Recently awarded 4* status by NITB, Carnfunnock Country Park is packed full of exciting and unusual attractions to see and do, with over 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens, walking trails and coastline, not forgetting its spectacular panoramic views of the Antrim Coast and North Channel.
The Park was originally part of the estate of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon and reverted to Larne Borough Council in 1957. Many of the original features remain, including the walled garden, the ice house and the lime kilns.
Carnfunnock has combined a top of the range caravan park, man-made attractions and entertainment with the splendour of its natural scenery in a way which is very special. A fantastic range of family events, exciting activities and musical entertainments are on offer all year round, so please visit our website or Facebook page for further details.
G2Experience the Great Outdoors of Ballymoney in 2014
Townhead St, Ballymoney, BT53 6BE 028 2766 0230
Cycling, Walking and Fishing
With over 550 miles of road meandering through some of the most idyllic and scenic landscape, Ballymoney Borough has to be a mecca for cyclists and walkers of all abilities, with six mapped cycling routes of different lengths, capabilities and terrains as well as six walking route suggestions to enjoy. Ballymoney has some of the best game and coarse fishing stretches to be found anywhere, at seven acknowledged fishing locations. The Cycle, Walk and Fish Ballymoney guides are all available from the Tourist Information Centre or can be viewed at www.visitballymoney.com.
Camera Magic
Recreate your own Game of Thrones at the Dark Hedges near Stranocum, with a variety of haunting shots from dawn to dusk. The 300 year old serpentine trees form an arc over the road and are reputedly haunted by a spectral ‘grey lady’ who appears at dusk among the trees. She silently glides along the roadside and disappears as she passes the last beech tree. Take your camera to Dervock to visit the 400 year old stunning Benvarden Estate with its two-acre walled garden, beautiful rosebeds and well stocked kitchen garden and avail of refreshments at the onsite tea rooms.
Great Indoor Alternatives
Never let the local weather spoil a great day out! Head to the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre where kids can have all the fun they can handle. Perhaps a swim or a visit to Treasure Island the popular children’s soft play area. Tel 2766 0260 for opening times.
t. 028 2827 0541 (Easter to October)
www.larne.gov.uk/carnfunnock, carnfunnock@larne.gov.uk
Category: Causeway Coast & Glens
Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre
Dominated by its magnificently preserved Norman Castle, Carrickfergus lies 10 miles north of Belfast on the picturesque Antrim coast and its one of the first stops on the Causeway Costal Route. Amongst the restaurants, shops and coffee shops in the town you will find cultural and heritage gems that you just won’t see anywhere else.
A wealth of history awaits you as tours can be arranged free of charge for Carrickfergus Museum, Flame-The Gasworks Museum of Ireland, The Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre and St Nicholas Church. At over 800 years old Carrickfergus Castle is a must see attraction and offers excellent groups rates. So much to see, so much to do and all the time in the world. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Carrickfergus Borough Council
11 Antrim Street , Carrickfergus, BT38 7DG
t. 028 9335 8000, visitorinfo@carrickfergus.org, www.carrickfergus.org
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is dramatically located close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea, along the North Antrim coast. It was the headquarters of the MacDonnell Clan. Constantly fought over, the castle eventually succumbed to the power of nature, when part of it fell into the sea one stormy night in 1639. It was abandoned shortly afterwards. Dunluce Castle is regarded as the possible inspiration for Cair Paravel in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.
87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8UY
www.discovernorthernireland.com/niea/historicplaces.aspx
t. (028) 2073 1938
Ballymena Gateway to The Glens
Arts & crafts and country pursuits such as boating, fishing, golf and walking are among the area’s main activities. Newferry and the new Portglenone marina is the starting point for boat trips to Lough Neagh and the River Bann where historic sites can be viewed from the water. Slemish Mountain dominates the skyline nine miles north-east of Ballymena. Legend has it that, while a young slave, St. Patrick tended sheep on its slopes. St. Patrick’s Day pilgrims climb its 437m summit and enjoy panoramic views of the area. Nearby Broughshane is famed as the Garden Village of Ulster, having won many national and international floral accolades. Broughshane House (t.028 2586 2777) opens Thu-Sat 2-4pm or by appointment and has a village museum and scenic walking trails. The equally quaint village of Gracehill was founded by the Moravians in the 18th century and remains the only settlement of its kind in Ireland. Arthur Cottage in Cullybackey is the ancestral home of 21st US President Chester Alan Arthur. Check with The Braid VIC for opening times or to arrange a group visit.
Ballymena Visitor Information Centre, The Braid,
Ballymena Town Hall, Museum & Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge St, Ballymena BT43 5EJ,
t. 028 25635900, www.gatewaytotheglens.com
Mid-Antrim Museum
The Braid, 1-29 Bridge St, Ballymena, County Antrim BT43 5EJ
t. 028 2563 5900 www.thebraid.com
Immerse yourself in the fascinating and surprising history of mid-Antrim.
