Things to do in Ballintoy

Activities, attractions and tours

Unrivalled coastal scenery in Carrick-A-Rede and Larrybane Bay. Definitely one of the most beautiful coastline I have visited! The main reason why I wanted to visit Northern Ireland is to see the Giant Causeway, so seeing the beauty of Antrim Coastal Road was a pleasant surprise. Our tour guide was pretty funny too. Tour: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Allens-Guided-Giants-Causeway-Tours-Belfast-P11609
Unrivalled coastal scenery in Carrick-A-Rede and Larrybane Bay. Definitely one of the most beautiful coastline I have visited! The main reason why I wanted to visit Northern Ireland is to see the Giant Causeway, so seeing the beauty of Antrim Coastal Road was a pleasant surprise. Our tour guide was pretty funny too. Tour: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Allens-Guided-Giants-Causeway-Tours-Belfast-P11609
Game of thrones tour Ireland " the iron islands" great thing to do a beautiful country
Worth the drive
I love this photo! Possibly my favourite to date! It looks like a raven or penguin silhouette 🖤💙🤍
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Top places to visit

1. Giant's Causeway

Giant’s Causeway is one of the premier natural history attractions in Northern Ireland. Discover the rock formations, take in the views from the cliffs, go bird-watching, or enjoy a picnic.
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Giant\'s Causeway which includes a monument, general coastal views and rugged coastline

2. Old Bushmills Distillery

One of the few historic operating distilleries to offer tours, the Old Bushmills Distillery is a must-do for whiskey lovers. Even if you don’t like the strong alcoholic drink, it’s interesting to see the making of the malt concoction that Ireland is so famous for at one of Northern Island’s best-known producers.
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Old Bushmills Distillery which includes interior views

3. Dunluce Castle

The ancient Dunluce Castle was once a symbol of power, built at the edge of a basalt cliff overlooking the Irish Sea. During a storm in 1639, part of the castle fell into the sea and the building was abandoned. Today, the ruins on the edge of the cliffs are a dramatic sight. Dunluce Castle is a popular destination for photographers and those with an interest in history, nature and hiking.
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Dunluce Castle showing a ruin, château or palace and rocky coastline

4. The Dark Hedges

The Stuart family, who wished to impress visitors to their home in the nearby Gracehill House, planted the beech trees here some 200 years ago. It is quite apparent from a visit here just how successful they were, as the Dark Hedges still astound visitors today.
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The Dark Hedges showing a garden

5. Portrush East Strand Beach

Portrush Beach is a shoreline that attracts vacationers from Belfast in the summer. It is split into several picturesque parts with their own distinct charms. Visit a different section of beach each day for a varied experience of dunes, sandy stretches and a tall sculpture that adorns the coastline.
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Portrush Beach featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views

What to do in Ballintoy

Popular places to visit

Ballycastle which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and rugged coastline

Ballintoy Harbour

5/5(19 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Ballycastle with a trip to Ballintoy Harbour. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Ballintoy Harbour
Kinbane Castle which includes general coastal views and rugged coastline

Kinbane Castle

5/5(1 review)

After visiting Kinbane Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ballycastle. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Kinbane Castle
Beautiful view from Carrick - a - Rede, the west coast of North Atlantic

Carrick-a-Rede

4.5/5(13 reviews)

How’s your head for heights? A narrow, swinging bridge, 20 metres long and suspended 100 feet above the rocks and sea below, links mainland Northern Ireland with a tiny outcropping of volcanic rock known as Carrick-a-Rede.

Carrick-a-Rede
Stormy skies over Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.

Ballycastle Beach

4.5/5(31 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Ballycastle Beach during your travels in Ballycastle? Stroll along the area's seaside or simply enjoy its bars.

Ballycastle Beach
Torr Head showing rocky coastline, tranquil scenes and landscape views

Torr Head

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Take a scenic drive to see the rugged coastline and the dramatic contrast of the bright green pastures and the blue Irish Sea.

Torr Head
Walking at Fair Head near Ballycastle and discovering this beautiful scenery. The Lough even has a name: Lough Doo.

Fair Head

Explore the great outdoors at Fair Head, a lovely green space in Ballycastle. Stroll along the seaside or discover the countryside in this quaint area.

Fair Head

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

4.5/5(38 reviews)

Crossing a bridge is not an obvious activity for thrill-seekers, but then Carrick-a-Rede is not like most bridges.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Rathlin Island Ferry

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Ballycastle with a trip to Rathlin Island Ferry. Wander the seaside and beaches in this quaint area.

Rathlin Island Ferry

Murlough Bay

5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Murlough Bay, a lovely green space in Ballycastle. Stroll along the seaside or discover the countryside in this quaint area.

Murlough Bay
Ballycastle which includes general coastal views and tranquil scenes

Ballycastle

Frequently asked questions

Is Ballintoy worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Ballintoy is explore Ballintoy Harbour. Check this top sight off your list, then discover more of this area's nature and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Ballintoy?
Ballintoy Harbour and Sheep Island are two awesome places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Ballintoy while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ballintoy?
Ballintoy Harbour is one of the top tourist attractions in Ballintoy and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ballintoy?
Three days is enough for a short getaway in Ballintoy — you'll hit the main sights and get a good idea of the local vibe. But if you want to truly soak it all in, hang around for at least a week to check out some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Ballintoy with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these awesome ideas for what to do in Ballintoy with kids.

What to do in Ballintoy for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Ballintoy. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just love exploring new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Ballintoy?
In Ballintoy, Ballintoy Harbour is a top spot for anyone planning to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Ballintoy.

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