Route Overview

Where is the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast trail?

The Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast is a hiking trail in Northern Ireland, contained mostly in the county of Antrim. Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland and which is part of the United Kingdom. Our Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast tours predominantly follow the ‘Ulster Way’, ‘Moyle Way’ and ‘Causeway Coast’ trails, while also including some additional non-waymarked sections which we think add to the hiking experience in Northern Ireland. The total length of the different sections of these hikes are 45km (28 miles) for the Glens of Antrim (Moyle Way), various trails on Rathlin Island with a total length of 24km (15 miles) and almost 70km (44 miles) of beautiful hiking along the Causeway Coast.

Why the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast trail?

If a rich history, enshrined in folklore and mythology sounds like your cup of tea, then look no further than Northern Ireland for your hike. Explore a coastline with untamed natural beauty, and a trail with many sites of geological, archaeological, and cultural interest which ensures that there is always something to pique your interest around the corner. Although very much a coastal trail, the trail itself offers relatively flat terrain, with only a few climbs. The landscape is absolutely jaw-dropping, with some of the best coastal scenery Europe has to offer. One of the finest coastal walks worldwide lies between Ballintoy and Portballintrae.

There is wonderful variety along the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast tour. Starting from Glenarrif at the coast also known as the Queen of the Glens the trail leads through remote upland and the legendary Glens of Antrim to the town of Ballycastle on the north coast.

There are many highlights to be found along the trail including the iconic tourist attractions of Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (A breath-taking walk over a 66 foot (20m) long rope suspension bridge), Dunluce and Dunseverick Castle (magnificent castle remains), The Giant’s Causeway (with it’s ‘world class’ visitor centre), Glenariff Forest Park (a picturesque forest park) and the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery (Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery). Catch the ferry from Ballycastle and see the puffins of Rathlin Island up close in this protected area. 

If you are a fan of the HBO series Game of Thrones, then there are numerous locations along the trail (and some not too far off it) that may look familiar too!

Best time to visit? Busiest periods etc.

For the best experience on the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast trail the summer months are an ideal time to visit, as attractions and places to eat will have better opening hours and the weather will be more desirable. In general, the trail isn’t the busiest walking trail but Ballycastle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills and Dunluce Castle (more about these later) are all popular bus and day trip tourist destinations. 

In addition, due to limited accommodation options caused by the popular week-long North West 200 motorsport event (which usually takes place on the 2nd week in May every year), it’s advisable not to attempt this trail during this event. For this reason, it is not possible to book an Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast tour with Hillwalk Tours while the festival is taking place. If you were planning an Antrim tour for these dates, please contact us for alternative possibilities.

How long does it take to walk?

Depending on your fitness level and preferred pace you can complete the route in a varied number of days. This also depends on how many photos of stunning natural beauty you like to take while hiking!

Many walkers will complete the full route in between 6 to 8 walking days with some even only taking 5 days. Thanks to the many small villages and towns along the trail, you have the option of creating many different route options and stopover locations.

Hillwalk Tours offers two different levels of difficulty on the Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast Trail, Gentle and Moderate (on a lot of our trails we also offer a challenging option). Within these levels, you can choose between 5 to 10-day hiking tours completing either the full route or part of it.

Gentle: With an Average hiking distance of 13-16km (8-10 miles) per day and an average hiking time of 3-5 hours per day, this option will give you plenty of time to feel into the land, enjoy the landscape, take some photos, and enjoy some culture and food along the way.

Moderate: With an Average hiking distance of 16-20km (10-12.5 miles) per day and an average hiking time of 5-7 hours per day, this level will suit people who are used to some regular exercise or who have done some previous hiking. There might be more walking in a day but there should still be time for photos and to relax over lunch.

CONTENT GUIDE/QUICK LINKS

Best time for walking the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast (seasons, HWT season Oct-Mar, daylight etc.)

Northern Ireland’s climate is mild and maritime. It can be wet and cloudy at times throughout the year, but the clouds and rain can really add to the visual appeal of the landscapes, adding to an already ‘moody’ atmosphere and exhilirating experience.

Walkers can expect to experience all four seasons in one day! However, that said, each season does bring it’s own set of characteristics.

