DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Antrim

County Antrim, located in the northeastern corner of Ireland, is a captivating destination known for its vibrant capital, Belfast, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway, and the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. With its dramatic coastline, nine enchanting Glens, historic castles, and rich cultural heritage, Antrim offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. In 2025, the county continues to thrive as a tourism hub, with new events and infrastructure enhancing its appeal. Antrim is Ireland’s ninth largest county by size (3,046 square km) and second largest by population (651,321).

The spirit of County Antrim

The spirit of County Antrim is captured in its rugged coastlines, ancient glens, and the vibrant cultural heritage that has inspired countless works of art, literature, and song. One poignant example is the poem by Glasgow poet Smylie, published in a local Ulster newspaper in the late 1920s, which vividly celebrates Antrim’s breathtaking landscapes: “Let others boast of foreign lands, / Give me Antrim’s hills and plains, / Whose scenery so inspiring grand / My memory still retains.” This quote, tied to a historic photograph of the Madman’s Window in Glenarm, encapsulates the enduring allure of Antrim’s natural beauty, from the dramatic cliffs of the Causeway Coast to the serene glens that have long stirred the hearts of poets.

In local song, the traditional ballad “The Green Glens of Antrim,” popularised by various Irish artists, evokes the county’s pastoral charm with its heartfelt lyrics: “Far across yonder blue lies a true fairy land, / With the sea rippling over the shingle and sand, / Where the gay honeysuckle is scenting the dew, / In the green glens of Antrim I’m longing for you.” This song, deeply rooted in the region’s identity, paints a nostalgic picture of the Nine Glens, a defining feature of Antrim’s landscape, and resonates with locals and visitors alike.

Antrim’s influence also permeates film and television, most notably in Game of Thrones, where the county’s iconic Dark Hedges in Ballymoney served as the Kingsroad, a pivotal setting in the series. This striking avenue of beech trees, with their gnarled branches forming a natural tunnel, became a global symbol of Westeros, drawing fans to Antrim’s mystical landscapes. The show’s use of other Antrim locations, such as Cushendun Caves and Magheramorne Quarry utisises the county’s landscape as a cinematic muse, blending its raw, elemental beauty with epic storytelling.

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Belfast, the Vibrant Capital: Belfast, Ireland’s second largest city, is a cultural and industrial hub with a revitalized post-Troubles energy. Key attractions include:
Titanic Belfast: Located in the Titanic Quarter, this award-winning museum tells the story of the RMS Titanic, built in Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyard. Interactive exhibits and the iconic crane backdrop make it a must-visit.
Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC): A hub for contemporary art, theater, and performances, showcasing Belfast’s creative spirit.
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: An Irish language and cultural center offering insights into Irish heritage through arts and events.
Crumlin Road Gaol: A Victorian-era prison offering tours that delve into Belfast’s complex history, including its role during the Troubles.
Belfast City Hall: A stunning example of Victorian architecture, with free guided tours and a vibrant surrounding area.
Festivals: Belfast hosts events like the Belfast International Arts Festival (October) and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, blending music, theater, and comedy.
Historic Castles:
Carrickfergus Castle: A well-preserved Norman castle from the 12th century, overlooking Belfast Lough, with guided tours and WWII history walks.
Dunluce Castle: Perched dramatically on a cliff along the Causeway Coastal Route, this 16th-century ruin is linked to myths and Game of Thrones (inspiring Cair Paravel in The Chronicles of Narnia). Its precarious location, where part of the kitchen fell into the sea in 1639, adds intrigue.
Glenarm Castle: Home to the MacDonnell family since 1636, this castle features a world-famous Walled Garden, crowned “Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year.” Guided tours showcase Irish furniture and family portraits.
Cultural Heritage: Antrim’s Celtic and Viking roots are evident in its mythology, with figures like Fionn Mac Cumhaill tied to the Giant’s Causeway. The county’s history includes the Plantation of Ulster, Viking invasions, and the Troubles, with Belfast now embracing its past through peace-building tourism. The Irish language is spoken by 12.77% of residents, with 2.55% using it daily.
Famous Connections: Antrim is the birthplace of Liam Neeson (Ballymena), C.S. Lewis (Belfast), and rumored ancestral home of Theodore Roosevelt.

