The Glens of Antrim And Causeway Coast
The complete Northern Ireland, Glens of Antrim and Causeway Coast experience; 100km of basalt cliffs and UNESCO World Heritage coastline in the west, nine glacial glens and river valleys in the east, all in one multi-day walking tour.
About The Glens of Antrim And Causeway Coast
Your guide to walking in this stunning region
The Glens of Antrim and Causeway Coast are two contrasting landscapes united in a single walk. The western coast is raw and volcanic; black basalt cliffs rise 80 meters sheer from the Atlantic with geometric columns of rock, and castles perch impossibly high above the waves.
The eastern glens shift the mood entirely—cliffs lower, land opens into glacial valleys, rivers carve through ancient woodlands, and walking becomes quieter and more intimate.
We join these sections into a unified 5–9-day self-guided hiking tour: the Causeway Coastal Route in the west and the Antrim Glens network in the east, over 100 km of the most diverse coastal landscape in the British Isles. The contrast makes them stronger together.
A Coast That Changes Everything
Our tour begins in the west, either at Portstewart or near Giant's Causeway, where the Atlantic has sculpted something unforgettable. Giant's Causeway is not a single viewpoint but an entire landscape: 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns left behind when volcanic lava cooled unevenly, creating natural architecture that looks designed rather than formed.
Walking across the warm black stone, some columns thick as table legs, others sharp-edged and fractured, you feel small beneath the sea and sky. From here, the western section climbs above basalt cliffs. We pass Dunluce Castle, a mediaeval fortress on an 80-meter promontory overlooking the rocks below; it is broken but spectacular. Beyond lies Bushmills, home to the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery operating since 1608.
info Walking Area Quick Facts
Difficulty
Duration
5–8 days
Season
From May to October
Accommodation
B&B & Guesthouses
Walking Tours
3 tours available
Included in Every Tour
- ✓Accommodation: Welcoming en-suite B&B rooms
- ✓Breakfast: Full Irish breakfast every morning
- ✓Luggage Transfer: Daily transfer of your main bag between accommodations
- ✓Personalised itinerary and route app for your smartphone
- ✓Support: 24/7 emergency support throughout your holiday
- ✓Pre-Departure Pack: Information pack sent before you travel
Not Included
- ✗Flights: Travel to Ireland is not included
- ✗Insurance: You'll need travel and walking holiday insurance
- ✗Meals: Lunches and dinners are not included
Walking Tours in The Glens of Antrim And Causeway Coast
Self-guided walking holidays with accommodation and luggage transfers included
The Landscape
The Causeway Coast is built from basalt lava that flowed 60 million years ago, fracturing into characteristic hexagonal columns. The cliffs are dark and sheer, rising 80 metres, shaped by Atlantic storms and constant wave action.
The Nine Glens of Antrim were carved by glaciers during the last ice age; each valley is U-shaped between high moorland plateaus.
Glacial action lactivity left hanging valleys, waterfalls,stantly present water. Vegetation is green and lush: native oak and alder woodland in lower sections, moorland heath above. Razorbills, guillemots and herring gulls nest on cliff faces.
The eastern glens host red grouse, red squirrels and otters. Rathlin Island offshore hosts over 9,000 seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes.
Culture & Heritage
The region has been continuously inhabited from early Irish settlers to Scottish Gaels. The MacDonnells made Dunluce Castle their power base in the mediaeval period. Built in the 13th century, portions fell into the sea in 1639, leaving dramatic ruins. Bushmills Distillery is Ireland's oldest licensed distillery, operating since 1608. Tours walk through water sources for malting, distillation, and ageing. Single malt tasting is proper cultural immersion.
The Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle (late August) is one of Ireland's oldest fairs. Only here can you find the traditional snack of dulse and Yellow Man. Bushmills single malt whiskey — the definitive Causeway Coast drink with distillery tours available.
Fresh Antrim coast seafood — chowder, crab, smoked salmon and langoustines. Dulse and Yellow Man – an iconic Ballycastle snack combination. Ulster fry — Northern Ireland's signature cooked breakfast, ideal before a full day's walking
Points of Interest
Key highlights you'll discover in The Glens of Antrim And Causeway Coast
Giant's Causeway
40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed 60 million years ago — Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary geological formations on Earth.
Glenariff Forest Park
The 'Queen of the Glens' — a dramatic wooded gorge with boardwalks threading past waterfalls through ancient oak and alder woodland. The finest scenery of the Nine Glens.
Dunluce Castle
13th-century medieval fortress perched on a dramatic clifftop promontory above an 80-metre drop to the Atlantic. Portions fell into the sea in 1639, leaving spectacular ruins.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A narrow suspension bridge spanning a sea chasm between the mainland and a small island. Originally built by salmon fishermen, it now offers a thrilling crossing with views to Rathlin Island and Scotland.
