Northern Ireland Glens Of Antrim

During the Ice Age, glaciers plowed through the coastline northeast of Antrim, leaving nine deep scars in the mountains. Over the years, water collected in these valleys, nourishing trees, ferns, and other flora not usually found in Ireland. The A2 coastal road connects the mouths of these glens and provides entry to roads inland. Still relatively unspoiled and much less touristed than the northern coast, the nine glens are rich in their own lore and distinct character. While the road offers stunning coastal vistas, the mountains and waterfalls are best explored on daytrips inland from the coastal villages of Glenarm, Waterfoot, and Cushendall.

Most visitors travel the glens by car, but two Ulsterbus routes serve the area year-round (Belfast ☎9032 0011; Larne ☎2827 2345). Bus #150 runs between Ballymena and Cushendun (M-F 5 per day, Sa 4 per day; £4.50) with intermediate stops at Waterfoot and Cushendall (M-F 4 per day, Sa 3 per day; £5.50). The Antrim Coaster (#252) runs year-round, stopping at every town on the road from Belfast to Coleraine (M-F and Su 2 per day, one of which runs only Belfast to Larne; £4 to Larne and £9 to Belfast). Cycling the glens is fabulous. The Ardclinis Activity Centre in Cushendall rents bikes. The coastal road from Ballygally to Cushendun is both scenic and relatively flat. Once the road passes Cushendun, however, it becomes hilly enough to make even motorists groan. Crossroads are reportedly the best places to find a lift, though Let’s Go never recommends hitchhiking.

• Cushendall (Bun Abhann Dalla)

Cushendall is nicknamed the capital of the Glens, thanks to its natural wonders. The four streets in the town center house a variety of goods, services, and pubs unavailable anywhere else in the region ...more