Golf
Northern Ireland has become famous for golf thanks to the talent of our local players. Choose from one of three golf courses, only minutes drive from your holiday location, Royal Portrush, Bushfoot in Portballintrae and Ballycastle, all providing top quality courses, wonderful seaside locations. There are, however, many other accessible golf courses in the area.
Game of Thrones
Enjoy the stunning scenery within the Causeway Coast and Glens which represented everything from Winterfell to the King’s Road, The Iron Islands to Stormlands, stand on the spot where Lannisters schemed, stroll in the footsteps of Starks. Visit sites used in the production of the award-winning television series Game of Thrones, such as Ballintoy Harbour and Beach (on your doorstep), Larrybane, Murlough Bay and Fairhead, Cushendun Caves, Portstewart Strand and the Dark Hedges (one of the most photographed tree lined roads in Ireland).
Walking
The cottage is situated in one of the most picturesque locations of the North Antrim Coast between Ireland’s only World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This stunning harbour location, still used by fishermen, sailors, canoeists and divers, enables walkers to reach both these destinations by foot, along paths protected by The National Trust, whilst absorbing the breathtaking scenery of the coastline, not least of all that of White Park Bay, Portbradden and Dunseverick Harbour. Check out the Causeway Coast Way and Moyle Way Routes
Equestrian
Equestrian centres provide qualified, helpful and experienced guides allowing advanced riders and novices alike to enjoy trekking. Full and half day treks and lessons are available for all ages and abilities at several centres such as Island Equestrian Centre, Coleraine, Sheans Riding Centre, Armoy and Maddybenny Riding Centre, Portrush.
Cycling
The many trails of the Causeway Coast and Glens deliver stunning views of vast and varied landscapes and can be as much fun or as energetic as you want it to be. There is no better way to see some of Northern Ireland’s top tourist spots than from two wheels. (www.cycleni.com)
Fishing
The Causeway Coast and Glens is an angler’s paradise. Fresh water fishing (salmon) at the River Bush (permit required), sea fishing on an organised trip or simply take your fishing rod and have a go off the rocks directly in front of the cottage, if luck is with you, you can BBQ your catch on the raised deck overlooking the beach and ocean and watch the reflection of the sunset on Sheep Island, simply magical.
Rathlin and other Boat Trips
Hop on one of the regular ferry crossings from Ballycastle, only a few minutes’ drive from the cottage, to experience the charm and serenity of Rathlin Island and to visit the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre or an exhibition in the Richard Branson Centre, don’t leave, however, before having a pint of the black stuff in McCuaig’s bar or a coffee at the Harbour Cafe.
Organised boat trips can also be arranged for those wishing to take a closer look at our spectacular coastline and cliffs from the sea. For the sports enthusiast you may prefer to make this journey by canoe stopping by on some secluded cove for a picnic.
Heritage and History
The Heritage and Historical Trail gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the Irish Clans and Chieftains, also the rich and colourful characters that rose to prominence in the early 16th and 17th centuries and the strong influence of the famous McDonnell Clan and their links to the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland. Visit sites along the Causeway Coastal Route from Dunluce to Carrickfergus.
Food
When you’re out and about, choose from a growing number of restaurants and cafe’s offering quality local food, from Harry’s Shack in Portstewart, Ramore Restaurant Complex, Portrush, Babushka Cafe, South Pier, Portrush, Lost and Found Cafe, Coleraine, French Rooms, Bushmills, Thyme and Co and Central Bar, Ballycastle returning home to Ballintoy for some coffee and cake at the popular Roarkes cafe or a meal at the Red Door, Harbour Road or the Fullerton Arms Restaurants in Ballintoy village, where you may be lucky enough to experience one of the twice weekly, tradition Irish music sessions.
Local Events and Culture
Don’t miss out on the many local cultural and sporting events by visiting the various local information centres in Ballycastle and Bushmills or planning in advance by visiting the following site: www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.