Spring (March, April, and May)

Average temperature – 4 °C – 15 °C

Although cooler than the Summer months, there can often be less rain during Springtime.

Summer (June, July, and August)

Average temperature – 10 °C – 19 °C

Summer is the warmest time to visit the North coast, but there are typically no extremes and all sorts of conditions can be experienced.

Autumn (September, October, and November)

Average temperature – 5 °C – 17 °C

In the autumn as the climate cools down, and the daylight hours start to shorten, it can be cloudy and windy. The leaves on the trees, especially in Glenariff Forest Park, turn to beautiful autumnal colours. The day light hours in November can be quite short, which is why Hillwalk Tours do not offer tours along the trail for this month.

Winter (December, January, and February)

Average temperature – 3 °C – 5 °C

The Hillwalk Tours Walking season runs from March to October each year so you will not be able to book with us during these months. If you do decide to walk at this time of year it is worth noting that it will be colder than normal, there will be near Nordic levels of daylight, and there could be frost and ice, so take care!

Tour Route

Types of Trails

Depending on your level of fitness and your own personal preference, our Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast trail comes in two options; Gentle and Moderate levels. A lot of our tours also offer a Challenging option for the more seasoned hiker, but as this trail consists of relatively flat hiking terrain along the Causeway Coast, and only a few, less arduous climbs, there is no challenging option available for this hike. However, if you would like to extend your tour to include more hiking (or relaxing!) this can be catered for.

Gentle Hikes

The gentle option of this trail covers 13-16km or 8-10 miles per day, with the average hiking time being 3-5 hours per day. This is to suit anyone who would like to take their time, observe the beautiful coast and sights on offer, take some photos, soak in the local culture, and get the sense of place and landscape that only the Antrim Glens & Coast can offer. It would also be a great entry point for someone who wants to get in to hiking.

Moderate Hikes

The other option for this trail is the moderate hike, which averages 16-20km or 10-12.5 miles in distance each day, with the average hiking time being 5-7 hours per day. This moderate level is for walkers of a decent level of fitness who would like to fit more walking in to each day while still having plenty of down time to enjoy the sights and culture.

Hillwalk route notes & location to location stages

Waterfoot to Glenariff Forest Park

(14km • 4 – 6 hours • ↑ 420m): The walk starts with a mostly flat, grassy riverside path and quiet rural lanes. About half way, a climb to 250m on woodland trails in the forest park. At the forest park, are waterfalls, forest trails, riverside walks, a visitor centre, toilets, a shop, and a seasonal restaurant.

Orra Beg to Glenariff Forest Park

(16km • 4 – 6 hours • ↑ 370m): The walk starts at a remote forest car park. A gravel track climbs steadily through forestry towards high, open mountainside. The summit of Slieveanorra offers wide-ranging views over the Antrim hills. The trail descends along faint footpath over rough moorland to climb the slopes of Antrim’s highest peak, Trostan (550m / 1,804ft). Later, the route enters more sheltered forest tracks that guide the walker to the forest park. The trail can be very wet in places, often with fallen trees to avoid and streams to cross.

Orra Beg to Ballycastle

(22km • 5 – 7 hours • ↑ 340m): The walk again starts at a forest car park in a remote mountain countryside. The trail follows secluded forest tracks and riverside paths (can be wet under foot) before climbing up to Breen Wood and its Oakwood Nature Reserve. Quiet country roads along the eastern slopes of Knocklayd lead to tracks through Ballycastle Forest which bring the walkers to Ballycastle town. This walk includes a couple of short, sharp ascents at Breen Woods and Ballycastle Forest. 

Torr Head to Ballycastle

(16/20km, 5 – 8 hours • ↑ 550m/650m): One steep climb along quiet roads up from Torr Head in the very beginning (doesn’t apply to gentle tours). Then an unmarked walk on deserted roads or along the coastline on a cross-country route to Murlough Bay, which can be a little wet. Cliff-top trails & seaside paths around the headland of Fairhead with views towards the Mull of Kintyre (Scotland) and Rathlin Island. For the last few kilometres / miles the main route drops down to sea-level and follows an unmarked path which can become overgrown at certain times of the year and is in a poor condition and rugged or very rugged in places. We offer an ‘escape route’ that follows minor roads to Ballyvoy from where walkers can continue or ask to be picked up by taxi. (Gentle Tours go from Murlough Bay to Ballycastle: 11/14km, 4 – 6 hours, ↑270m/300m)

Rathlin Island

(10/25km • 3 – 7 hours • ↑ 180m/550m): Choice of three routes to the east, west and south lighthouses. The walks follow quiet island roads, tracks and paths. East and south lighthouse routes are gently sloping without any significant elevation change. The west lighthouse route climbs steadily from sea level to visit the cliffs and sea bird colonies at the west lighthouse.

