The "Weekend Warrior"

Getting out and into the elements is part of who you are. You're idea of really experiencing a place is by immersing yourself in it, and our "Weekend Warrior" itinerary really fits the bill! 

You've got a couple of days to experience the most rewarding places in Mid & East Antrim - here's your guide...

Day 1

The Barn @ Ballycairn

Arrive at your accommodation and get settled in. We've selected The Barn @ Ballycairn due to it's position just minutes from the coast, it's idylic rural setting and the fact that you have everything you need to make yourself at home after a day spent adventuring. All the modern facilities you'd expect are here, from a well-equiped kitchen to a comfy sofa beside a stove with Netflix on the TV. The master bedroom here has a large portrait window with views of the ocean.

Dinner & Drinks at Mattie's Meeting House

Your first evening can be spent in the traditional surrounds of Mattie's Meeting House, a superb pub just a few minutes walk from your accommodation at The Barn. Order a pint of their renowned Guinness and take a seat. You'll be treated to a menu of home-cooked, traditional pub fayre and a great atmosphere, all just a stone's throw from your bed!

Day 2

Early-Morning Sea Swim 

Take the car to the large car park conveniently located at Ballygally seafront. Cross the road and you'll be on a beach which is great for some wild swimming! What better way to energise your body and mind first thing in the morning? You'll be ready for a hearty breakfast afterwards, so dry off and call into Ballygally Castle Hotel just next to the beach to enjoy a fantastic breakfast made using the finest local produce. Now you're set-up for a day of action! 

Experience Europe's Most Dramatic Coastal Walk

A true Weekend Warrior wouldn't visit Mid & East Antrim without factoring in a visit to the famous Gobbins Cliff Path. This not-so-hidden gem on the coast on Islandmagee is what everyone is taking about! Pre-book your visit and about 20 minutes drive from Ballygally will bring you to the Gobbins Visitor Centre where you'll get a short safety briefing, a funky helmet and a surge of excitment before you board a minibus with your tour group for the short drive to the top of the path. Your tour guide will lead you over bridges, up and down (lots of!) steps and even through a cave. You'll have some of the moist spectacular views Northern ireland has to offer - under towering cliffs and crossing high over stunning coves. Allow 3 hours in total for this one - it's a great way to build an apetite for lunch!

Lunch at The Paddock

The Paddock at Billy Andy's Restaurant is a local's favourite and being only 15 minutes away from The Gobbins makes it a welcome stop after a morning spent walking in the elements! Order from a varied menu and quench your thirst with a local brew beside the peat fire at this traditional rural establishment. Don't spend too long here though - there's more to do! 

E-bikes in Whitehead

Less than 20 minutes brings you to the coastal town of Whitehead - famous for its colourful promenade, local coffee shops and seafront pathway leading up to Blackhead Lighthouse. When you arrive in Whitehead, make your way to the local Community Centre where you'll be able to hire e-bikes! A fun way to cover as much of the area as possible! Some great photo opportunities await in Whitehead, particularly from the top of the coastal path with views along the headlands, When you've finished with your bikes, return them to the Community Centre and head to your next stop - dinner!

The Fuzzy Beak

Dine at one of Whitehead's most loved restaurants - The Fuzzy Beak. You'll find food for the soul here, and attentitive service. After an afternoon spent pedalling the streets and paths of Whitehead, you'll be ready to relax in this cosy yet modern local eatery.

Head back to your accommodation where you can put your feet up for the evening by the fire. Books, board games and TV are all provided at The Barn for your enjoyment, so make yourself at home!  

Day 2

Morning Mountain Climbing

After breakfast, jump in the car and head inland. Less than half an hour will take you to Slemish Mountain along some pretty scenic roads. The base of Slemish has a good sized car park and toilet facilities. Lace up your boots here and follow the easily visible trail up the side of Slemish Mountain. A relatively short climb (half an hour or so) on a mild to moderate gradient takes you to the summit, where you'll find incredible 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. It's makes for a perfect place to sit down with a flask of tea or coffee and take it all in. 

Lunch at The Thatch Inn

Your physical activity and adventures have come to and end for the weekend. When you leave Slemish with aching legs and disheveled hair, head to Broughshane, just a 10 minute drive, where you'll find a traditional stone cottage with a charming thatched roof and not one but two roaring fires! A hearty meal and a pint of their self-proclaimed "best Guinness in the country" await you at the Thatch Inn! Linger on and savour the warmth, comfort and hospitality after a weekend of outdoor adventure, embracing the elements. 

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