The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

October 15, 2021 Lean Nau

Discover the best top things to do in Causeway Coastal Route, United Kingdom including Sentry Hill Historic House, Blackhead Path, Ulster Aviation Society, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Andrew Jackson Centre, Dunluce Castle, Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House, Roe Valley Country Park, The Craft Village, Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland.
Restaurants in Causeway Coastal Route

1. Sentry Hill Historic House

40 Ballycraigy Road bt36 4sx, Newtownabbey BT36 4SX Northern Ireland +44 28 9083 2363 [email protected] http://www.sentryhill.net
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Sentry Hill Historic House

Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.

Reviewed By L5303WFjimd

A hidden history gem and a great wet weather plan this venue is a time capsule of artefacts well worth A small detour of the beaten track to visit very impressed

2. Blackhead Path

1 Old Castle Road, Whitehead Northern Ireland +44 28 9335 8000 http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=322
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 119 reviews

Blackhead Path

Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom

The Black Head Path has reopened again after a couple of years being shut for repairs. Its free. You drive down Old Castle Road to use the car park on the sea front in Whitehead (another road, McRae’s Brae, turns into a private road and is not suitable at all). I was surprised to see something new from the path. It happened very quickly; some big, silvery fish, very close to shore, leaping straight up out of the water. Happened twice, in different places. People tell me it may have been sea trout. The weather was rainy, and I did not care. This is a great coastal walk whatever the weather or month of the year. The new wooden railings on the upper path look great. I went back on a sunnier day, and saw lizards. With the path being closed I’d not seen any for years. Out to sea three Archer Class Royal Navy ships were powering into Belfast Lough. You never know what you’re going to see. Returning here is such a good experience. Blackhead Path Preservation Society were the group of private citizens who got together to successfully lobby to get the path restored. The money came from Mid & East Antrim Council, while the work was done by contractors F.P. McCann and ProNet the cliff netting specialists. Good job, many thanks.

3. Ulster Aviation Society

94-B Halftown Road via Gate 3 - Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn BT27 5RF Northern Ireland +44 7724 896215 [email protected] http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 317 reviews

Ulster Aviation Society

WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council

Reviewed By BoardingPass162734

Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.

4. Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Main Street, Bellaghy, Magherafelt BT45 8HT Northern Ireland +44 28 7938 7444 [email protected] http://seamusheaneyhome.com
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
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1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 142 reviews

Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Seamus Heaney, and explore through his words and imagination the people and place that so inspired him. Visit the award-winning exhibition now.

Reviewed By karenj558

An excellent introduction to the life and work of Seamus Heaney. Really interesting exhibition, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and great local refreshments available in the coffee shop. All social distancing measures in place including one way system and lots of sanitiser but does not take away from the experience at all.

5. Andrew Jackson Centre

Boneybefore Currently under refurbishment, due to open 22 June 2019, Carrickfergus BT38 7DG Northern Ireland +44 28 9336 6455 http://www.facebook.com/AndrewJacksonCentre
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

Andrew Jackson Centre

Reviewed By 765noelb

Excellent tour and facilities,Shean the curator was a mind of knowledge and made us very welcome.both American rangers and Andrew Jackson center are together and well worth the visit when visiting carrickfergus.

6. Dunluce Castle

87 Dunluce Road Co. Antrim, Portrush BT57 8UY Northern Ireland +44 28 2073 1938 http://discovernorthernireland.com/Dunluce-Castle-Medieval-Irish-Castle-on-the-Antrim-Coast-Bushmills-P2819/
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,607 reviews

Dunluce Castle

Reviewed By TheIrishtourguide - Belfast, United Kingdom

Great place to stroll and just to soak up the history of one of Ireland’s great castles ,hear stories from , C.s.lewis , yo the game of thrones , led zeppelin and Sorley boy McDonnell .. take your time 30 mins is enough. But take 40 mins

7. Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House

Mussenden Road, Castlerock BT51 4RP Northern Ireland +44 28 7084 8728 [email protected] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/downhill-demesne-and-hezlett-house
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 479 reviews

Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House

Mussenden Temple is one of the most iconic buildings in Northern Ireland, and is situated within the grounds of Downhill Demesne, a once magnificent manor house owned by the Earl Bishop of Derry, Frederick Hervey. The site is always open, but please see our National Trust website for details of when the facilities are open.