Things to Do in The Glens of Antrim And Causeway Coast
Top activities and experiences in the area
Walking the full Causeway Coast and Glens route
Over 100 km across 7–9 days from west to east, combining UNESCO basalt cliffs, medieval castles, nine glacial valleys and quiet coastal villages. The most diverse coastal walking tour in Northern Ireland.
Bushmills Distillery tour and whiskey tasting
The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, operating since 1608. Tours walk through the full production process from water source to barrel aging, finishing with a single malt tasting that is proper cultural immersion.
Rathlin Island day trip
Northern Ireland's only inhabited island, accessible by ferry from Ballycastle. Home to over 9,000 seabirds including puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes. Best for birdwatching April to July.
Glenariff Forest Park gorge walks
Boardwalk trails threading through a wooded gorge past waterfalls and rock pools. The most spectacular of the Nine Glens and a welcome contrast to the exposed coastal walking of the western section.
Best Time to Visit
May, June and September are ideal.
April and early May offer fewer visitors, and May brings longer evenings, lighter trail traffic and wildflowers in glen woodlands.
June offers the longest daylight hours.
July and August are the busiest; Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede receive heavy numbers and need advance booking.
September is finest; bracken and heather are gold and rust, light is clear and low-angled, and trails are quieter and accommodation easier to book.
October brings autumn colours and fewer crowds. The trail is walkable year-round, but winter brings short daylight and Atlantic exposure.
Rathlin Island birdwatching is best April–July.
Time your visit with a festival. Many trails host walking festivals throughout the season — see our complete 2026 walking festivals calendar to plan around one.
Who Is It For?
The tour suits walkers with 7–10 days wanting the full breadth of Northern Ireland's coastal landscape; the raw drama of the west and quiet beauty of the east in one trip. It works for couples, friend groups and solo walkers. It appeals to those interested in geological stories; the basalt columns gain meaning from walking through them day after day. It suits walkers stepping up to multi-day trails. Waymarking is reliable, daily stages manageable, and we provide luggage transfers. It's less suitable for those with serious knee issues.
Where You'll Stay
Small hotels, guesthouses, and family-run B&Bs provide excellent service along the Causeway and Glens corridor. Portrush and Bushmills in the west offer good facilities and a lively atmosphere. Ballycastle in the center is an excellent midpoint, with a genuine village identity and excellent dining.
The eastern section passes through smaller villages; Cushendun and Cushendall have charming accommodation and are less busy than western towns. We pre-book quality accommodation with breakfast included at every overnight stop, selecting properties that understand walker needs.
Luggage is transferred each morning; you carry only what you need for the day.
Getting Here
Belfast International Airport (BFS) and Belfast City Airport (BHD) are approximately 90 minutes from the start.
Translink NI buses operate express services from Belfast city centre to Portrush and Ballycastle in 90–120 minutes. We provide full transfer logistics with every booking. We coordinate all return transfers.
Translink NI operates train services from Belfast Central Station to Carrickfergus and Larne, useful for accessing the southern end.
Northern Ireland uses British Sterling (GBP); ATMs are available in major towns.
Travel Tips
lightbulb Book Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede in advance expand_more
Both sites receive heavy visitor numbers in summer. Pre-booking timed entry tickets avoids queues and disappointment. Early morning visits offer the best experience — fewer crowds and better light for photography.
backpack Wind is constant on the western coast expand_more
The Causeway Coast is exposed to the full force of Atlantic weather. A windproof jacket is essential every day, even in summer. Cliff-edge paths can feel exposed in strong gusts — take care and check the forecast before setting out.
checkroom Northern Ireland uses British Sterling, not Euro expand_more
If you are arriving from the Republic of Ireland, remember that Northern Ireland uses GBP (£). ATMs are available in Portrush, Bushmills, Ballycastle and Cushendall. Most businesses accept card payments, but carrying some cash is useful in smaller villages.
Local Food & Drink
Taste the flavours of The Glens of Antrim And Causeway Coast
Bushmills single malt whiskey
The definitive Causeway Coast drink — distilled at the world's oldest licensed distillery since 1608. Distillery tours are available daily and finish with a proper tasting session.
Fresh Antrim coast seafood
Chowder, crab, smoked salmon and langoustines feature on menus throughout the region. The cold, clean Atlantic waters produce exceptional shellfish. Ballycastle and Portrush have the best restaurant options.
Dulse and Yellow Man
The iconic Ballycastle snack combination — dulse is dried edible seaweed, Yellow Man is a hard honeycomb toffee. Both are traditional to the Ould Lammas Fair held in late August, one of Ireland's oldest fairs.
Ulster fry
Northern Ireland's signature cooked breakfast — bacon, eggs, sausages, soda bread, potato bread and black pudding. The ideal fuel before a full day's walking along the coast.
What Our Walkers Say
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