With world-class exhibits, the Museum’s content and storylines will fascinate visitors. Discover the story of mid-Antrim from earliest times to the present day through interactive displays and collections of amazing artefacts of local and national significance. The temporary exhibitions offer something for everyone, featuring everything from local history to contemporary art. Open Mon-Fri 10.00 – 17.00 Sat10.00 – 16.00. Free Admission
Rathlin Ferry
Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 18 Bayview Road, Ballycastle, BT54 6BT
t. 0 28 2076 9299
Rathlin Island is an island for all seasons! With your Rathlin Walks brochure in hand (available at the Ferry Terminal) you can decide the level of activity you want to enjoy on Northern Ireland’s only offshore inhabited island. Rathlin offers an escape away to a hidden gem of rich flora and fauna. Enjoy the breath taking views over the Sea of Moyle. The playful seals will keep you entertained along the shore as they fun and frolic with each other like puppys! The Rathlin walks are clearly marked and guide you safely along the most interesting and picturesque routes so you can have great memories to take with you back to the reality of the mainland. Keep the memory in your minds eye to lure you back again for another refreshing visit to Rathlin Island. Pre booking is always advised. Northern Ireland Smartcard holders and children under 5 travel for free.
Carrickfergus Castle
Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, Antrim, BT38 7BG
For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape whether it is approached by land, sea or air. Originally built in 1177 by John de Courcy it has been altered throughout the centuries and was in use as a garrisoned property until as late as 1928. It is probably the best-preserved medieval and Norman castle in Ireland. The castle now houses historical and other displays as well as cannons from the 17th century to the 19th century.
Experience medieval Ireland at Dunluce and Carrickfergus Castles!
www.discovernorthernireland.com/niea/historicplaces.aspx t. (028) 9335 1273
Giant's Causeway Tour
McComb’s Travel offers visitors to Northern Ireland the longest established tour of what is commonly called “The eighth wonder of the world”. Travel in one of our award winning coaches along the Causeway Coastal Route – voted one of world’s 5 most spectacular drives!
Enjoy the first stop of the day at Carrickfergus Castle, before travelling onward to the world famous Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge. The brave among us can make the terrifying trip across the bridge that was originally erected by salmon fishermen (weather permitting)*, or for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on land, take one of the exhilarating walks, and enjoy the stunning views.
We then have a break from our sightseeing, when we relax over lunch at Bushmills Distillery. Here you can also browse in the extensive gift shop, or make a visit to the bar to have a swift taste or two of the famous tipple!
After you re-fuel at the Distillery, we will re-board our luxury coach to move on to the highlight of the tour – Giant’s Causeway, Irelands only World Heritage Site. Spend some time climbing over the ancient stones, snapping some photos, and enjoying the myths and legends that surround this world famous attraction. We then re-board our luxury coach, and make our way to along the coast, for one last short stop at the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle.
All that then remains to be done is to sit back and relax on the comfortable journey back to Belfast in one of our award winning luxury coaches.
This really is a must take tour, and with the combination of our luxury coaches, experienced and friendly tour guides, and wonderful attractions, you’d be mad to miss it!
Information
- Departs daily from Belfast International Youth Hostel at 9.30am, and returns at approx 7.00pm
- Check-in at 9.15am
- City Centre pick-ups available – please state when booking
- Tour available all year
- *A National Trust fee applies for those who decide to cross the bridge, payable at the site
For more information visit:
www.minicoachni.co.uk
The Nine Glens of Antrim
The famous nine glens, endowed with evocative names and blessed with a diversity of landscape are also rich in history,
in folklore and in the natural beauty that is a world away from the frantic bustle of modern life. There are woods, waterfalls, riverside paths, viewpoints and forest parks.
Nine in number, all along the Antrim Coast road:
» Glencloy – The glen of the hedges
» Glenarm – The glen of the army
» Glenariff – The fertile glen
» Glenballyeamon – Edwardstown glen
» Glencorp – The glen of the slaughtered
» Glenaan – The glen of the colts foot
» Glendun – The glen of the brown river
» Glenshesk – The sedgy glen
» Glentaisie – The glen of taisie of the bright sides
Information supplied by Moyle District Council © 2012 | www.moyle-council.org
Broughshane
Broughshane, the garden village of Ulster, is located some 3 miles east of the town of Ballymena. Set in the beautiful Braid Valley, it is another gateway to the scenic Glens of Antrim. The village is known by communities all over the world for its success in the competitive Floral Arena having won Ulster in Bloom, Britain in Bloom, the European Entente Floral and Nations in Bloom several times. There is plenty to do and see within this beautiful area.
Visit the famous Glens of Antrim, play golf at the wonderful 18 hole Ballymena Golf Course, fish in the Braid River or walk the historic Slemish mountain.