Reviewed By pmam76 - Castlerock, United Kingdom

Lovely walks up to Mussenden and round walled garden great views of Benone and over the Foyle to Donegal fuelled by Al’s Coffee best on the coast

8. Roe Valley Country Park

Dogleap Road Limavady-Dungiven Road, Limavady BT49 9NN Northern Ireland +44 28 7772 2074
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 282 reviews

Roe Valley Country Park

Reviewed By MargaretS2073

We often visit the country park and just love the peace and quiet you find as you walk along the well kept paths close to the beautiful River Roe. we did a full circut of the park yesterday it took us four hours but that included a break for a coffee and we certainly were in no rush. The only thing I do feel is that if the Park service can provide dog poo bins they should also put a litter bin beside them and this might solve the problem of the litter that is lying about. Did notice someone passed a remark about the notice about dogs that worry sheep will be shot and how shocked they were about it but I think signs like that are necessary as too many dogs are allowed to run free without the owners caring where they are and the poor farmer would be even more shocked to find his/her flock and probable livelihood destroyed by roaming dogs Having been there 3 times since Covid restrictions have been lifted we have found the facilities excellent the toilets have been spotless and I would have no hesitation about using them Well done Roe Valley Forest Park staff

9. The Craft Village

Shipquay St, Derry BT48 6AR Northern Ireland +44 28 7126 0329 [email protected] http://www.derrycraftvillage.com/
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

The Craft Village

Reviewed By Whatstheuseofwondrin - Derry, United Kingdom

This little gem in side the City Walls (Derry) is so well hidden some people don't find it! Walk half way up Shipquay St and there's an entrance on your right! As you walk through you see Edel McBrides Wool Shop and on the wall to the left the magnificent Factory Girls Mural showing the history of the City's famous shirt factory industry the world leader in days gone by. The factory in the mural Tillie & Henderson was the largest in the world at the time! Opposite there is Craft19 Design shop. On through Gate Cafe, Irish Shop, Walled City Crafters, Sass & Halo, Foyle Books, Salon One (have your hair done) City of Derry Crystal, Derry Design Makers,Blu Moon, Funky Cakes. The Cottage Craft Gallery & Coffee Shop (great crepes), Foyle Books So much to see. At different times there can be entertainment in the square in here. You can walk on through here and come out on Magazine street and the famous Derry Walls are right in front of you.

10. Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland

44 Irish Quarter West, Carrickfergus BT38 8AT Northern Ireland +44 28 9336 9575 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/flameCarrickfergus/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Flame!  The Gasworks Museum of Ireland

Carrickfergus boasts Ireland's sole surviving coal gasworks and is one of only three left in the British Isles.It opened in 1855 and supplied the town with gas for over 100 years. It stopped making gas in 1967 and finally closed in 1987.It is now fully restored and open to the public.Come along and have a guided tour where you will see how gas was made from coal in Europe's largest surviving set of retorts. You'll also get a great view from the top of the gasholder! Marvel at how gas was used for light, heat and power. Our opening hours are May to Aug inc: Daily except Saturdays 2-5pm September: Monday to Friday 2-5pmWe can open at any time outside these hours for advanced bookings, which can be made either by email or telephone.A hidden gem in the heart of Carrickfergus illuminating town gas's unique role in the development of urban areas.

Reviewed By stephenrJ8515DH

Really interesting place, great tour guides, even had information on the old gas works from my home town, loved the tour from start to finnish.

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