Ballycastle to Ballintoy

(13km • 4 – 6 hours • ↑ 210m): (The official route from Ballycastle to Ballintoy follows the busy B15 Whitepark Road. To avoid this we are using an alternative route which is not sign-posted or marked.) Minor roads out of Ballycastle bring you to a farmyard, from there the trail follows along farm and forest trails. These can on occasion be wet and/or overgrown. A gentle slope that started in Ballycastle keeps climbing along minor roads before the route drops down to join the coastal path to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to finish. 

Ballintoy to Giant’s Causeway

(18km • 4 – 6 hours • ↑ 330m): A small road leads to Ballintoy Harbour from where the trail then leads along the bottom of the cliffs to the 2km expanse of White Park Bay beach. At the end of the beach, tide permitting, a scramble over some boulders brings walkers to Portbradden. (It is said that at very high tides these boulders may be impassable, but we have never had any walkers run into problems there.) From Portbradden the trail goes along the foot of some cliffs to a path which alternates between the top and the foot of the cliffs. From the ruins of Dunsverick Castle the path follows a cliff top path all the way to the Giant’s Causeway. (Gentle tours continue for 3km along a railway line and a beach from the Giant’s Causeway to Portballintrae and split the walk into two days: Ballintoy to Dunseverick Castle (10km) & Dunseverick Castle to Portballintrae (12km))

Giant’s Causeway to Portstewart

(19km • 4 – 6 hours • ↑ 120m): A mixture of beaches, urban paths and roads. From Portballintrae a 3.5km section of walking along a busy road leads past famous Dunluce Castle. The trail then drops onto a gravel path at White Rocks Cliff before a 2.5km stretch of walking on the sands of Curran Strand towards Portrush. There, urban footpaths and trails bring walkers around Ramore Head and a promenade walk leads along Mill Strand before the walk finishes with a section of cliff top and coastal paths towards Portstewart.

Sample Itineraries

6 Day Gentle

Day 1: Arrival in Ballycastle

Day 2: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 3: Ballintoy – Dunseverick Castle (6.2 Miles / 10 Km)

Day 4: Dunseverick Castle – Portballintrae (8.1 Miles / 13 Km)

Day 5: Dunluce Castle – Portstewart (9.3 Miles / 15 Km)

Day 6: Departure from Portstewart

7 Day Gentle

Day 1: Arrival in Ballycastle

Day 2: Rathlin Island (6.2 or 15.5 Miles / 10 or 25 Km)

Day 3: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 4: Ballintoy – Dunseverick Castle (6.2 Miles / 10 Km)

Day 5: Dunseverick Castle – Portballintrae (8.1 Miles / 13 Km)

Day 6: Dunluce Castle – Portstewart (9.3 Miles / 15 Km)

Day 7: Departure from Portstewart

8 Day Gentle

Day 1: Arrival in Ballycastle

Day 2: Murlough Bay – Ballycastle (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 3: Rathlin Island (6.2 or 15.5 Miles / 10 or 25 Km)

Day 4: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 5: Ballintoy – Dunseverick Castle (6.2 Miles / 10 Km)

Day 6: Dunseverick Castle – Portballintrae (8.1 Miles / 13 Km)

Day 7: Dunluce Castle – Portstewart (9.3 Miles / 15 Km)

Day 8: Departure from Portstewart

6 Day Moderate

Day 1: Arrival in Ballycastle

Day 2: Rathlin Island (6.2 or 15.5 Miles / 10 or 25 Km)

Day 3: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 4: Ballintoy – Giant’s Causeway (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 5: Giant’s Causeway – Portstewart (13 Miles / 21 Km)

