From Castle to Coast…
The idyllic area of Mid & East Antrim was not built in a day. Over thousands of years, the land started to take shape. With the collision of the rough Irish Sea on the soft grassy verges and the power of mother nature, the land started to flourish. After the land, we welcomed the equally impressive man-made elements of the landscape. The carving of rugged paths, scenic trails and the construction of royal residences. This truly is a place of chance.
It may have taken thousands of years for the land to form, but with this handy itinerary, you can take a journey from castle to coast in just 48 hours.
Highlights
- Follow the cliff-hugging trail along the Gobbins Cliff Path.
- Take home a unique memento from your trip at Steensons Jewellery.
- Visit the ancestral cottage of the 21st President of the United States.
Travel Time
If you were to visit all the stops on this itinerary, you’d be driving for a total of:
- Day One - 1 Hour
- Day Two - 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Day One
Carrickfergus Castle
Allow 2 hours
First stop, Carrickfergus Castle. This iconic symbol has dominated the town of Carrickfergus for the past 800 years and still does today. Let’s walk in the footsteps of King Henry’s Anglo-Norman invaders, as we visit medieval chambers, an ancient banqueting hall, and walk the steep cobblestone steps to the panoramic views of the looking tower. With a castle as grand as this one, they needed all the protection they could get.
As you go, count how many large canons you can spot!
Old Town Walls & St Nicolas’ Church
Allow 1 hour
On exiting the castle, take a short walk and you’ll find the Old Town Walls. Today we see the remains of the stone walls which once spanned over 1159 metres. Built in the 1600’s by Sir Arthur Chichester, the walls were built to protect both the people of Carrickfergus and the castle. Many tried to breach the wall. Some succeeded and some failed, but they all left their mark on the history of this great town.
St Nicholas’ Church is another great structure built by John de Courcy. If you look closely, you will see the historic tales of Carrickfergus interwoven in the fabric.
Whitehead Town & Railway Museum
Allow 1 hour
The reflection of colourful homes dance on the water as we enter Whitehead.
This radiant town is known for its beautiful seaside and is home to Ireland’s largest collection of heritage locomotives. The Whitehead Railway Museum offers history, family fun and local cuisine.
Whilst here, you can hop aboard the footplate of a 1879 steam engine or enjoy lunch in an Edwardian Tea Room.
The Rinkha
Allow 1 hour
Nostalgic tourists from far and wide visit the Rinkha for a taste of their famous ice cream. Since 1921, the Hawkins family have been delighting the tastebuds of the nation with their unrivalled recipe.
Once you try this homemade treat, you’ll see why the people of Islandmagee have flocked here for nearly 100 years!
Ice cream was not the only passion of the Hawkins family, as they also opened up a local dancehall.
Many locals shared their first dance within these very walls.
Gobbins Cliff Path
Allow 3 hours
Take a short 3-minute walk from the Rinka to the Gobbins Cliff Path. With the crashing waves of the North Channel underfoot, you will tread through underwater tunnels, dramatic bridges, ancient caves and more.
This cliff hugging experience brings together all that's great about Northern Ireland, from the spectacular views of the sea, to the history of our coastlines, not to mention the fantastic sound of birds overhead and the chance to see dolphins swimming on our rugged coastline.
Such a dramatic coastal walk is in high demand and must be booked in advanced.
Ballygally Castle
Allow 1-2 hours
With a short drive to the top of the Causeway Coastal Route, we’ll arrive in Ballygally. Built in 1625, the stunning Ballygally Castle is an iconic part of this seaside town.
Take in the beautiful surroundings with a spot of lunch in the Lounge. Here you can enjoy the unspoiled views of the Antrim coastline as you savour their menu of locally sourced ingredients.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the castle’s exclusive Game of Thrones® door.
Day Two
Glenarm Castle
Allow 1 hour
Nestled in the heart of the Glenarm Glen, is Glenarm Castle. This iconic building was built in 1636 and is currently owned by the son of the 9th Earl of Antrim, Randal Viscount Dunluce.
