Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
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This 6-night holiday explores the stunning coastline of Northern Ireland and the famous Glens of Antrim. You begin by exploring the protected areas around Orra Beg before making your way up the coast. Along the way, visit Rathlin Island, renowned for its seabirds and home to the largest seabird colony in Europe.
Cross the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, once used by salmon fishermen and more recently featured as a filming location in the popular Game of Thrones series. You will also walk across the magnificent UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway, where over 40,000 hexagonal interlocking basalt columns were formed around 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions, or, as local legend tells it, built by the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill as a path to Scotland to challenge his rival.
The Antrim region is steeped in history, with its roots tracing back to ancient Gaelic kingdoms and Viking settlers who once raided and traded along the coastline. The area played a significant role in the Norman invasion of Ireland, with castles like Dunluce and Carrickfergus serving as vital strongholds throughout the centuries.
Northern Ireland's culinary scene is a blend of traditional fare and modern, inventive dishes. The iconic Ulster Fry remains a breakfast staple, featuring soda bread, potato bread, sausages, bacon, and eggs. Fresh seafood from the nearby shores, along with locally sourced beef and lamb, offer rich flavours unique to the region. Artisanal products, such as craft beers and the world-famous Bushmills whiskey, further highlight Northern Ireland's culinary excellence. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on farm-to-table dining, with many restaurants showcasing the best of local, seasonal produce.
Coastal walks, impressive forests and waterfalls, awe-inspiring natural wonders like the Giant's Causeway, historic castles, beautiful beaches, and a whiskey distillery-experience is all here in Northern Ireland.
Terrain for this holiday includes rocky and muddy mountain paths, gravel tracks, along with grassy trails and beach walking, interspersed with some road walking. Short sections of open clifftops are to be expected. Conditions can be wet underfoot, making sturdy boots essential.
Arrive in Ballycastle where your trip starts. You will stay here for the first 4 nights of your holiday.
You stay at a selection of B&B, Guest Houses and Hotels.
a selection of B&B, Guest Houses and Hotels, Northern Ireland
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You will stay in a selection of Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses and Hotel. Most of the accommodation have a restaurant or a pub or they can be found in the close proximity, where you can sample local food, craft drinks and local whiskey.
Eating & Drinking
All breakfasts are included.
In addition to breakfast at your accommodation, the region’s pubs are renowned for serving wholesome, satisfying meals. Classic dishes like Irish stew, fish and chips, and pies made with locally sourced beef or lamb are staples on many pub menus. Fresh seafood, especially oysters and mussels, also features prominently. Northern Irish pubs are the perfect place to enjoy hearty, home-cooked food, often accompanied by a pint of local craft beer or a dram of Bushmills whiskey.
After a transfer to Orra Beg you head north for Ballycastle along the Moyle Way. Passing through forest tracks and along the banks of the Glenshesk River through the Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve. Continuing onward by country road with views of the Glenshesk River, Knocklayd Mountain and Coolaveely Wood before following a good forest path through Ballycastle Forest and into Ballycastle itself.
Embark on a scenic hike along the breathtaking coastal trail through Murlough Bay and Fair Head. The route closely traces the rugged shoreline, revealing spectacular cliffside panoramas. As you journey around this beautiful headland, take in sweeping views of the Antrim Coast, Rathlin Island, and even the distant shores of Scotland on a clear day. Should the weather be misty with low visibility, there are several looped walks starting from the Fair Head Farm car park that offer equally enjoyable alternatives.
Rathlin is described as a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered and is just six miles across the Sea of Moyle (return ticket included). It's an L-shaped island, six miles long and nowhere is more than a mile across. The island is a naturalist's delight and you can choose between three walks varying from 1.5 miles to 4 miles. Visit the RSPB West Light viewpoint to see the puffins, guillemots and razorbills along with kittiwakes and fulmars, which together make up the largest seabird colony in Europe.
Today a taxi transfer will take you to Larrybane visitor centre and the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The bridge first built in 1755 by salmon fishermen spans an 80 foot deep chasm that renders Carrick-a-Rede an island. Continue along the coastal path to Ballintoy, a fantastic little harbour at the foot of the cliffs before reaching the beautiful White Park Bay. Stroll onwards to the village of Portbraddan and the ruins of Dunseverick Castle and on to the Giant's Causeway. More than 40,000 hexagonal interlocking, basalt columns formed over 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions or as local legend suggests, built by the giant Fionn as a path to Scotland to challenge his rival there. From here you take the public bus (payable locally) for the last few miles into Bushmills, your destination for the evening and where you can find the famous Bushmills whiskey distillery.
Continuing along the Antrim coastal path, you will walk the beautiful coastal road to Portrush passing the beautiful Magheracross viewpoint and medieval Dunluce Castle, perched precariously high on a promontory overlooking the sea. Onwards to Whiterocks beach with its limestone white cliffs, the coastal path leads you up around Ramore Head before reaching pretty Portrush harbour. Its then just a few miles along the beach and causeway markers before reaching the promenade in Portstewart where you spend your final evening.
After a final breakfast, you say goodbye to Portstewart and commence your journey home.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £400.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Navigation App
