The Antrim Causeway Coast: Days Out with Belfast Entries

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Introduction

The “Causeway Coast” is loose term covering the whole scenic coastline of County Antrim – a term frequently used in setting out places of interest to see, visit or to stay over.

Belfast Entries, as a local history website, has covered the history of many locations along the coastal drive and links to these are presented below. The posts summarise the history of each location and include photographs to allow visitors to decide where they would like to visit and potentially stay over. Belfast Entries is not a commercial enterprise, simply a website for those interested in exploring our sights and history.

Note that this post is not an itinerary for the journey as the locations below have been visited over many journeys and would require more time that a “day out”.

Not all locations will be of interest to all readers. Some represent a roadside photo opportunity at an interesting historic location, other places are worthy of a visit for several hours.

Use the links below, therefore, to find the locations you would like to see and then use Google maps (or an alternative) to review the best route for the sites you would like to visit. Note also that you will not see all of these locations in a single day. Tailor your jouney to the time available to you and, most of all, take time to enjoy your surroundings.

Antrim Causeway Coast Historic Locations

Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle – A brief history

Carrickfergus Castle is named for Fergus Mór, King of Dalriada (Dál Riata). His kingdom covered areas of north-east Ulster & western Scotland

Carrickfergus and Dobbins, its Spooky Inn

Carrickfergus and its Ancient Inn with a Spooky Past – Dobbins Inn

The tale of the ancient Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus and its tumultuous past including an ill-fated romance and ghostly inhabitants

The Glynn

The Glynn and The Luck of the Irish

Glynn, from the Irish ‘glean’ meaning ‘the valley’ is a small picturesque village in County Antrim in the barony of Lower Belfast.

Olderfleet Castle, Larne

Olderfleet Castle, Larne – Vikings, Invasion & Rebellion

On the Antrim coast, just south of Larne Harbour, are the remains of Olderfleet Castle with a history featuring Vikings, Invasion, Rebellion

Ballygally Castle Hotel and its Ghost Room

A history of the Ballygally Castle Hotel (and its ghost) situated in the village of Ballygally on the Antrim coast road.

Carnlough Village

Carnlough, Antrim Coast Road – A History

Carnlough, Antrim Coast Road – The story of a small coastal village, Marchioness Francis Anne Vane, Garron Tower and Paddy the Pigeon.

Galboly – The County Antrim Village Lost in Time

In the picturesque glens of Antrim lies the abandoned village of Galboly. Hidden from view, its derelict cottage ruins recall a bygone age.

Layde – The Hidden Church

Layde – County Antrim’s Hidden Church

Layde Old Church is a place of history and peace. Its scenic hidden glen, sparkling stream and sea views make it incredibly beautiful.

Cushendun

Cushendun – Game of Thrones & an Iconic TV Series

Situated in the Glens of Antrim, the picturesque village of Cushendun lies on the north coast. But what links it to two classic TV dramas?

Loughareema – The Vanishing Lake and its Ghosts

Welcome to Loughareema Loughareema – Now you see it now you don’t! Location Not far from the bustling seaside resort of Ballycastle in County Antrim is the beautiful lake of Loughareema. Some days…

White Park Bay

Have you heard the ‘singing sands’ of White Park Bay?

White Park Bay on the North Coast of Antrim between the fishing villages of Ballintoy and Portbraddon is noted for its 'singing sands'

Bonamargy Friary – War, Treasure & the Black Nun’s Ghost

Minutes from Ballycastle beach, Bonamargy Friary's history involves rival clan battles, priceless manuscripts, buried treasure & a nun's ghost

Kinbane Castle

Kinbane Castle – A Hidden Gem on County Antrim’s Coast

Kinbane Castle, County Antrim, stands on a rocky promontory jutting out into the wild Atlantic Ocean in a magnificent setting.

Rathlin Island – An Eventful History, Beautiful Scenery and Puffins!

Quiet Afternoon in Rathlin Where is it? Rathlin is a small island off the north Antrim coa…

Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Don’t Look Down!

The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, one of Co. Antrim’s most popular tourist attractions, spans a gap of 66ft to the tiny island of Carrickarede.

Dunseverick Castle – Saint Patrick, The Vikings, Crusades & Destruction

Dunseverick Castle, The Causeway Coast – Saint Patrick, The Vikings, Crusades and Destruction

Dunseverick Castle, now in ruins, was one of the key sites of ancient Ireland being situated on one of the five royal roads.

Giants Causeway – A UNESCO World Heritage Sit

Formed of 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal basalt columns, formed about 60 million years ago during intense volcanic activity, the Giant’s Causeway is considered a must-see by many visitors. We haven’t covered this history yet on Belfast Entries but will in the future…

In the meantime, an interesting historical snippet

The Giant’s Causeway Hydroelectric Tramway – A World’s First!

The Giant's Causeway Hydroelectric Tramway was the world's first example of renewable-powered public transport, Giant's Causeway

Bushmills – Whiskey from oldest licensed distillery in the world

Bushmills – Whiskey from the oldest licensed distillery in the world

King James 1 granted a royal license to make whiskey at Bushmills in April 1608. Bushmills is the oldest licensed distillery in the world

Dunluce Castle

The Unforgettable Dunluce Castle – A Brief History

The picturesque ruins and history of Dunluce Castle "are not surpassed by any on the entire coasts of the British Isles” (McComb’s Guide to Belfast, 1861)

Conclusion – Beyond Dunluce Castle

Visitors traveling the Antrim Coast route will often continue to the locations beyond Dunluce such as Portrush and Portstewart, Castlerock, Messenden Temple etc. We have not covered these yet on BelfastEntries.

Why not explore historic Belfast with places to see and things to do?

Visiting Belfast? Why not take a step into the past on your day out?

Scotty and the Big Fish Introduction Belfast Entries is a website dedicated to the lesser-known history of our people & places of interest. As such we have covered a variety…

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