- Armoy – A picturesque village on the River Bush, Armoy features a well-preserved 30-foot round tower from a 5th-century monastery founded by a disciple of St. Patrick. Its tranquil setting and historical significance make it a hidden gem in the Glens of Antrim.
- Ballintoy: A charming fishing village along the Causeway Coast, Ballintoy is renowned for its dramatic harbor, surrounded by rocky sea stacks and islands. Its corkscrew road and proximity to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Giant’s Causeway make it a scenic gem. The village’s rugged coastline and traditional stone cottages attract artists and visitors.
- Ballycastle – This seaside resort on the Causeway Coast is known for its architectural character and stunning views of Rathlin Island and Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre. The Ballycastle Heritage Trail, vibrant harbor, and nearby Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge make it a captivating destination for history and adventure lovers.
- Broughshane – Crowned Village of the Year, this picture-perfect village is known for its motto “People, Plants, and Pride Growing Together.” With a charming high street, the historic Thatch Inn, and efforts to protect local wildlife, Broughshane offers a warm community feel and scenic beauty.
- Carnlough: A coastal village near the Slemish Scenic Drive, Carnlough features a picturesque limestone harbor and a historic railway bridge. Backed by the Antrim Glens, it offers scenic walks along the coast and into Glencloy. Its proximity to the Gobbins Cliff Path adds to its appeal for nature lovers.
- Cushendall – Known as the “Heart of the Glens,” this lively village boasts striking red sandstone buildings, including the iconic Curfew Tower. Its rows of distinct cottages and cozy pubs, like Mary McBride’s (one of Ireland’s smallest), offer vibrant local culture. Surrounded by the Glens of Antrim, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Cushendun: Located at the foot of Glendun, one of the Nine Glens of Antrim, a serene seaside village on the River Dun’s mouth, Cushendun is a picturesque coastal village with a sheltered harbor and whitewashed cottages. Designed partly by Clough Williams-Ellis, its Cornish-style architecture and proximity to the Antrim Coast Road offer stunning views of rugged cliffs and the North Channel. The village’s beach and nearby Cushendun Caves, featured in Game of Thrones, add to its charm.
- Glenarm – Located at the foot of the first of Antrim’s nine glens, Glenarm is a charming coastal village known for its Georgian architecture, restored harbor, and limestone marina. The 16th-century Glenarm Castle, home to the McDonnell family, adds historical allure, while the village is famous for its salmon and Steenson’s gold and silversmiths.
- Knocknacarry: A lesser-known hamlet near Cushendun, Knocknacarry lies along the Antrim Coast Road, offering tranquil coastal scenery and access to the Glens of Antrim. Its quiet lanes and proximity to Murlough Bay, a dramatic cliff-lined cove, make it a hidden scenic treasure.
- Portbraddon: A tiny hamlet near Ballintoy, Portbraddon is tucked beneath cliffs along the Causeway Coast. Its small harbor and proximity to Whitepark Bay’s sandy beach make it a serene, scenic spot. The area’s dramatic coastal cliffs and quiet charm are perfect for those seeking solitude.
- Torr: Perched on a headland near Cushendall, Torr is a small settlement with panoramic views of the Antrim Coast and Scottish Mull of Kintyre. Its elevated position and proximity to the Glens of Antrim offer a rugged, windswept beauty, ideal for coastal walks and photography.
- Waterfoot: Located at the base of Glenariff, the “Queen of the Glens,” Waterfoot sits by Red Bay, named for its reddish sandstone cliffs. The village features a sandy beach, cliff caves, and the ruins of Red Bay Castle. Its position along the Antrim Coast Road provides breathtaking views of the glen and sea, ideal for scenic walks.
- Whitehead – A fine seaside town with commanding views across Belfast Lough, Whitehead is known for its idyllic coastal setting and the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland. The scenic Blackhead Path and lighthouse climb provide stunning coastal vistas, perfect for leisurely strolls and ice-cream stops.
Antrim:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Contact list – Dining – Equestrian –Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Instagrammable– Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies –Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Writers
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
