Discover the Glens of Antrim

Many a travel guide will tell you that the Glens of Antrim are a good addition to your Causeway Coastal Route adventure. We’re not saying that’s wrong, but we know that these glens deserve more attention than that. These nine glens are not just an addition to your trip around the northeast coast of the island of Ireland, they are a magnificent, natural and historic attraction in themselves.

The Glens of Antrim lie between Northern Ireland’s coastal towns of Larne and Ballycastle. Imagine forest-covered hills swooping down into deep valleys filled with lusciously green grass grazed on by sheep. Picture fields of wildflowers in bloom stretching towards the beaches making up the 150km of coastline in the Glens of Antrim area.

The route along the coast is drivable, but you’ll want to spend some time on foot to really appreciate this part of the island of Ireland.

Every glen has its own attractions, such as the viaduct in Glendun and the 15th century Friary of Bonmargie in Glenesk. Check out Glenarm Castle and Gardens and the derelict railway with a mining past in Glenballyemon.

Are you well-read on your myths and legends? People believe that Glenaan is the burial place of Oisín, the son of Irish Giant Fionn mac Cumhaill. In Glentaisie, there are many old monuments, and one of them is believed to have been the home of Taisie, the fair daughter of Rathlin’s king and from whom the glen got its name.

There is an abundance of Glens of Antrim walks to enjoy, with one to suit every taste. The Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 acres and is popular for its riverside walk. History buffs should venture across Glencloy (also known as The Valley of the Sword), a site that historians believe was once used to produce flint weapons due to the large amount of this sedimentary rock.

Walking in Glenariff leads to Mare’s Tail waterfall, while Glenshesk provides views of Rathlin Island, where Ireland’s biggest seabird colony resides.

For a longer venture, why not try the Moyle Way? This challenging trek covers five of the nine glens and we promise you the two-day hike is worth it.