The "Instagrammer"

You see a great shot at every place you find yourself in, whether that's on a beach, a forest or a coffe shop that serves a particularly good brew!

This 2-day itinerary will delight the "Instagrammer" in you and will place you in a front row seat for that shot that will wow your friends and make your photo wall really stand out among the crowd!

Day1

Arrive at your accommodation - Arbor Hills Glamping

A private hot-tub, a fully equipped kitchen and that all-important WiFi come with this fabulouse glamping experience at Arbor Hills. Located close to the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead with it's rainbow houses and Lighthouse standing proudly atop thew coastal path, you'll have a 5-star view everywhere you look! Time to pop the bubbly, climb into the tub and get some envy-enducing shots to share at the start of your trip before enjoying a cosy night in your cabin! 

Day 2

Breakfast at The Gobbins Cafe

Before you embark on one of Europe's most dramatic coastal walks, you'll need to fuel up on a good breakfast. The Gobbins Cafe is located at the Gobbins Visitor Centre and makes the perfect (and most convenient) place to grab some breakfast before your hike. While you're here, take a walk around the Centre and read the immersive information at the interpretation centre on the history of the Gobbins Cliff Path and the incredible engineering work and visionary planning that went into creating this world-class tourist attraction over 100 years ago! 

Board the bus to The Gobbins!

The Gobbins Cliff Path experience starts with a short safety briefing followe by a 5 minute minibus trip to the start of the path. Even from here the views of the ocean and coastline are simpoly breathtaking. Follow your tour guide down the path and towards Wyse's Eye, the man-made hole carved through the rock which marks the official start of the path. This makes an ideal photo opportunity to show off the beginning of your adventure. Continues on your tour and you'll traverse bridges over stunning coves, climb steps carved from the rock face and even venture through a cave below sea level! The photo opportunities of views and scenery during this 2 hour timeframe are simply endless! 

Make sure you book your tour of The Gobbins in advance of your visit!

Take an iconic waterfall pic

Go straight from one photogenic hotspot to another! A short 15 minute drive from The Gobbins will take you to the quaint village of Gleno (worthy of a place on your Instagram wall in itself) where you'll discover the photo-famous Gleno Waterfall. Park up at the car park and after just a couple of minutes walk along the wooded path you'll encounter this beautiful waterfall; surrounded by paths and vantage points, getting that perfect shot is a breeze! 

Enjoy a Game of Thrones-themed afternoon tea for lunch

Much of the global hit TV show Game of Thrones was shot at various locations along the Causeaay Coastal Route, so make a stop at Ballygally Castle Hotel for lunch after your waterfall photostop. Here you'll be able to enjoy a GoT-themed afternoon tea - includes Lannister egg rolls, Baratheon bread, Little Finger Chicken Caesar wraps, Jon Snow cakes and Dothraki trifle with mini Dragon’s eggs! You'll be in dark and atmospheric surroundings in line with the mood of the TV show, and close enough to the coast to hear the waves on the shore. 

Post-lunch beach walk - Ballygally Beach

With spectacular views of the headlands, Ballygally has a very walkable beach just a hop over the road from your lunch venue at Ballygally Castle Hotel. Capture some stunning beach videos from the sandy shoreline or even take a dip - it's a popular spot for wild swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. 

Go on a photo-snapping spree in gorgeous Glenarm

A short walk through this charming seaside town will soon reveal to you its hidden photogenic gems! Take the Barbican Gatelodge for example - built in 1825 as part of a romantic redesign of the Glenarm Castle Estate it's now a unique self-catering accommodation and looks like something straigh out of a fairy tale! It's a fabulous backdrop for a selfie! Glenarm Harbour is another photo-opportunity with it's quaint fishing boats and stunning location tucked into the shore along the Causeway Coastal Route. Why not head to Steensons Jewellers, where much of the Game of Thrones jewellery props were crafted and try on a crown for size (and for Insta likes!)?

Dinner, Drinks & Music at Mattie's Meeting House

It's been a busy day, you've worked up an apetite again, not just for food but for a taste of the local hospitality. A 10 minute drive will take you from Glenarm to Cairncastle where you'll find Mattie's Meeting House, a traditional pub set among the country roads and fields which lie just inland from Ballygally. Enjoy hopme-cooked pub fayre here, with a selection of local brews and of course a night of traditional music. This is the ideal way to rest your feet after a day discovering some of the gems of Mid & East Antrim. 

Day 3

Morning Bike Ride With A View

After breakfast head to Whitehead, it's a picture-perfect seaside town with a unique row of rainbow coloured houses overlooking the shore (see image at top of this page). You could walk around the town if you wish, but we think it's much more fun to pedal - especially when you've got e-bike hire at the Whithad Centre in the middle of the town. Call in, pick up your bike and cycle ropund with ease, taking in some real photo hotspots like Blackhead Lighthouse perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea, the Whitehead Promenade and be sure to stop at one of the local coffee shops (like The Bank House) for a pick-me-up. 

Stop at the Andrew Jackson Cottage

Head towards Carrickfergus, and just as you are approaching Marine Highway you'll see a signpost for Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum. This is a traditional thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse built in 1750s. This cottage is one of about twelve cottages that were located here, and the original Jackson cottage was demolished in 1860 to make way for the railway. Andrew jackson was the 7th President of the United Staes of America and his parents emigrated from here in 1765. Check out the interperative centre and get a few photos beside the peat fire inside this beautiful thatched cottage. 

Lunch time - Ownies Bar & Restaurant

Just a couple of minutes from the Andrew Jackson Cottage you'll find your lunch venue - Ownies Bar & Restaurant! You can't miss it - it's pink! Call in and grab a table in this traditional pub restaurant and browse a menu that has something for everyone. If it's cold outside there'll be a fire lit and a warm atmosphere to match. It's also a really convenient place to stop in your itinerary, not just because of the large car park out fornt, but it's within a stone's throw of your next (and final) stop...

Step Back in Time at Carrickfergus Castle

This is one for your Instagram wall! Whether you're approaching Carrickfergus Castle from either side, inside the keep or up on the walls, there's an impressive photo around every turn! Call into the Visitor Information Centre inside the main entrance to buy your pass (Just £6 for an adult) and marvel at the 800 year-old building that surrounds you. Climb up to the top of the keep and you'll find a suit of armour, a giant chess board and views from the windows over Belfast Lough. Walk the walls outside and you'll discover countless nooks and crannies which would have been used for a variety of things back in medieval times, including food and armoury stores, as well as dungeons! 

After following this itinerary your social media wall is sure to be packed full of incredible photos, and you'll be left with the lasting memory of these places, which we're sure you'll want to return to again! 

This itinerary not for you? Pick another one!