The impressive grounds of the castle span far and wide with a Walled Garden, historic sculptures, views of the sea and a quaint little gift shop. You could spend all day here.
Walk the grounds, check out the castle and soak up yesteryears with a coffee in the tea room.
Steensons Jewellers
Allow 1 hour
Make this journey a memorable one with a keepsake from Steensons Jewellers. Watch as some of Ireland’s finest goldsmiths cut, shape and manipulate metals right before your eyes.
Once the process is complete, the goldsmiths embellish their masterpiece with stone or textured finishes. This jewellers is so iconic that Game of Thrones® wanted in on the action.
Many of the crowns and jewellery featured in the hit TV show was made right here at Steensons.
Slemish Mountain
Allow 1-2 hours
As we drive, you’ll start to see the dramatic facade of Slemish Mountain. Standing tall in both stature and history, this extinct volcano was once home to the Irish legend - Saint Patrick.
Following his capture as a young boy, St Patrick worked as a shepherd on the mountain for around 6 years. Now for the hike. After a steep and rocky trail through murky terrain you will arrive at the summit.
The breathtaking views over Lough Neagh, the Sperrin Mountains, Bann Valley and the Scottish coast make it worth every step!
Arthur Cottage
Allow 1 hour
Now we’ll travel to the ancestral home of the 21st President of the United States of America.
This modest cottage has Guinness to how it used to look and function back in the 18th century.
We will listen to Irish folklore and learn about the link this rural village has to Chester Alan Arthur and the American Presidency.
You can also take part in a bakery demonstration and get pictures with people in period costumes.
Crosskeys Inn Toomebridge
Allow 1 hour
Crosskeys Inn is the epitome of a traditional Irish bar from days gone by.
Being the oldest thatched pub in Ireland, the atmosphere is incredible. The sound of traditional Irish music and the aroma of the roaring turf fires makes this the best place to enjoy an Irish beverage.
So, get to the bar, order a pint a Guinness or a glass Irish whiskey and raise a toast to this wonderful place.
Galgorm Hotel & Spa
Allow 1-2 hours
After 48 hours of sightseeing, it’s time to unwind at Galgorm Hotel & Spa. This tranquil hideaway has everything you need to refuel and relax.
Rest your body and mind in the Thermal Village, dine in a Guinness restaurant or take it all in at the Conservatory Bar.
This haven of unspoiled relaxation will leave you feeling totally rejuvenated and ready to take on your next adventure!
Editorials
St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church
Built by Ulster Anglo-Norman conqueror John de Courcy in the late 12th century, it seems every invasion or change of power or tumultuous local event has left its imprint here.
The Gobbins
The Gobbins
George McGrand has been guiding people over a spectacular sea cliff walk that clings to this epic coast since it was reimagined in 2015.
The Hot Milk Forge
The Hot Milk Forge
Eamonn Higgins is reviving the ancient craft of blacksmithing amidst the unspoilt beauty of Glenravel. Join him to take up your own anvil, forge and hammer to craft traditional blades or a longbow straight out of Game of Thrones.
Whitehead Railway Museum
Whitehead Railway Museum
It's true that many visitors talk about the smell of the smoke and memories it brings back but thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine and Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express you’d be amazed at the number of kids that love it here.
Don’t just stay. Experience
Don’t just stay. Experience
Lighthouse keepers’ houses, 19th-century follies and haunted hotels. It’s only natural that this unique part of the world has some unique places to stay.
Galgorm
Galgorm
Set amidst woodland on the banks of the plunging River Maine, Galgorm, is a part of our heritage, part of our natural world, but just on a higher plane of indulgence! This internationally renowned spa hotel welcomes guests to wander its 163 acres, relax in wood-fired hot tubs overlooking the river or in tranquil garden settings.
Glenarm Castle
Glenarm Castle
Medieval conflicts of the Glens and Causeway Coast, giving way to an 18th-century elegance that transformed this achingly beautiful site into one of the treasures of Northern Ireland.
Steensons
Steensons
Steensons in Glenarm are makers of exquisite jewellery. You can browse their range of hand-crafted jewellery in their showroom, or enter their studio and watch their artists at work.
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