Day 6: Departure from Portstewart

7 Day Moderate

Day 1: Arrival in Ballycastle

Day 2: Torr Head – Ballycastle (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 3: Rathlin Island (6.2 or 15.5 Miles / 10 or 25 Km)

Day 4: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 5: Ballintoy – Giant’s Causeway (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 6: Giant’s Causeway – Portstewart (13 Miles / 21 Km)

Day 7: Departure from Portstewart

8 Day Moderate

Day 1: Arrival in Cushendall

Day 2: Orra Beg – Ballycastle (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 3: Torr Head – Ballycastle (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 4: Rathlin Island (6.2 or 15.5 Miles / 10 or 25 Km)

Day 5: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 6: Ballintoy – Giant’s Causeway (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 7: Giant’s Causeway – Portstewart (13 Miles / 21 Km)

Day 8: Departure from Portstewart

9 Day Moderate

Day 1: Arrival in Cushendall

Day 2: Orra Beg – Glenariff Forest Park (9.9 Miles / 16 Km)

Day 3: Orra Beg – Ballycastle (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 4: Torr Head – Ballycastle (12.4 Miles / 20 Km)

Day 5: Rathlin Island (6.2 or 15.5 Miles / 10 or 25 Km)

Day 6: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (8.7 Miles / 14 Km)

Day 7: Ballintoy – Giant’s Causeway (11.2 Miles / 18 Km)

Day 8: Giant’s Causeway – Portstewart (13 Miles / 21 Km)

Day 9: Departure from Portstewart

Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Map

Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Terrain

Waymarking

For the most part, our Antrim itineraries follow parts of the ‘Ulster Way’, a 1,000km/625 mile long circular official long-distance walking route around Northern Ireland, but they also include some additional non-waymarked sections that offer great views or easier walking. Signage for the Ulster Way features a distinctive blue and yellow marking.

Where the trail is not waymarked, information will be provided in your walking pack. If you are ever in doubt, you can also check the Hillwalk Tours turn by turn directions and route notes which also include everything you need to know about local information and history as you pass, along with trail alternatives. Want to know more on how to read a map? Check out this blog post.

Difficulty

The Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast trail offers relatively easy walking and as stated earlier in this article, can be taken with two levels of walking in mind: Gentle and Moderate. It is a perfect introductory hike for beginners to long-distance hiking.

Sights & Attractions

Giant’s Causeway

The Antrim Coast is so close to Scotland that you can see the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland (the one from the Paul McCartney/Wings song) from Moyle Head in Antrim on a clear day, with only 12 miles between the two points. Legend has it that centuries ago, Fionn Mac Chuaill, sometimes giant hero from Irish mythology (this time he’s a giant) was happily living along the beautiful Antrim coast.

Another giant called Benandonner from the Scottish side, was threatening Ireland. Fionn decided to fight back. He began throwing bits of the Antrim coast into the sea, building what is now known as the Giant’s Causeway, so he could go and fight Benandonner. Once he got there, Fionn realised Benandonner was much bigger than him and he retreated to Ireland. When he got back, his wife disguised him as a baby. Taking the bait, Benandonner crosses the causeway to Ireland and sees the baby, thinking to himself that if the baby is this size, his father must be even bigger than Benandonner himself and retreats back to Scotland. 

The Giant’s Causeway is probably the definitive attraction of Northern Ireland. Comprising of approximately 40,000 basalt columns, the area is an instantly recognisable landscape of geological and folkloric value and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Away A Wee Walk is a guided cliff top experience is a five mile (8k) guided hike along the entire UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland’s north coast. Most visitors miss these magnificent cliffs.

The Rathlin Island Seabird Centre (Puffins & Rathlin Golden Hares)

A short ferry ride from Ballycastle on the mainland you can visit the home of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, the RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre can be visited on the west of the island. There you will see the famous Puffin as well as Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Fulmars and even Corncrakes. Between April to early July you can get great close-up views of Puffins and other seabirds gathering in their thousands. You may even get to see the incredibly cute and freshly hatched pufflings. You can even even take a tour of the island Lighthouse.