Natural Attractions

Giant’s Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this geological marvel features 40,000 basalt columns formed 50–60 million years ago by volcanic activity, or, as legend claims, built by giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill to reach Scotland. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits, guided tours, and iconic sights like the Giant’s Boot and Wishing Chair. Access is free, but parking includes a fee for the center and audioguide.
Glens of Antrim: These nine glacial valleys (e.g., Glenariff, the “Queen of the Glens”) span 50 km², offering sandy beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails like the Ulster Way and Moyle Way. Glenariff Forest Park’s Waterfall Walk is a highlight, with boardwalks through fairy-tale forests.
Causeway Coastal Route: This scenic drive from Belfast to Derry is one of the world’s most spectacular, featuring Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and coastal villages like Cushendun and Ballintoy.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A thrilling 20-meter-long rope bridge, originally built by fishermen, sways 23 meters above the sea, connecting to Carrick Island. It’s a must for adventurers.
The Gobbins Cliff Path: Since 1902, this cliff-hugging walkway offers cave exploration and views of marine life, suspended over crashing waves.
Lough Neagh: The th in Ireland and insular Europe and 34th largest lake on the continent, ideal for fishing (eels) and boat tours. Ram’s Island features a ruined monastery and Round Tower.
Rathlin Island: A short ferry ride from Ballycastle, this island is a haven for birdwatchers, with puffins and seabirds at the West Light Seabird Centre.
Northern Lights: On clear nights from September to April, rural areas like the Antrim Coast may offer aurora sightings, enhanced by the 2026 Solar Maximum.
Outdoor and Active Pursuits
Hiking and Walking: The Glens, Glenariff Forest Park, and coastal paths offer trails for all levels. The Ireland Walking Guide highlights 29 offshore islands, including Rathlin, for summer walks.
Cycling: The Causeway Coastal Route is cyclist-friendly, with rentals available in Belfast and Portrush.
Surfing: Whiterocks Beach near Portrush is a surfer’s paradise with powerful waves and stunning headlands like Elephant’s Rock.
Golf: Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of The British Open in 2019 and 2025, is a world-class course attracting global players.

Food and Drink

Old Bushmills Distillery: The world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery (1608) in Bushmills offers tours explaining the triple-distilling process, tastings, and personalized bottles. It attracts 120,000 visitors annually.
Local Dining: Belfast’s restaurants, like Sleepy Hollow and Billy Andy’s in Newtownabbey, use farm-fresh produce. Coastal villages like Glenarm offer seafood, while Mary McBride’s pub in Cushendun is a cozy spot for a pint.
Culinary Scene: Antrim’s artisan food makers and restaurants emphasize local ingredients, with Belfast’s vibrant dining scene catering to all tastes.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Getting There: Belfast International Airport (BFS) and Belfast City Airport (BHD) offer flights from England and Europe. Ferries from Cairnryan (Scotland), Liverpool, and the Isle of Man arrive at Belfast or Larne. The Enterprise train from Dublin to Belfast takes 2 hours, and buses from Dublin Airport are frequent.
Getting Around: A rental car is ideal for the Causeway Coastal Route, though buses and trains connect Belfast to towns like Antrim and Ballymena. Public transport to rural areas is limited outside summer.
Sustainability: Antrim promotes eco-friendly travel, with discounts for arriving at the Giant’s Causeway by public transport or bicycle. Belfast’s rejuvenated docklands reflect sustainable urban planning.
What’s New for 2026 in County Antrim
The Open at Royal Portrush (July 2026): The prestigious golf tournament returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club, boosting tourism with hotel bookings tripling after Rory McIlroy’s Masters win. Expect enhanced facilities and events in Portrush.
All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships (August 15–17, 2026): Hosted in Glenarm, this event features top Irish rowing clubs competing along the scenic Antrim Coast. The village will buzz with local food, music, and a maritime festival atmosphere, free for spectators.
Armoy Road Races (Summer 2026): This high-octane motorcycle race in Armoy village draws elite riders and fans, adding to Antrim’s motorsport legacy alongside the Ulster Grand Prix.
Titanic Belfast Enhancements: Following its 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, the museum is introducing new interactive exhibits and guided tours to mark the Titanic’s ongoing legacy.
Glenarm Castle Events: The castle’s Walled Garden, a 2023 award-winner, will host expanded garden walks and cultural events, including film screenings tied to its Five Minutes from Heaven fame.
Tourism Growth: Antrim saw 1.5 million visitors in 2023, with 2026 projections indicating continued growth, driven by Belfast’s urban appeal and the Causeway Coastal Route’s global recognition. New accommodation options, like glamping and eco-lodges, cater to demand.
Sustainable Initiatives: Antrim’s tourism board is expanding eco-friendly initiatives, such as enhanced public transport to the Giant’s Causeway and conservation efforts in the Glens, aligning with Ireland’s sustainability goals.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for mild weather (15–20°C), festivals, and long daylight; September–October for autumn colors and fewer crowds; February–April for Northern Lights and winter charm. The Open (July) and rowing championships (August) make summer 2026 busy.
Accommodation: Book early for The Open and road races, especially in Belfast and Portrush. Options include Belfast’s hotels (e.g., Europa Hotel), B&Bs like Ballyharvey House, or unique stays like Drum Gatelodge near Bushmills.
Local Cuisine: Sample Bushmills whiskey, fresh seafood in coastal towns, and Belfast’s diverse dining, from traditional pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Safety: Antrim is safe, but exercise caution in Belfast’s busier areas and on cliff paths like The Gobbins. Weather can be wet (bring waterproof gear), and rural roads require careful driving.
Language: English is universal, with 12.77pc of residents speaking Irish. Belfast’s Cultúrlann offers Irish language workshops.

County Antrim in 2026 is a dynamic destination blending Belfast’s urban energy, the Giant’s Causeway’s natural wonder, and the Glens’ serene beauty. Visitors can explore historic castles, Game of Thrones sites, and the Causeway Coastal Route, while enjoying cultural hubs like the MAC and Titanic Belfast. New for 2026, The Open at Royal Portrush, the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships in Glenarm, and enhanced sustainable tourism initiatives elevate Antrim’s appeal. With easy access via Belfast’s airports and ferries, Antrim is a must-visit for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers