Giants Causeway & Antrim Coast

An area of immense beauty and breathtaking scenery, the magical Antrim Coast has been the inspiration for artists, poets and musicians.

A new Visitors Centre at the Giants Causeway is due to open in summer 2012 and will offer state-of-the-art facilities at this historic site.

The building will be integrated into the stunning landscape through the use of a grass roof and columns inspired by the Stones and will contain a café, gift store, Tourist Information Centre and interpretative displays to share the story of the truely unique World Heritage Site.

Itinerary

 

9am

Depart Belfast and follow the Causeway Coastal Route north which is rated as one of the “Top Five Road Trips” worldwide.

10am

Glenarm Castle Gardens
Explore Glenarm Castle’s historic Walled Garden or simply relax in the charming tea room.

10.45am

The route continues through the Antrim Glens, passing by waterfalls, over hills and through the charming villages.

12.15pm

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Stop for a quick photo opportunity at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spectacularly spans a chasm between the cliffs and a rocky island.

1.00pm

Giant’s Causeway
Perhaps the most famous visitor attraction in Northern Ireland, a World Heritage Site with over 40,000 many-sided stone columns.

3.30pm

Bushmills Distillery
Sample one of Ireland’s best loved products at one of the world’s oldest distilleries dating from 1608.

4.30pm

Photo opportunity at the ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched on the cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Belfast across the Antrim Plateau.

6pm

Return to ship

Places to See:

Giant’s Causeway The extraordinary geometric columns were formed from crystallised lava that erupted 60 million years ago. You may prefer the story that giant Finn McCool built these stepping stones to reach and defeat his adversary in Scotland.	Glenarm Castle Glenarm Castle is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest estates and home to the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim since the early 17th century.
Glenariff Forest Park Enjoy the space and freedom of this beautiful forest park. It is a walker’s paradise with woody glades, small lakes and tumbling waterfalls.	Rathlin Island Reached by ferry, Rathlin Island is home to thousands of nesting seabirds, including the famous Puffins.
Dunluce Castle Dating from the 16th century, this was the headquarters of the McDonnell Clan. On a stormy night in 1639, part of the fiercely contested castle fell into the sea.	Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Be brave and cross the swaying Carricka-Rede Rope Bridge, comprised of planks laid between long parallel ropes and hung each February.
Bushmills Distillery The distinct flavour of Bushmills whiskey comes from the water of St. Columb’s Rill, or stream.	Torr Head Only twelve miles separate rocky Torr Head, outside Ballycastle from the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.