The reserve also has an abundance of wildlife such as the Rathlin ‘Golden Hare’, which has a unique genetic variation producing individuals with blue eyes. The RSPB has been working hard to reverse farming practices which have negatively impacted on the population of indigenous wildlife and now birds are returning to breed on the island after a 20 year absence including the rare Corncrake. 

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is not only an iconic landmark but also a testament to the rich history of salmon fishing in the region. Originally a crucial means for fishermen to access Carrickarede Island, the bridge has evolved into a thrilling tourist attraction, standing 30m high and 20m wide, offering breathtaking coastal views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The area, once teeming with salmon, has seen a decline, contrasting with the 1960s when catching up to 300 salmon a day was common. Today, the bridge stands as a symbol of a bygone era, offering visitors an exhilarating experience and incredible photo opportunities. Today, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, now part of the National Trust, stands as a symbol of a bygone era, offering visitors an exhilarating experience and incredible photo opportunities, and on a clear day, you may even spot Rathlin Island and Scotland in the distance.

It’s not just a bridge; it’s a step back in time, resonating with the experiences of generations past. The visit to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is included on our Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast Tours, promising an unforgettable hiking adventure through history and natural beauty, where you can experience the thrill of travelling the same path as the salmon fishermen of old while enjoying the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Bushmills Distillery

Here is your opportunity to visit the oldest distillery in the world! Just a short detour from the trail, the 400 year old distillery offers guided and private tours, as well as tasting experiences.

Dunluce Castle

See the ruins of a magnificent medieval castle rich in history. Home to several clans throughout the centuries, the sheer edges of the castles dramatic basalt-cut clifftop location plummeting into the Irish Sea would of once made it an advantageous defense point, and today make it one of the most impressive castles on the island of Ireland.

Glenariff Forest Park

Part of the trail goes directly through this stunning forest park with it’s beautiful waterfall walkway. The forest park covers over 1,000 hectares laced with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas. The rocky gorges of the river meandering through the park support a wide range of mosses, liverworts and ferns which, due to the richness and diversity of these plants, resulted in part of the Glenariff Glen being designated as a National Nature Reserve.

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Many of the locations of HBO’s Game of Thrones were shot in Northern Ireland. A lot of these can be visited along the Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast tour itself, with more still to be found not too far off the trail. These include The Dark Hedges (the road from King’s Landing), Dunluce Castle (Pyke), and Glenariff (the Dothraki Sea).

You can get a Game of Thrones studio tour by visiting Banbridge just 30 minutes south of Belfast. A large part of the HBO series was shot in the province, this has spurred the growth of new productions and facilities across the province making it a go to destination for film and TV projects.

Titanic Belfast, too big to miss!

The city of Belfast is very proud of its industrial and commercial might. To get a glimpse of this history a visit to the Titanic Museum is worth spending an extra night in Belfast. The museum is easily accessible by taking the Titanic trail from City Hall. It is a pleasant and relatively short walk along the harbor. You can see the business district across the river as well as ships berthing on the still bustling dockside. After the visit you may be able to imagine how much busier this dockland area was in Belfast’s shipbuilding heyday which at its height employed 36,000. The huge Krupps cranes of the Harland and Wolff dockyard known as Samson and Goliath dominate the skyline and are landmark structures of the city. Today just 1,000 work in the shipyard. There are Titanic related sculptures along the way as well as a Glass Throne inspired by the Game of Thrones TV series.

The museum itself is a world class exhibit which covers the growth of Belfast in the 19th century which saw a huge rise in the city’s population due to its rapid industrialisation. The city was famous for its linen and the success of this industry brought on the development of shipbuilding and all its associated support activities such as ropeworks and ventilation. When the Titanic was built it was the largest moving man made object and its fit out set a new standard in quality. Over 100,000 people viewed the launch of the ship such was its novelty.

Across the road from the Titanic Museum is the actual tender built specifically to ferry passengers to the Titanic. The SS Nomadic has had a colourful history spending many years on the Seine as a disco-restaurant before eventually being brought back to Belfast in 2006. A ticket for the main museum will allow you entry on to the ship and is in fact valid for a year. Very useful if you do not manage to fit everything in on one day after a tour of the main building.

History & Folklore from Antrim & Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway gets its name from the folklore story that the giant Fionn Mac Cumhail (Finn McCool) created the unique rock formations in a fit of rage during a shouting match across the sea with Scottish Giant Benandonner.

