County Antrim
Go to County Antrim for the Glens, a ferry trip to Rathlin Island and a coast road that ends at the Causeway.
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County Antrim is the north-east corner of Northern Ireland, within easy reach of Belfast. The coast road runs past the nine Glens of Antrim, green valleys that run down to the sea, and ends at the Causeway Coast, where the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway meet the water. Carrickfergus Castle, a Norman fortress on the shore of Belfast Lough, sits near the county's southern edge.
Ballycastle is the main seaside town on the north coast. Ferries from there cross to Rathlin Island, a small island known for seabirds, including puffins in season, and for its walks. Late spring through early autumn suits the coast walks best. Larne, the Glens and Ballycastle all work as bases for a coast stay. Two days gives time for the drive, the island and the castle.
County Antrim in five
- Treat the Glens as a drive with stopsThe nine Glens open onto the coast between Larne and Ballycastle, and each village is a short stop. Sleep in Glenarm, Carnlough or Cushendall, then climb inland to Glenariff Forest Park.Glens of Antrim drive
- Book the Rathlin ferry before you drive upTwo boats cross from Ballycastle. Tourism NI calls pre-booking mandatory in peak season, and the fast catamaran carries no luggage. Cars need a permit.Rathlin Island day trip
- Plan The Gobbins as a guided walkThe Gobbins Cliff Path near Islandmagee can only be walked on a guided tour booked online, and it opens for a season. Check the official site before you build a day around it.The Gobbins
- Pre-book the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridgeThe National Trust says pre-booking is essential for the crossing. The site sits on the B15 about 5 miles west of Ballycastle, so pair it with the Causeway Coast pages.Causeway Coast guide
- Driving up from Dublin? Sort your ETA firstVisa-exempt visitors who do not live in Ireland need a UK ETA to enter Northern Ireland, including by road from Ireland. Carry your passport even where nobody checks it.UK ETA explained
Things to do in County Antrim
See all attractions in County Antrim
Need to know
- Airport
- Belfast International (BFS) is in the county; Belfast City (BHD) is nearer the city
- Getting there
- By road from Belfast; ferries from Scotland dock at Belfast and Larne
- Getting around
- A car is easiest; check Translink for buses
- Best base
- Ballycastle for Rathlin, Cushendall for the Glens
- Time needed
- 2–3 days for the coast road, the Glens and Rathlin
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWet, windy
- FebruaryWet, windy
- MarchQuiet roads
- AprilPuffins late Apr
- MayPuffins, long days
- JunePuffins, long days
- JulyBusy, puffins
- AugustBusy, puffins leave
- SeptemberCalmer, clearer
- OctoberAutumn, windy
- NovemberStormy
- DecemberDark, windy
Right now in County Antrim
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
6
- Feels like
- 5°
- Humidity
- 90%
- Wind
- 6 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
County Antrim
08:48 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today10°5°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue9°6°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed9°6°2%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Thu9°7°20%Thursday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri8°7°18%Friday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Sat8°5°16%Saturday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Sun7°4°6%Sunday: Cloudy. High 7°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 6%.
Updated 05:38 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.7469 GBP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- AugFéile an PhobailBelfast, a day trip
Day trips by train
Day trips from County Antrim, the full guide- Rathlin Island30 to 40 minutes by ferrySeabird cliffs, the upside-down West Light and an island you walk or cycle.Read the guide
- Causeway CoastCarrick-a-Rede is about 5 miles west of BallycastleThe Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the rope bridge.Read the guide
- Belfaststart or end of the coast roadTitanic Quarter, the murals and the main airport and rail connections.Read the guide
Before you go to County Antrim
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Rules for County Antrim, checked
- Rathlin Island: a permit is required to bring a car, except for residents. Seasonal parking charges apply at the Ballycastle harbor car parks.Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source
- RSPB West Light Seabird Centre: puffins late April to early August. The 2026 season has ended; the center returns in spring 2027.Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source
- UK ETA: £20, valid 2 years or until the passport expires, stays up to 6 months. Not needed if you live in Ireland and enter from Ireland.Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source
County Antrim FAQ
Is County Antrim the same as the Causeway Coast?
No. The Causeway Coast is the north shore of the county, where the Giant's Causeway sits. County Antrim also holds Carrickfergus, the nine Glens, Rathlin Island, Antrim town on Lough Neagh and part of the Belfast area.
How many days do you need in the Glens of Antrim?
One long day covers the coast road from Larne to Ballycastle with short stops. Two nights lets you add the waterfall walk at Glenariff Forest Park and a Rathlin day without rushing.
Can you visit Rathlin Island in a day from Belfast?
It is possible by car, but the drive plus a 30 to 40 minute crossing leaves little island time. Sleeping in Ballycastle gives you the earlier boats and an unhurried walk to the West Light.
Is there a border check driving from Dublin to Antrim?
There are no routine passport controls for Irish and UK citizens on that border. Other visitors should carry a passport, hold a UK ETA if they need one, and expect ferry and airline ID rules on other routes.
Where should you stay in County Antrim?
Ballycastle for Rathlin and the Causeway, Cushendall for the Glens, Glenarm or Carnlough for quiet, or Carrickfergus and Larne for a Belfast or ferry link. The where-to-stay page compares all four.