Overview
The Glens of Antrim are a collection of nine verdant valleys that fan out from the Antrim Plateau to the rugged coastline. Within a compact twenty-square-mile area, the landscape shifts rapidly from glacial valleys and sandy beaches to vertical sea cliffs, tundra-like plateaux and cascading waterfalls. The coastal road connects a series of characterful villages – Ballycastle, Cushendun, Cushendall, Waterfoot and Carnlough – each retaining a strong Gaelic and Hebridean heritage. As you drive, the Irish Sea stays close, offering clear sightlines to Rathlin Island and, on clear days, the distant basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway.
The Route & Key Stops
The drive typically begins near Larne, following the A2 past the Giant’s Causeway and winding through the mouth of each glen before climbing inland. The road is fully signposted, with numerous lay-bys for photography and short stops.
- Ballycastle Beach: A wide, sandy stretch perfect for a coastal walk, with panoramic views of Rathlin Island. The town itself hosts the Ballycastle Heritage Trail, a self-guided route linking the market square, Lammas Fair site and working harbour.
- Cushendun: Known for its well-preserved thatched cottages and the nearby Cushendun Caves, a natural sea arch that appears above water at low tide.
- Cushendall: Home to Cushendall Falls, a 100-foot cascade that plunges into a narrow gorge, easily reached via a short walk from the car park.
- Waterfoot: A quiet harbour village with a working boatyard, traditional pubs and a small museum detailing the area’s fishing and mining heritage.
- Carnlough: A sheltered natural harbour where you can watch fishing boats return and sample locally caught seafood at the harbour-side eateries.
Walking & Outdoor Activities
The glens offer a mix of short nature walks and longer multi-day treks, catering to different fitness levels and timeframes.
- Mare’s Tail Waterfall (Glenariff): A well-marked, accessible path leads to the area’s most famous cascade. The surrounding Glenariff Forest Park covers roughly 1,000 acres and offers a network of riverside trails suitable for families.
- Moyle Way: For those seeking a challenge, this 26-mile long-distance trail traverses five of the nine glens. It is usually completed over two days and is known for its varied terrain, ranging from coastal paths to upland heather moorland.
- Glenballyeamon Viaduct Walk: The derelict railway viaduct, a relic of the area’s 19th-century mining industry, sits in a secluded valley. A short hike along the nearby river reveals the viaduct’s impressive stone arches and the surrounding woodland.
History, Geology & Heritage
The nine glens – Glentaisie, Glenshesk, Glendun, Glencorp, Glenann, Glenballyeamon, Glenariffe, Glencloy and Glenarm – have been settled for centuries by families of native Irish and Hebridean Scots. The landscape carries this history in its names and landmarks. Glenann is traditionally linked to Oisín, son of the legendary hero Fionn mac Cumhaill, while Glentaisie derives its name from Taisie, a mythical princess of Rathlin.
Historically, the area was shaped by both agriculture and industry. The 15th-century Friary of Bonamargie in Glenshesk offers a quiet glimpse into medieval religious life, while the abandoned railway lines and mine workings in Glenballyeamon reflect a later period of coal and lead extraction. Glenarm Castle, a National Trust property, stands as a testament to the region’s aristocratic past, with its formal gardens and historic interiors open to visitors.
Geologically, the glens sit on a complex timeline stretching from the Jurassic period to the Palaeogene volcanic era. Jurassic chalk and limestone outcrop along the coast, while the inland valleys are dominated by 60-million-year-old basalt flows formed as the North Atlantic opened. These volcanic layers created the region’s dramatic cliffs and fertile, iron-rich soils, which now support the mixed-wood forests and heathland plateaux that define the landscape. The entire area falls within the Antrim Coast and Glens UNESCO Global Geopark.
Practical Information
The Glens of Antrim Drive is a public route with no admission charge. Parking is generally free in the villages and at designated roadside lay-bys. The visitor information point in Glenarm provides detailed walking maps, event calendars and guidance on local transport. While the coastal road remains open year-round, winter weather can make some of the more remote upland trails muddy or temporarily inaccessible.
Getting There
- By Car: From Belfast, follow the A2 north-east along the coast. The drive to the first glen takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Public Transport: Bus services run regularly from Belfast to Ballycastle and other coastal towns. From there, local taxis or community shuttles can reach the glen entrances.
- Cycling: The Sustrans cycle path connects Belfast to Carrickfergus, after which quieter inland roads provide access to the glens. Several operators offer guided self-led cycling tours with luggage transfers, ideal for avoiding weekend traffic.
Visitor Services
- Accommodation: B&Bs, self-catering cottages and small hotels are scattered throughout the glens, many positioned to catch morning light over the Irish Sea.
- Food & Drink: Traditional pubs and family-run restaurants serve locally sourced seafood and beef. The route is also within easy reach of the Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey producer.
- Seasonal Notes: Plan a visit between late April and early May to coincide with the Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival, or head out in late May to catch the puffin season on Rathlin Island. Ballycastle’s Lammas Fair in August brings music, craft stalls and community events to the town square.
The coastal road is best driven slowly, allowing time to pull into the lay-bys where the views open up. If you only have a few hours, focus on the stretch between Cushendun and Glenariff, where the waterfalls, forest trails and harbour villages cluster closely together. Keep an eye on tide times if you plan to visit the sea caves or explore the lower coastal paths, as the Irish Sea can shift access quickly.