The Ulster Cycle is a medieval Magnus Opus that details some of the ancient legends of Ireland, primarily set in the province of Ulster where our Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast hiking trail is situated. It contains tales of legendary Irish figures such as Queen Medb, Cú Chullainn, and many more. Antrim itself is associated with well-known Celtic mythology such as The Children of Lir and Oisín the Bard. It is for this reason that the Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast are strongly associated with the ‘Wee Folk’, with placenames, such as Breen (Faerie Palace) and Feystown (Faerie Town) even reflecting this.

Storytelling is a big tradition across Northern Ireland, so be sure to keep an ear out for a yarn from the locals, and some may concern the severely haunted Dunluce castle, such as the story of Maeve Rua and Reginald O’Cahan… or the spirit of Peter Carey which to this day roams the ramparts of the castle. 

On the topic of Dunluce Castle – La Girona was one of the ships of the Spanish Armada, a fleet of ships sent from Spain to invade England. After their defeat, the fleet experienced treacherous conditions, with many ships crashing into the rugged Irish coastline. La Griona came to a fateful end at Dunluce Castle, a gale driving the ship into what is now known as the “Spanish Rocks”.

The Troubles was a conflict in Northern Ireland between the 1960’s and late 1990’s, ending with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. This has left it’s imprint in the various towns, villages and communities throughout Northern Ireland and can be seen in the various murals throughout the region.

The Titanic – a ship that needs no introduction. But did you know that it was built in Belfast? Not far off the trail, Northern Irelands ‘capital’ is known as the first place from which the fabled boat set sail.

Antrim & Northern Ireland’s Pop Culture

Music

Green Green Glens of Antrim by Bridie Gallagher

Antrim has a rich history of folk song, music both traditional and contemporary. Many songs, airs, jigs, and reels have been inspired by this beautiful part of Ireland.

Traditional music, dance and singing are still alive and well here and throughout the island of Ireland.

See below for an Example of an Air about Antrim.

The Blue Hills of Antrim an 1800’s Air by Seosamh Mac Cathmhaoil, sang by Maureen Hegarty

Antrim also has a unique and vibrant history with punk rock, with Terry Hooley’s famous Good Vibrations record shop, opened in the early 70s’ in Belfast, and later becoming an independent record label, acting as a base and a source of constant inspiration for generations of musicians in Antrim and Northern Ireland as a whole.

Most notably the scene spawned acts such as Stiff Little Fingers and The Undertones, as well as bands such as Protex, Rudi, and The Outcasts with musicians putting their differences aside to come together through music during what was to say the least, a turbulent period in Northern Ireland’s history. The influence is still felt with more punk and punk adjacent bands from northern Ireland appearing throughout the decades since those first wave of punk bands such as Ash, Therapy?, and Cherym.

Alternative Ulster – Stiff Little Fingers

After his departure with the Undertones, Fergal Sharkey had his own successful pop career and other internationally renowned acts such as Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, And So I Watch You From Afar, Mamas Boys, Sweet Savage and The Divine Comedy all hail from Antrim or it’s neighbouring counties in Northern Ireland.

Film & TV

Good Vibrations (2015)

A comedy-drama film about Terri Hooley’s record shop was released in 2015, Good Vibrations, which tells the story of Terri’s life and how he became such an important figure behind Northern Ireland’s music scene and offers a rare insight into teenage life during the troubles.

Man About Dog (2004)

Irreverent comedy about three slackers who inadvertently wind up on a crime fueled adventure while trying to pay back a £50k debt to a violent bookie, while making some ‘friends’ along the way.

Belfast (2021)

Belfast is an Oscar winning star studded coming of age film starring Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench and Jamie Dornan. It’s about a young boy and his working class protestant family living in Belfast in the 1960s, at the beginning of the Troubles.

The Boys From County Hell (2020)

A horror movie about the original Dracula. Loosely based on the early Irish legend of Abhartach, a dwarf type creature said to be slain by Finn McCool and burried under a dolmen near Derry, this movie set in a fictional rural Northern Irish village puts forward the idea that Abhartach is in fact the original Dracula, and has been freed from his gravesite which has been demolished due to a new road being built.

Mickeybo and Me (2004)

Based on the play Mojo Mickybo, this comedy-drama set in 1970 is about two boys from different backgrounds (one protestant, one catholic), united by their love for the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They run away from home, headed for Australia – against a backdrop of conflict.

Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)

All that aside, there is one global phenomenon that Antrim is closely associated with, and through which a lot of people are probably a lot more familiar with the landscape of Antrim than they think. In 2010 filming began for a little series called Game of Thrones. It is possible now to visit most of the locations used in the series – with a lot of them either on or just off our Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast walking tour some of which have been outlined above.

Other noteworthy films an tv shows centred around Antrim and Northern Ireland include The Crying Game (1992), In the Name of the Father (1993), Silent Grace (2001) Hunger (2008), and based a stone’s throw from Antrim, the hilarious Derry Girls (2018).

Books, Literature & Authors

Seamus Heaney

World-renowned poet Seamus Heaney (13 April 1939 – 30 August 2013), who was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1995, studied in Antrim (Queens University, Belfast) and was greatly inspired by the land and people there and throughout Northern Ireland. Many world leaders and politicians have quoted Heany’s words, particularly the phrase “If we winter this one out, we can summer anywhere.” Some of his best and most popular work can be found in his books North (1975), The Spirit Level (1996), and Death of a Naturalist (1966).

A postcard for you, Sean,
And that’s you swinging alone,
Antic, half-afraid,
In your gallowglass’s beard
And swallow-tail of serge:
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Ghost-written on sepia.

A Postcard From North Antrim – Seamus Heaney (Published in Field Work ,1979)

C.S. Lewis

Of course, Antrim was home to another literary great – C.S. Lewis (29 November 1898 – 22 November 1963). Lewis is of course famous for writing The Chronicles of Narnia which has since seen several major adaptions. He is also known for writing a science fiction series entitled The Space Trilogy and The Screwtape Letters a book about Christianity that he dedicated to his long-time friend J.R.R. Tolkien.

Now that you have a flavour for the type of literature Antrim has to offer, here are some books that might help you on your hike:

Causeway Coastal Route – Seth Linder, 2020.

All about one of the world’s greatest road trips – from Belfast to Derry. Although this is a book about driving, it follows a similar route as our Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast hiking tour and goes into detail about the cultural heritage and history of the region, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Bushmills Distillery as well as other hidden gems.

The Glens of Antrim – Steven Hanna, 2009

This book of gorgeous photos consists of 70 panoramic images of the breathtaking Antrim landscape by Northern Ireland photographer Steven Hanna.

Ireland’s Beautiful North – Dominic Kearney and Carsten Krieger 2017

Ireland’s Beautiful North acts as an introduction to the province of Ulster and its nine counties, which of course includes Antrim. This book is comprised of history, mythology and a general appreciation for the culture and landscape of Northern Ireland accompanied by the unique landscape photographs of highly acclaimed photographer Carsten Krieger.

Food & Drink

Ulster Fry

If Antrim and Northern Ireland are famous for one type of food it is the Ulster Fry. Varying from both the Full Irish Breakfast and the Full English Breakfast, no trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without one. An Ulster Fry consists of sausages, bacon, black and white pudding, and most importantly potato and soda bread (all fried). Other breakfast items can be included, but this may be deemed controversial depending on who you are talking to!

Potato Bread

The most integral and defining part of the Ulster Fry, these delicious fried floury farls are unique to the region of Ulster, and are a firm favourite of locals and visitors alike.

Belfast Bap

The Chippy

Chippy or Chipper? That depends which side of the Irish border you are on. In Northern Ireland, like the rest of the UK it’s referred to as a chippy. It’s a weekly ritual for a lot of the residents of Northern Ireland to ‘get a chippy’. You will find an abundance of chip shops along your trail. Expect everything from fresh cut chips, battered fish, battered sausages, burgers, and an assortment of condiments.

Vegan Options

If that sounds like a bit too much meat and/or grease for your liking, let’s take a moment to talk about vegan options. In rural areas, it can be harder to find varied menus, particularly ones that cater for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diets etc. That said, it is becoming more and more common to see different options. These places may take a bit more effort to find so through doing a bit of research on the web or using apps like Vanilla Bean and Happy Cow, and doing some good old-fashioned asking around, you may be more likely to find gluten-free, vegan and organic options.

