Antrim Coast
Iam very spoilt and have seen many of the world’s greatest sights, but there’s one on our doorstep that I still nd utterly fascinating, and I’ve been there four times now. The Giant’s Causeway, a Unesco World Heritage Site, features more than 40,000 strange six-sided basalt columns standing shoulder-to-shoulder and stretching out into the sea.
It’s not just the geological quirkiness of it that’s so interesting, though; I love the legend behind its creation. Apparently, the warrior giant Finn McCool constructed the pathway so he could do battle with other giants across the water in Scotland.
There’s a new visitor centre at the Causeway where you can learn more about both the legend and the scientific explanation for the rock formation, and buy rockshaped souvenirs. You can take a bus down to the site itself, or enjoy a walk along the dramatic coastline. Many tourists couple this with a visit to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The wobbly bridge is suspended 23 metres up across a 20-metre gap between the mainland and Carrick Island – I’m afraid I chickened out of crossing it – too scary.
I was a little anxious, too, when I was assigned accommodation close to the Ghost Room in the delightful Ballygally Castle Hotel, Ballygally, but no bumps in the night disturbed my sleep. The hotel, housed in a 17th-century castle, has 54 very comfy rooms and the Garden Restaurant serves delicious local food such as Glenarm salmon and beef, and County Armagh chicken.
Dunluce Castle
Ballygally Castle has a nice garden where you can enjoy afternoon tea, and has a wonderful location just a few metres from the sea, too. Ireland’s Antrim Coast, the Causeway Coastal Route section in particular, offers spectacular drives past cliffs, coves and picturesque villages, so hiring a car is the best way to get around. The ruins of Dunluce Castle, sitting so close to the edge of a headland, make a particularly nice photo.
You will, of course, have to appoint a designated driver for your visit to Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working distillery – in Distillery Road, Bushmills, where else? – as tastings of the famous Irish whiskey in its various incarnations are included. Of course, there’s a shop so you can take some home. And even if you’re not a fan of the fantasy drama series Game Of Thrones, do pop into Steensons Workshop & Gallery in Glenarm. The craftsmen here use traditional skills to create many beautiful pieces used in the show – brooches, rings, crowns, etc. There are also gorgeous, non-Game Of Thrones necklaces, bracelets and earrings to treat yourself to.
Contact Wendy at wendy. gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.
It’s not just the geological quirkiness of it that’s so interesting, though; I love the legend behind its creation. Apparently, the warrior giant Finn McCool constructed the pathway so he could do battle with other giants across the water in Scotland.
There’s a new visitor centre at the Causeway where you can learn more about both the legend and the scientific explanation for the rock formation, and buy rockshaped souvenirs. You can take a bus down to the site itself, or enjoy a walk along the dramatic coastline. Many tourists couple this with a visit to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The wobbly bridge is suspended 23 metres up across a 20-metre gap between the mainland and Carrick Island – I’m afraid I chickened out of crossing it – too scary.
I was a little anxious, too, when I was assigned accommodation close to the Ghost Room in the delightful Ballygally Castle Hotel, Ballygally, but no bumps in the night disturbed my sleep. The hotel, housed in a 17th-century castle, has 54 very comfy rooms and the Garden Restaurant serves delicious local food such as Glenarm salmon and beef, and County Armagh chicken.
Dunluce CastleBallygally Castle has a nice garden where you can enjoy afternoon tea, and has a wonderful location just a few metres from the sea, too. Ireland’s Antrim Coast, the Causeway Coastal Route section in particular, offers spectacular drives past cliffs, coves and picturesque villages, so hiring a car is the best way to get around. The ruins of Dunluce Castle, sitting so close to the edge of a headland, make a particularly nice photo.
You will, of course, have to appoint a designated driver for your visit to Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest working distillery – in Distillery Road, Bushmills, where else? – as tastings of the famous Irish whiskey in its various incarnations are included. Of course, there’s a shop so you can take some home. And even if you’re not a fan of the fantasy drama series Game Of Thrones, do pop into Steensons Workshop & Gallery in Glenarm. The craftsmen here use traditional skills to create many beautiful pieces used in the show – brooches, rings, crowns, etc. There are also gorgeous, non-Game Of Thrones necklaces, bracelets and earrings to treat yourself to.
GETTING THERE
Double rooms at Ballygally Castle Hotel cost from £110 per night: 028-2858 1066, www.hastingshotels.com – for more on visiting Northern Ireland: www.ireland.comContact Wendy at wendy. gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.