s delight and you can choose between three walks varying from 1.5 miles to 4 miles. Visit the RSPB West Light viewpoint to see the puffins, guillemots and razorbills along with kittiwakes and fulmars, which together make up the largest seabird colony in Europe. Overnight at Ballycastle.

Day 6: Larrybane to the Giants Causeway (16km/9.9mi)

Transfer to Larrybane visitor centre and the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The bridge first built in 1755 by salmon fishermen spans an 80 foot deep chasm that renders Carrick-a-Rede an island. Continue along the coastal path to Ballintoy, a fantastic little harbour at the foot of the cliffs before reaching the beautiful White Park Bay. Stroll onwards to the village of Portbraddan and the ruins of Dunseverick Castle and on to the Giant’s Causeway. More than 40,000 hexagonal interlocking, basalt columns formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions or as local legend suggests, built by the giant Fionn as a path to Scotland to challenge his rival there. From here you take the public bus (payable locally) for the last few miles into Bushmills, your destination for the evening and where you can find the famous Bushmills whiskey distillery.

You stay at Cottesmore B&B.

hotel details

 equivalent

Cottesmore B&B, Bushmills

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Cottesmore bed and breakfast is set on the edge of Bushmills Village and in a designated 'Area of outstanding Natural Beauty'. It is the perfect location for exploring the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge and just a 5 minute walk from the world famous 'Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery'. Rooms are modern and tastefully decorated.

Day 7: Portballintrae to Portstewart (19km/11.8mi)

A short walk to Portballintrae and then follow the beautiful coastal road to Portrush passing the beautiful Magheracross viewpoint and medieval Dunluce Castle, perched precariously high on a promontory overlooking the sea. Onwards to Whiterocks beach with its limestone white cliffs, the coastal path leads you up around Ramore Head before reaching pretty Portrush harbour. Its then just a few miles along the beach and causeway markers before reaching the promenade in Portstewart where you spend your final evening.

You stay at Cul Erg House B&B.

hotel details

 equivalent

Cul Erg House B&B, Portstewart

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Cul-Erg House is a delightful guest house and is a two minute stroll to the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Ideally situated close to a host of visitor attractions, including the world famous golf courses, in Portstewart, Portrush and Castlerock. This area of outstanding beauty. The renowned Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge to name but a few, all beckon to be explored and enjoyed.

Day 8: Leave Portstewart

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE DATE

We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.

Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.

REVIEWS

Very well organised package and excellent responsiveness from the booking office and the local agent.

HÉlÈne Read, 26 May 2024

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

13.0Kg CO2e

Navigation App

Please call for prices.

Call: 01606 720199

 

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