Bushmills Whiskey

Bushmills Distillery, which as we highlighted earlier in this article, is near the trail, and is the home place to the much-loved Irish Whiskey, Bushmills and Black Bush. Known for its smooth, warm taste, Bushmills whiskey has been a staple for whisky connoisseurs for generations. 

Irish Stew 

Warm up the body after a day of hiking with a homegrown bowl of hearty Irish stew. The perfect dish during the depths of winter or a chilly spring day, stew is made in a single pot with vegetables and beef. A satisfying and tasty meal that will feed the belly and the soul. 

Champ

Champ is a type of creamy mashed potato side dish that originates on the Ulster coast. It is also known as poundies and is similar to it’s southern counterpart colcannon. Other than potatoes, champ contains copious amounts of butter and milk (and sometimes cream) along with finely diced scallions, and makes for a deliciously decadent side for any dish especially the stew mentioned above.

Shepherd’s Pie 

Possibly Ireland’s most beloved dishes, Shepherd’s Pie is made with a layer of ground beef or lamb and veggies, and is topped with creamy mashed potatoes before being baked to perfection. The dish actually originated in Scotland where crust was used in place of potatoes. However, once it arrived to Ireland, potatoes were quickly opted for instead, and the dish has become a household favourite throughout the country. 

Guinness 

It would be near impossible to visit a cosy pub on the island of Ireland and not try a pint of creamy Guinness. Although made in Dublin, this iconic drink is a firm favourite in every corner of the Emerald Isle.

Nearby Trails

There are various other trails available to you once you have completed the Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast. Here are some other nearby Hillwalk Tours we offer:

• Connemara & West of Ireland
• Burren Way
• Wicklow Mountains
• St Kevin’s Way & Glendalough
• West Highland Way

Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Tips and FAQS

Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Image Gallery

Hillwalk Tours

About Us

Hillwalk Tours is an award-winning walking tour operator which specialise in self-guided walking holidays in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Our goal is to create happy experiences for all of our customers, suppliers & staff.

Fill out the form below with any questions you may have and we will get back to you promptly.

Leave No Trace

We like to walk in nature and since you are reading this – we believe you do too! It is important to ensure that our impact on the environment is limited so that hikers can enjoy the same view after us. The rule applies: when you leave, make sure that nature looks the same as when you arrived or simply put “leave no trace.” As more and more people take to the great outdoors, our collective mark on the environment increases.

What does this mean in reality? Of course, do not leave any rubbish or waste behind. Do not collect stones, flowers, or other “souvenirs”. Don’t carve your name on a tree or break branches… I think you get the drift. It is imperative for walkers to play their part in making sure litter, damage to vegetation and all forms of pollution are limited.

Noise can also be a form of pollution. Whoever walks through a forest talking and laughing loudly, for example, ruins the peace and quiet of other walkers, who can no longer hear the birds. The same goes for cell phones that suddenly start ringing. Keep the volume down and respect your surroundings. Ultimately, the point is to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy walking through nature. So that applies to you, but also to those who tread the path after you.

Hillwalk Tours proudly supports sustainable tourism and loves the countryside as it is – wild, peaceful and clean. We are proud to support the “Leave No Trace” initiative that aims to preserve the natural beauty of each nations countryside where we offer hiking holidays. We try to create happy experiences for our accommodation too, and the restaurants, shops and taxi companies that serve our walkers. These are often small businesses located in isolated areas that have been left behind by urban migration and a lack of investment in rural regions. Their warm hospitality and friendly welcomes epitomise the magic of a Hillwalk Tour and we’re dedicated to helping keep these rural communities alive.

The Benefits of Hiking

In recent years, walking and hiking outdoors has been widely reported to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. The following are examples of some of these benefits:

• Improve strength and fitness
• Weight loss
• Muscle gain
• Improve metabolism
• Improve digestion
• Better quality sleep
• Increase in Vitamin D
• Improve discipline
• Sense of achievement

Hiking Equipment List

For a more in-depth list of recommended hiking equipment list, click here.