Completely unspoilt and a place of outstanding natural beauty. The landscape here is dominated by a high plateau cut by deep glens which sweep eastward to the sea. Above all you will find it is an area of contrasts; gentle bays are separated by headlands, exposed moorlands give way to gentle valleys and wide vistas to enclosed farm lands. The Glens of Antrim are just one of the many jewels that you will discover on your travels throughout Northern Ireland. If you thought that stunning scenery belonged only to the Republic south of the border then think again; wild in the winter and yet breathtaking in the spring, summer and autumn you will find yourself drawn again and again to the Glens of Antrim.
This area is unique as it remained isolated for many years from the hinterland.
In this area there is a peaceful, unhurried pace of life with time to unwind, relax and to enjoy a holiday in one of Ireland's most beautiful secluded corners. It is surely one of the North's most exquisite secrets.
For the most part, the people are the descendants of both the ancient Irish and their cousins the Hebridean Scots across the narrow Sea of Moyle, and the Glens were one of the last places in Northern Ireland where Gaelic was spoken. The names of the glens, from south to north, are: Glenarm, Glencloy, Glenariff, Glenballyeamon, Glenaan, Glencorp, Glendun, Glenshesk and Glentaisie.
Glens folk are great storytellers. They will tell you that the main haunts of the 'wee folk' - the 'gentle' (supernatural) places - are Lurigethan mountain and Tiveragh Hill. Mischievous creatures at the best of times, the fairies are said to take devastating revenge on anyone rash enough to cut down a fairy thorn.
There are nine valleys which form the nine glens, and they each have a different character creating a marvellous romantic kingdom of wild flowers, waterfalls and bird life. At the heart are the five middle Glens:
- Glenariff
- Glenaan
- Glenballyeamon
- Glencorp
- Glendun
Places to See...
Cushendun:
This village, at the foot of the river Dun and at the mouth of Glendun itself, has a distinct cultural awareness with its welcoming and friendly local people. You will find a friendly atmosphere and a rich talent in Gaelic Sports especially hurling. Cushendun has a unique Cornish architecture and is considered nationally as an area of outstanding natural beauty, this part of the country is much preserved and maintained by the National Trust.
In Cushendun natural beauty and picturesque buildings have combined to create a setting of exceptional charm. The heart of the village comes as something of a surprise, especially when entering from the north when a right angled bend suddenly reveals a main street unlike any other in Northern Ireland. The features are delightfully simple; whitewashed dwellings, a shop, a tea house and a pub (reputed to be the smallest in Ireland ). You may be forgiven for feeling that time stands still in this charming town as you are surrounded by a feeling and atmosphere of serenity and an unhurried approach to life.
Cushendun has long attracted many of Irelands best know artists and is referred to as The Artist's Village.
Cushendall:
Cushendall is an attractive village nestled in the Heart of the Glens of Antrim between the hills and the sea of Moyle. It is located at the bottom of Ballyeamon, one of the famous Nine Glens. Its central location and wide range of services and activities contribute to its well-deserved title of the Capital of the Glens.
The area has a varied and fascinating history with evidence of settlement from Neolithic times. Many monuments can be found from the Stone Age and early Christian period. The town has always maintained strong links with Scotland and the Mull of Kintyre is only 16 miles from the Cushendall coast. Indeed until the middle of last century Cushendall would have looked towards Scotland as it was easier to travel across the sea than across the mountainous areas which surround the village.
The Scottish connections are still strong today and many of the families within Cushendall are proof of this and have Scottish surnames. This mix of Scottish & Irish Culture has always meant "Cushendall and the Glens have always been known a place apart".
The village currently has a population of around 1500 and continues to grow as a thriving community. It has a wide range of services that not only cater for the local population but compliment and add to any visitor's stay in Cushendall. Water sports are very popular and outdoor activities such as hill walking are also catered for.
