The Beautiful Glens of Antrim – Northern Ireland Attractions

Northern Ireland is full of natural beauty that you need to get out and explore. The Glens of Antrim is one of those places that you must check out while you’re here. Many locals also know it as simply ‘The Glens’.  It has become a popular tourist destination that people want to see and is known for its impressive beauty.  We decided to take a fun trip around the Glens of Antrim and explore this for ourselves.

The Nine Glens of Antrim

If you want an unforgettable experience, you have to visit all nine glens, which we have listed below. They are an absolute must-see for anyone in Northern Ireland! The Glens of Antrim overlook 80km of beautiful coastlines. Many of the Glens include grassland, forests, mountain peaks, and castles.

Many tourists might miss out on this attraction as it’s not heavily advertised, like the Giants Causeway or Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. But it’s worth spending a day or two exploring the tremendous Northern Irish landscape and these unique glacier valleys.

Glentaisie: This is the most northern Glen of the nine, located at the foot of Knocklade Mountain in Ballycastle. This area is an entire history, and many legends say it was named after Princess Taisie.

She was the daughter of King Dorm from Raithlin Island and was known for her great beauty, hence why the area was named after her. During the Ice Age, glaciers shaped the region. You are very close to the Ballycastle coastal sea, which offers stunning views.

Glenshesk: This Glen also lies near Knocklayde Mountain and flows to the lovely Ballycastle Sea. It also offers fantastic views towards Rathlin Island. The meaning of this Glen is the ‘glens of sedge.’

Glendun: This Glen was named after the river Dun, and the villages of Cushendun and Knoocknacarry are near the Glen. It is one of the most peaceful places, with a large woodland area.

Glencorp: Next is Glencorp, which means the ‘glens of the dead’ and runs south to north from Glenann. At this small Glen, traces of early man have been discovered on its hillside. As in Falnaglass, there is an area known as ‘The Fort’, identified as a Bronze Age barrow burial mound. This dates back to between 2500 and 500 B.C. and is probably the reason behind its name.

Glenaan: The following Glen, known as Glenaan, is found near the village of Cushendall. This area is known for being the place of ‘Ossian’s Grave. Irish Legends claim that Ossian was a poet and a warrior. It was said that he lies here in the tomb created in the Stone Age.

Glenariff: This is the most popular and prominent Glen of the nine you should visit during your trip to the ‘Glens of Antrim’. It is sometimes called the ‘Queen of the Glen,’ but its actual name means ‘glen of the plough’. This gorgeous valley offers an impressive waterfall and unspoilt views.

Glencloy: Then there is Glencloy, known for its unique shape that almost resembles a sword.  Glencloy name meaning is ‘Glen of the dykes’ and also ‘Glen of the Sword’. This Glen goes along the sea to Carnlough and is enclosed by chalk quarries.

Glenarm: This last Glen is known as the most southerly of all nine glens, and the meaning of its name is ‘Glen of the army’. This Glen is privately owned and part of the estate of the Earl of Antrim, known as the residence of the MacDonnell family from 1636.

Glens of Antrim Attractions and Places to Visit

There are many great places and attractions near the Glens of Antrim that you must check out while travelling around Northern Ireland.

Ballycastle

As mentioned above, Glentaisie and Glenshesk lead you to the beautiful seaside town of Ballycastle. This small town holds many great attractions worth checking out.

One is Knocklayde Mountain, which stands 1,695 feet high and offers some fantastic views. The mountain dominates the Ballycastle landscape, and it would take around two hours to get to the top, but it would be worth it.

You must check out the History of Kinbane Castle in Ballycastle. Colla MacDonnell first built it in 1547. Kibane means ‘white head’, which refers to the white limestone on which the castle stands. Although not much of the castle remains today, it is still worth exploring while visiting the Glens of Antrim.

No trip to Ballycastle would be complete without visiting its beautiful beach, which is only a five-minute walk from the town centre. Just taking some time to relax and walk along the sandy beach is a treat. You’ll be impressed by the views and its beauty.

Not far from Ballycastle is one of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland, the Carrick—A—Rede Rope Bridge.

As you cross the bridge, you will be mesmerised by the unspoilt views surrounding you. The bridge is free to access and open all year long. It’s one of those great places you must visit in Northern Ireland.

Cushendall

Next, you must spend some time in the coastal town of Cushendall, which connects three of the Glens of Antrim. It was once known as Newtown Glens before being called Cushendall. The small town is full of character and offers a welcoming atmosphere.

Every year, Cushendall hosts the ‘Heart of the Glens’ festival, which was started by the local community in 1990. It has grown every year since then and is one of the biggest community festivals in Antrim.

In August, they host various events for young and old alike that celebrate the cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim.

Located in the heart of Cushendall, Layd Old Church has been around since 1306. The church offers a great piece of history to unluck. Here, you come across the Celtic cross statue. The unique artefact has no actual date of its creation but holds a crucial Irish heritage worth checking out.

Cushendun

Another village that can’t be missed and is the home to one of the Glens of Antrim is the lovely Cushendun. It is a beautiful shelter harbour at the mouth of the River Dun. This picturesque coastal village offers a unique landscape and some great attractions.

Stop off at the Mary McBride Bar, which is full of history and a nice place to enjoy Irish food and drink. Also, if you are a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll want to visit this bar. You’ll find a Game of Thrones door that tells the story of season six located here.

Make sure you check out the impressive Cushendun Caves while you are visiting. The unique cave formation was formed over 400 million years ago. Like many Northern Irish locations, the caves have been used as a backdrop in the Game of Thrones series.

Carnlough

Next is another beautiful village in Country Antrim where you’ll find Glencloy, one of the nine Glens of Antrim. Carnlogh offers some of the best scenery around Northern Ireland.

Some fantastic waterfalls here look like something out of a fairytale. Just one mile outside Carlough lays Cranny Falls, one of the magnificent waterfalls in Northern Ireland. We highly recommend stopping off to check it out.

If you’re feeling adventurous and have time to spare, why not check out the Carnlough Bay Boat Tours? Located on the Carnlough Harbour, they offer a short trip around the stunning Causeway Coast.

You could explore These places and attractions further while checking out the excellent Glen of Antrim. Northern Ireland is full of hidden gems that you’ll only find if you go exploring, and of course, you can’t miss out on those popular attractions as well. County Antrim is beautiful, steeped in history and perfect for a road trip.

Activities To Do At The Glens of Antrim

The Glens of Antrim offer various outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and interests. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and birdwatching, there’s something for everyone to enjoy amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

For thrill-seekers, the glens are a paradise for adventure sports such as rock climbing, abseiling, and kayaking. Several local outfitters offer guided tours and equipment rentals, making it easy to experience the excitement of exploring the rugged coastline and hidden caves.

If relaxation is your style, why not explore the quaint villages and historic landmarks that dot the landscape? From the picturesque harbour of Glenarm to the tranquil gardens of Glenarm Castle, there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Last Remarks

The Glens of Antrim are a true hidden treasure waiting to be explored. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the coastline, the rich history and culture of the villages, or the endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So why not pack your bags and embark on a journey through the enchanting Glens of Antrim? You never know what wonders you might discover along the way.

If you plan to visit the Glens of Antrim or have already been, we would love to hear about your experiences!

Don’t forget to check other places and attractions around Northern Ireland: Rostrevor Fairy Glen|Causeway Coast| Knockagh Monument|Popular Belfast Attractions| Crumlin Road Gaol| Ballintoy Harbour|Downhill Beach| Dunluce Castle|Bundoran- Donegal| The Giants Causeway| Best Cities to Visit in Ireland|