Top Things to do in County Antrim
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in County Antrim, United Kingdom including Glens of Antrim, Causeway Coastal Route, East Strand, Ulster Aviation Society, War Years Remembered (War Museum), Giant's Causeway, Carrickfergus Castle, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle, Rathlin Island.
Restaurants in County Antrim
1. Glens of Antrim
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 61 reviews
There are nine glens of Antrim: these green, tree-filled valleys by the sea are some of the most scenic spots in Europe.
Reviewed By GrandTour50001242440
A stay in the Glens is quite amazing. Perfectly situated for visiting the Antrim coast or Belfast. Beautiful inland and coastal scenery all within easy reach.. Pretty villages with interesting pubs and superb hospitality from the locals.
2. Causeway Coastal Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,114 reviews
The Causeway Coastal Route is a designated tourist drive around the coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. The route follows the coast and takes you to several major tourist attractions including The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the Glens of Antrim. There are a further nine shorter scenic routes that loop off the main Coastal Route. These are : Islandmagee, Slemish Mountain, Glenariff, Glendun, Torr Road, Glenshesk, Bann Valley, Binevenagh Mountain and the Roe Valley.
Reviewed By nyackgirl47 - New York City, United States
We rented a car at the airport in Belfast, and drove to Derry. Very inexpensive way to see everything if (a) you can drive a stick shift car, and (b) you can acclimate to driving on the opposite side of the road (we're American, so we had to acclimate!). We spent a couple of days in Derry, and then took the Causeway Coastal Route straight down until we picked up the highway just outside Ballygally (spent the night there enroute). We sought out several of the Game of Thrones sites enroute, so we kind of did our own tour (saw the dark hedges, the caves, and a couple of the doors - one at Mary McBride's pub and the other at the Ballygally Castle). You will see so much along this route - the seaside resort town of Portrush (where the British Open golf tournament is currently being played), the remains of the Dunluce castle, the Carrick rope bridge, adorable little towns. It's wonderful!
3. East Strand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By Expedition600826
Perfect beach for young children: good clean sand and long stretches with clear views. The water is cold when you first go in but soon warm up running in and out! Perfect to build up an appetite. Fussy eaters were looking for extras.
4. Ulster Aviation Society
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
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.
5. War Years Remembered (War Museum)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By argylltraveler
This war museum is a must for any war historian all the items covering the 1st & 2nd world wars are all original its has vechicles weapons uniforms & so much more it takes around 2hours to get round it all very interesting I just loved it
6. Giant's Causeway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,147 reviews
Northern Ireland's most popular tourist destination: this large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago.
Reviewed By Orrix55
A one kilometer walk or bus ride (£1 each way for the bus - free for walking) gets you to this fascinating attraction created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. There is a very entertaining audio guide that provides information on the various features on the landscape, such as the camel and organ pipes etc. The walk down could be a bit challenging, the road and path down is quite steep so I would suggest the bus for those with any problems. We walked down and took the bus back. Make time to visit the visitors centre at the end, it has something for everyone, especially children, coffee, drinks and food available.
7. Carrickfergus Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 896 reviews
Due to the military impenetrability of this castle the town of Carrickfergus long thrived even when surrounding villages suffered defeats.
Reviewed By Happycamper45454545 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Spectacular in the sunshine!! Lovely stroll and an excellent part of the world when the sun shines and a few out on to Belfast Lough!!
8. Bushmills Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,741 reviews
Opened in 1608, this is the oldest licensed distillery in the world and exports its whiskey internationally.
Reviewed By matts23 - Brighton, United States
A tour of the Bushmills distillery was definitely called for when in the area! Overall, the tour was excellent...very informative, and went through the working area of the distillery. Unfortunately, this was during the distilleries' "down" time (approx. 2 weeks), when they perform maintenance and cleaning of most areas, so we didn't get to see any of the production going on. Fortunately, the staff at the visitor's center made it very clear that this was the case (as did their website) before you pay for the tour, so the expectations are clear. As a nice added touch, patrons were provided a small sampler bottle of Bushmills as consolation for not seeing the production. Despite not seeing production, our tour guide was fantastic, and the tour itself very informative. We thoroughly enjoyed this visit. The sample at the end of the tour was also very much appreciated!! In the "sample" bar, there are also options to purchase additional samples and drinks, so there's no rush to leave, and it's easy to pass some time, enjoying the beautiful tasting room. Underage patrons receive a free non-alcoholic beverage, which was appreciated. Of course, after the tasting room is the gift shop, including some limited edition whiskeys, so after the tasting room, it's easy to feel your wallet get lighter........ My only negative is that picutres during the tour were strictly prohibited; it would have been nice to capture some pictures of the grounds and buildings.
9. Dunluce Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,607 reviews
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
10. Rathlin Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Between Ballycastle and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, Raithlin Island is eight miles long and barely one mile wide.
Reviewed By ciaragn - Belfast, United Kingdom
We stayed a night on the beautiful Rathlin Island in mid-May 2019. We chose to stay with Rathlin Glamping Pods. We would highly recommend Rathlin Glamping Pods for anyone thinking of staying the night on the island. The Pods are a short five minute walk from the Harbour and can hold up to four people. The Pods are extremely well equipped for a short stay. There is a double bed and a large pull-out sofa bed - both beds were comfortable. There is a small ensuite with an excellent shower. The kitchenette is well stocked with cutlery, plates, cups, pans, etc. There is also a small fridge, kettle, microwave and single ring electric hob. The information booklet provided was useful and informative. Overall, the clean and tidy Pods contain everything you need for a comfortable stay. The hostess, a lady named Nicola, was extremely courteous and friendly. Nicola kindly met us, in her pick- up truck, upon our arrival at the Harbour and brought our heavy bags to the Pods for us. She also brought our bags back to the Harbour for our return Ferry journey. The cherry on top of the Rathlin Glamping Pods experience has to be Nicola’s adorable golden retriever, Murphy, who is often found hanging around the Pods. Rathlin is a must-see for any Northern Irish person, or for any guest to Northern Ireland. Extraordinary wildlife, centuries of history, stunning scenery and the friendliness of islanders’ all combines to make this rugged island off the north coast of Ireland a true gem of the archipelago of the British Isles. We recommend a trip to The RSPB Centre, to catch a glimpse of Rathlin’s most famous inhabitants - the colony of Puffins. Other seabirds, such as Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Razorbills are also there to see. Binoculars are provided. Visit the RSPB Centre between early-May and late-July for the best chance of seeing the seabirds. The RSPB Centre is accessible by taking the Puffin Bus, driven by a hilarious driver who doubles as a tour guide named Dennis. Thanks for having us, Rathlin. Ciara & Kathryn.
