Overview
Designated in 1988, the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) protects over 70,600 hectares of some of Northern Ireland’s most varied terrain. Running from the port of Larne in the east to Ballycastle in the west, the AONB encompasses 150 km of rugged shoreline, the nine historic glens that cut inland, and Rathlin Island, Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island. The landscape shifts quickly from basalt-capped uplands and blanket bog to red sandstone bays, sheltered harbours and ancient woodlands. There is no entrance fee to explore the region; access is free year-round, with parking and visitor facilities concentrated at key glens and coastal viewpoints.
The Nine Glens
Each of the nine glens was carved by retreating glaciers and shaped by centuries of farming, forestry and folklore. Glenariff, often called the “Queen of the Glens”, is the most visited – and if you only have time for one glen, make it this one. Its forest park, around 1,000 hectares, follows the River Ariff to the Grey Mare’s Tail (Altnagowna), a waterfall that drops in stages through ancient woodland. Further north, Glencloy (Glen of the Sword) has flint-working sites and chalk quarries. Be warned, though: not every glen rewards the detour. Several are little more than a name on the map and a stretch of farmed valley with no real public access.
Glenaan, near Cushendall, is tied to the legend of Oisín, son of the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, whose supposed grave lies in a stone-age cairn overlooking the valley. The southernmost glen, Glenarm, has been the seat of the MacDonnell clan since 1636 and is home to Glenarm Castle, whose walled gardens were named Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year – the first Northern Irish garden to take the title. Each glen offers distinct walking routes, from gentle riverside loops to more demanding hill ascents.
Coastal Landscapes & Wildlife
The coastline is defined by dramatic headlands and varied geology. In the northwest, 300-million-year-old schist gives way to younger sedimentary layers, while wave erosion has sculpted sea caves at Red Bay and stacks like the White Lady near Garron Point. Fair Head rises sharply above the Atlantic, offering clear-day views across the Irish Sea to Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre. At Torr Head, the crossing to Scotland narrows to just 12 miles, making it a favoured spot for spotting Ailsa Craig and the islands of Arran and Jura.
Wildlife is abundant across the AONB. The Antrim Plateau’s blanket bog supports ground-nesting birds like red grouse and hen harrier, alongside rare flora such as the insectivorous butterwort. Coastal waters host grey seals, otters and occasional dolphins. Rathlin Island is the region’s ecological crown jewel: during the breeding season, up to 250,000 seabirds – including puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes – nest on its cliffs. Birdwatchers and photographers should note that nesting areas are strictly protected; staying on marked paths is essential from March to August.
Walking & Outdoor Activities
The region is criss-crossed by waymarked routes suitable for all fitness levels. The Moyle Way is a 32 km (about 20-mile) long-distance trail through the glens, usually split over two days. For shorter outings, the Glenariff Nature Reserve Waterfalls Walk follows a well-maintained path through ancient woodland, while the Causeway Coastal Route provides a low-traffic cycling corridor with frequent pull-outs for photography. Sections between Ballycastle and Cushendall are particularly suited to road cyclists and e-bikes.
Water-based activities are equally popular. The sheltered bays of Murlough and Cushendun offer calm conditions for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while experienced sea kayakers head offshore for dolphin watching and coastal exploration. Local guides organise occasional walks through the glens; check what’s running with the visitor centres at Glenarm and Glenariff before you travel.
Heritage & Local Culture
The area’s history stretches back to the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, which linked north-eastern Ireland with western Scotland. That cross-channel connection survives in shared place names, Gaelic folklore and maritime traditions. Glenarm Castle remains a working historic estate, while coastal villages retain their fishing heritage and independent character.
Cultural highlights include the Ballycastle Heritage Trail, a self-guided route linking the harbour, 17th-century buildings and the Ballycastle Museum. In July, the Ould Lammas Fair takes over the town with traditional music, dancing and craft stalls, continuing a market tradition that dates to the 1600s. Local pubs and restaurants across the glens serve sustainably sourced seafood and beef, reflecting the area’s designation as a recognised Foodie Destination.
Practical Information
The AONB is freely accessible, but planning ahead improves your experience. Car parking is available at Glenariff Forest Park, Glenarm, and most glen entry points. Public transport options include the A2 road, the Belfast–Larne railway line, and local bus services connecting Belfast and Ballymena to the glens.
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) for wildflowers and the Glenarm Tulip Festival; summer (June–August) for seabird watching and long daylight hours; autumn for woodland colour; winter for dramatic coastal weather and fewer crowds.
- Facilities: Visitor centres at Glenarm and Glenariff provide maps, toilets and café services.
- Conservation: The AONB is managed by local authorities and community groups. Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails, keep dogs on leads near livestock and nesting sites, and dispose of waste in provided bins.
Book Rathlin Island ferry tickets well in advance for peak summer weeks – the boats fill, and a wasted drive to Ballycastle is a poor start to the day.