Local Attractions
- Portrush
Portrush is the most popular seaside resort in Northern Ireland. Located in County Antrim it is built on a peninsula pointing north-northwest.Portrush is home to the largest amusment park in Ireland. Other attractions in Portrush include Waterworld, an indoor attraction with water flumes water cannons, sprays and jacuzzis.
Portrush's biggest attraction are the magnificent beaches, Causeway Coast, Giant's Causeway and the nightlife.
- Portstewart Strand and Barmouth
The Strand beach at Portstewart, two miles of sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest and most popular Blue Flag beaches. Popular in the summer and with walkers throughout the year.Perhaps less well known is the dune system behind the beach which is a haven for wild flowers and butterflies that live in the rich marram grassland. The Barmouth is a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl and nesting birds.
- Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is thought by many to be the most picturesque and romantic of Irish castles. The spectacular castle-crowned crag, on the famous north Antrim coast, was shaped when the sea cut deep into the rock. Dunluce Castle, originally occupied by the MacQuillan family and later the MacDonnells was besieged by the British in the 16th Century. An accord was eventually signed with the English monarch in the name of peace. Part of the castle broke off and the kitchen plunged into the sea, during a storm one night, killing all the cooks and kitchen-hands. There remains a dark hollow.- Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple
There cannot be a more wild and dramatic place in Northern Ireland than the landscape park of Downhill. Begun in 1776, Downhill was the romantic vision of Frederick Hervey, Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry. The Earl Bishop created an elegant mansion at Downhill, which now lies in ruins, and on the nearby clifftop he built the circular Mussenden Temple as his library, modelled on the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli. If you enjoy open windswept walks with views that stretch over the whole of the North Coast of Ireland then you must go to Downhill. Available for weddings, Mussenden Temple offers a unique setting for that special day.- Old Bushmills Distillery
The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery having received its licence to distil in 1608. In 1608 Sir Thomas Phillips was granted a licence to distil whiskey by James 1 of England, however, mentions of distilling traditions in the surrounding environs date back to 1276. Coffee shop. Gift and whiskey shops Wheelchair access limited.- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
After walking along the beautiful coast path, you will find yourself confronted by an amazing rope bridge, which crosses a 30m deep and 20m wide chasm to the tiny Carrick Island. Originally a practical link to allow fishermen access to Carrick Island, in order to catch salmon as they migrated west around the island, the bridge is now a seasonal challenge for the intrepid visitor. If you are bold enough to cross without thinking too much about the sea swirling below, you will qualify for a commemorative certificate.- Giant's Causeway
Famous geological phenomenon on the North Antrim coast. Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site. Legendary emblem of North Antrim's spectacular coastline Geology, flora and fauna of international importance. Coast path with info panels extends 12 miles to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The Giants Causeway and Bushmills Railway, runs to the world's oldest whiskey distillery.- Glens of Antrim
The nine glens of Antrim are famed for their sublime scenery and rich, verdant landscape. Peaking and swooping over a distance of 40 miles, the glens run through forest, past streams and into some of the most tranquil areas in the county.- Walls of Derry
Among the many historic monuments in Derry, the massive city Walls on the west bank of the River Foyle are the most striking and memorable. Built between 1614 and 1619, the original Walls are almost perfectly preserved today, making Derry one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. Using earth, lime and local stone (some from ruined medieval monastery buildings) Peter Benson from London skillfully constructed the thick defensive ramparts and angular artillery bastions following closely the design of Sir Edward Doddington of Dungiven.- Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is situated six miles off the county Antrim coast. There are spectacular cliff top walkways, caves and much wild nature to view. It has one of Europe's most important bird sanctuary where there are kittiwakes, razorbills, puffins and guillemots. The island is inhabited by about 100 residents.