Cushendall has also a vibrant social scene as well as a lively nightlife and is well known throughout the Glens for its traditional Irish music sessions. Finally, Cushendall was one of the first villages in Northern Ireland to be declared a Conservation Area. Once you visit here you will be left in no doubt that it deserves to be preserved as it is.
It has managed to retain its character and charm as an Irish village with a Scottish flavour and will reward any visitor who comes here.
Glenariff:
Glenariff with its magnificent scenery richly deserves its title "Queen of the Glens". It lies in the heart of the world famous Nine Glens of Antrim, a designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". Glenariff is a perfect U-shaped valley, whose sides are rocky precipices rising to a wild moorland.
In the Glen lies one of the most popular Forest Parks in the country, while at the coast is the golden 1 mile (1.5 Km) curve of Waterfoot Beach.
The river flowing down the valley is fed by streams which fall hundreds of metres over the cliffs. Is it any wonder visitors have been coming for over an century to this jewel of the North? When you come here you will feel that you have left the rest of the modern world behind, and what is more, you may never want to leave.
The landscape of today is the result of the work of generations of farmers whose descendants still use and protect the land. In Glenariff the distinctive pattern of ladder farms running up the valley sides gives each farm an equal share of lowland, glen-side and hill ground. In spring the lambs wander through acres of bluebells like blue vapour rising like grass, while later the yellow of the gorse (whins) and the red flowers of the fuchsia are a magnet for photographers, both amateur and professional.
In Glenariff you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and soak up the atmosphere. Buy some hot chips and enjoy them by the beach!
If you and your family feel the need to be more active try walking, cycling, pitch and putt, swimming, fishing, water-sports, pony riding, bird-watching or you can take one of the well sign-posted scenic drives.
There are restaurants and cafes to suit all needs and you can have a good night out in a pub in the village of Waterfoot or nearby Cushendall.
Dont Miss...
The Heart of the Glens Festival held each August. It is a community run festival with fun for all the family with a well established programme of events including fireworks and Beach Night.
Food and Drink:
Glenariff Tea House and Craft Shop:
The Glenariff Forest Park is an ideal base to stop for a refreshing cup of tea or snack. Located within the park is the Glenariff Tea House offering spectacular views over the Valley and across Red Bay, from The North Channel to The Mull of Kintyre.
McCollams Bar (Johnny Joes):
Johnny Joe's Bar, Cushendall, is a must for anyone visiting The Glens of Antrim. Here you will find a truly genuine Irish pub where spontaneous sing songs and music sessions regularly take place.
Getting Here...
By Ferry:
There are two main ferry ports in Northern Ireland, Belfast and Larne. These can be reached from Great Britain via Stranraer, Cairnryan, Troon, Fleetwood, Birkenhead and Isle of Man. Stena Line, the world’s leading ferry company offers the shortest and fastest crossing from Scotland to Belfast aboard the superb Stena HSS the world’s largest fast ferry speeding you over in just 105 minutes. With superb onboard facilities for everyone this is by far the best way to sail to the Causeway Coast and The Glens.
By Air:
The Glens (and the Causeway Coast) can be easily accessed by air with 3 airports within a 90 minute drive: Belfast International (Aldegrove), Belfast City (George Best Airport) and City of Derry with direct flights from a number of international destinations. The region can also be reached via international connections in Great Britain.
By Bus:
Regular Bus journeys are available between the above airports and The Glens.
Ulsterbus run a service called the 'Antrim Coaster' which travels along the coast and into each one of 'The Glens' and villages. Buses connections are available from Belfast Terminal. Express coach services from Britain to Ireland are operated by Eurolines in conjunction with Bus Eireann. Ulsterbus can arrange travel directly to Northern Ireland. Bus tours offering day trips or longer are widely available from the Belfast Bus Terminal.
By Train:
Regular train services run by Northern Ireland Railways also travel between Belfast and the northcoast as well as Belfast and Londonderry and to various destinations in between, including the Glens.
By Car:
Driving to The Glens is a visual joy. From Belfast take the M2 or the coastal road.
