Attractions on the North Coast

 

The family history of the Earl-Bishop Frederick Hervey, is as colourful as he was himself - full of gossip and scandal. If it wasn't for him, the Herveys would only be known for their connection with Ickworth and Downhill Demesne wouldn't exist.

 

The Bishop's Gate

The Bishop's Gate has a lovely Gothic gate lodge, and is the closest entrance to the gardens and the Black Glen. Have a look at the symbolic carvings, including a bishop's mitre and several cow skulls.

 

Mussenden Temple

Based on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, Mussenden Temple once held the Earl Bishop's library. It's perched right on the cliff edge, and the inscription reads 'Tis pleasant, safely to behold, from shore, the rolling ship and hear the tempest roar'.

Mountsandel (Mountsandel Rd, Coleraine BT52 1TL) Mountsandel is the earliest known settlement site in Ireland. Archaeologists uncovered evidence here of a Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) settlement dated to 7700-7400BC. Evidence was found of a succession of almost egg-shaped huts around 6m in diameter, with storage pits, drying racks and a flint working area. The majority of artefacts found were flint implements with some stone axes. The earthen fort is thought to date back to Norman times. The forest walk leads from the fort down to the banks of the Bann and passes close to the weir at The Cutts. There are good views over Somerset Wood.

Whiterocks Coastal Park (off Dunluce Road, Portrush) The sandy beach at Whiterocks Coastal Park is backed by dunes and white limestone cliffs which are rich in biodiversity. The beach offers relaxation and the opportunity to walk west towards the town of Portrush via East Strand (with watersports centre) or east towards Dunluce Castle, on the new cliff top path enjoying views of The Skerries and the wider coastline. This is a popular venue for water sports but be aware of rip tides. Facilities include viewing platform and shower facilities for water sports users. www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com 

Dunluce Castle (87 Dunluce Road, Portrush BT57 8UY) Dunluce is one of the most picturesque and romantic of Irish Castles. A defended site for over 1,000 years, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was inhabited by both the MacQuillan and MacDonnell clans. Historical and archaeological exhibits are open to public viewing. Admission charge. Open all year except Christmas and New Year T 028 2073 1938 www.doeni.gov.uk 

Bushmills Distillery (Distillery Road, Bushmills BT57 8XH) Visit Ireland's oldest licensed whiskey distillery for the ultimate Bushmills experience. Watch whiskey making take place and enjoy a wee taster as we unlock the secrets of 400 years of distilling at the home of Irish whiskey. Admission charge applies for guided tours. Please note the tour is unsuitable for those with walking difficulties or wheelchair users. Whiskey/Gift shop and Café are accessible to all during opening times (no entrance charge). Phone for opening and tour times and group bookings. Children under 8 are welcome on site but are not permitted to join guided tours. T 028 2073 3218

The Giant’s Causeway (44 Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU) A geological wonder steeped in legend and folklore. Discover the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a wealth of local history and legend. Explore the geological phenomenon of 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic eruptions over 60 million years ago. Discover the legend of the Giant Finn Mac Cool and search for distinctive stone formations such as the Camel, Wishing Chair, Harp and Organ. Visitor facilities: Interactive exhibition, outdoor audio guide, gift shop. A minibus service to the Causeway stones is provided at a small charge. Disabled access. Admission charge. T 028 2073 1855 (Visitor Centre) www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge (119a Whitepark Rd, Ballintoy BT54 6LS) Take the exhilarating rope bridge challenge to Carrick-a-rede Island and enjoy a truly cliff top experience. This 30 metre deep and 20 metre wide chasm is traversed by a rope bridge traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are awarded with fantastic views across to Rathlin Island as well as amazing flora, fauna and bird life. Guided tours are available to groups if pre-booked. Tea room serving refreshments and shop offering souvenirs available on site. Admission charge. T 028 2076 9839 (Rope Bridge Office) www.nationaltrust.org.uk  

Rathlin Island (6 miles north of Ballycastle) Rathlin lies just over 6 miles from Ballycastle and is popular with bird watchers, geologists, botanists, divers and sea anglers, anyone with a love for rugged wild scenery. It includes several important natural heritage sites and is particularly internationally important for its flora, seabird colonies and in some cases its unique underwater marine life. T 028 2076 9299 (Ferry) T 028 2076 2024 (Visitor Information) www.rathlinballycastleferry.com www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com 

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century.

Glenariff Waterfalls & Forest Park (Glenariff Road, BT44 0QX) Near Waterfoot Glenariff Forest Park is a beautiful scenic area in one of the nine 'Glens of Antrim'. The unique waterfall walkway, 3 miles long passes through a National Nature Reserve. Conservation areas, café, caravan site, exhibition centre, toilets and picnic areas. Admission charge. T 028 2955 6000 www.dardni.gov.uk/index/forestry.htm 

Arthur Cottage (Dreen, Cullybackey BT42 1EB) Arthur Cottage, Cullybackey is the Ancestral Home of the 21st President of the USA, Chester Alan Arthur. The thatched cottage and interpretative centre detail the story of President Arthur and his road to the Presidency. Small admission charge. T 028 2563 5011 (all year) www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk 

Slemish Mountain (1 mile east of Broughshane) Where Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, is said to have tended livestock as a slave boy in the 5th century. Contact Ballymena Visitor Information Centre for further details T 028 2563 5011 www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Carnfunnock Country Park (Coast Road, Larne BT40 2QG) Country Park consisting of 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and coastline. Attractions include walled garden with unique sundials and maze. Modern visitor centre with gift shop and café. Parking charges apply. T 028 2827 0541 T 028 2826 0088 www.carnfunnock.co.uk 

 (68 Middle Road, Islandmagee) The magnificently restored former late Victorian visitor attraction, the Gobbins Path is an absolutely stunning, dramatic series of tubular bridges, staircases and tunnels clinging to the cliffside just metres above the waves. Be one of the first to sample this great experience which has been described as ‘like walking on water’ when the new visitor centre and path open in August 2015. Admission charge. T 028 2826 0088 www.thegobbinscliffpath.co.uk

Carrickfergus Castle (Marine Highway, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG) Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Admission charge. Open all year except Christmas and New Year. T 028 9335 1273 www.doeni.gov.uk