Location: Bushmills
Top Things to do in Bushmills
Top 10 Things to do in Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Bushmills is a village on the north coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Bushmills had 1,319 inhabitants in the 2001 Census. It is located 60 miles (97 km) from Belfast, 11 miles (18 km) from Ballycastle and 9 miles (14 km) from Coleraine. The village owes its name to the River Bush and to a large watermill that was built there in the early 17th century.
Restaurants in Bushmills
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. River Bush
4. Portcoon jetty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By myprivatebuddy - Singapore, Singapore
At the risk of making this secret no longer secret, you should know there is a hidden cave on the east side of Portcoon Jetty, called Portcoon Cave, and it is utterly awesome. A true highlight of our trip to Northern Ireland. Google it and see that I'm not making this place up. Take the marked trail to the west of the Giant's Causeway hotel toward Portcoon Jetty, and take the grassy path down to the jetty (the giant wooden pillar sticking out of the rocks into the water). It looks like there is a crack in the cliff to the left-side, but don't be deceived. The cave is on the right-side (east). Scramble over the rocks and the small hill and you'll find a wide, dark cave opening. Explore inside, and you'll find the cave opens up into a deeper passage with a view of the roaring sea in front of you. Beautiful. Awesome. And made even better that we were the only ones around. Not even the staff at the Giant's Causeway visitors center knew of this place. We recommend bringing headlamps/flashlights and good shoes/boots with traction to help you not trip over the slippery rocks. We went at low tide, which is best for cave exploring. If you like adventuring and exploring, you must visit this place.
5. Causeway Fun Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By W2407BKbrendanm
Highly recommended if you have young kids. This place is great fun and we visit just about every time we're up the North Coast. There are animals for the kids,football and sponge ball guns. At Halloween there were also tractor and pony rides
6. Bushmills Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Our Visitor Information Centre services include: A range of free local tourism literature covering the Causeway Coast and Glens area, Causeway Coastal Route and Northern Ireland. Souvenirs, local crafts and maps for sale and a direct booking service for a number of tours including local food, walking, boat, kayak and coach tours. Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge advanced booking and Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience at a discounted price.
Reviewed By terryr387
We were ably assisted by the fabulous and friendly Mary C, and her tips and suggestions enhanced our visit to this part of Northern Ireland. We would encourage the powers that be to have the Visitor Information Centre Open all year, as there is no “off” season and visitors will benefit from the vast knowledge of the staff all year round.
7. Dunseverick Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By RogerBrownfamily - Coleraine, United Kingdom
This may not look like much from the road, but this is a site of exceptional historical significance as the seat of ancient Irish kings, many of whom were crowned here. St Patrick himself visited here in the 5th century, and it has seen many a skirmish from invading Norsemen and others over the years. I have been captivated by this place since childhood as my family owned the land that the castle stands on until gifting it to the National trust in the early 1970s. It is a little bit of a hike up to the top but well worth it. A Chinese reality show about super models chose this as one of the sites to film and so it has literally been seen across the globe. People do visit here from all over the world and I hope they continue to do so. There is a little bit of something special about this place.....perhaps a little bit of Irish magic. Please come and experience it for yourself.
8. Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By 524cheesem
There are several ways to see Giants Causeway. 1) Goto the National Trust car park and do the full visitors experience. This will cost £13 for adults, £6.50 for kids or £32.50 for a family ticket. This includes parking, access into the visitors centre and a tour guide down to the Causeway. There's a cafe and loos inside the visitors centre. The walk from the centre to the Causeway is about 15 minutes. It is a tarmac road and footpath suitable for all, kids, prams, wheelchairs, slow walkers etc. Its uphill on the way back. 2) Park in a field off Runkerry Road for a few pounds and walk to the Causeway for free. 3)Get the train. The train runs from Bushmills station which is on the B145 Ballaghmore Road opposite Tramway Drive. It is not very well signposted! The car park is free and holds around 35/40 cars. You can get on the electric train here. It costs £20.50 for a fa⁹ pushchairs and wheelchairs and is a 2 mile walk. At the other end is Giants Causeway station. There is a cafe selling a limited amount of hot and cold d⁸ Causeway. The coastal pathway is not suitable for wheelchairs but will take a pushchair. The views are spectacular. You can climb over the rocks to the Causeway which adds a little more interest or stick to the road. It's free to goto Giants Causeway, you just need to park the car at one of the above spots. You don't have to go via the National Visitors centre⁸ camera and a picnic or drinks and have an awesome time. Train times as follows; From Bushmills; 11.30, 13.30 & 15.30hrs From Giants Causeway; 11am, 13.00hrs, 15.00hrs.
9. Dunseverick Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Runnerzz - Derry, United Kingdom
Must see on the Causeway coastal route just park at the harbour and enjoy the walk wear trainers or trails shoes
10. Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2,469 reviews
Important notice - In line with Northern Ireland Executive guidance, the Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience is currently closed. We look forward to welcoming you back when it is safe to do so
Reviewed By Emaysie - Western Australia, Australia
Would 100% recommend anyone the experience to come here! My sister and I are National Trust members, so we got to go into the visitor centre which has many cool exhibitions and a souvenir shop. If you buy a ticket, then you can come in here. It also included an audio guide which was very interesting. But you can see the landscape and rocks for free just by walking by the visitor centre. However parking does cost if you park at the visitor centre. You can walk along the road along the coast or also along the top of the cliffs. The landscape is amazing and a real must do!
