For the quintessential Northern Irish experience, the small village of Bushmills in County Antrim won’t disappoint.
Situated 60 miles north of Belfast, just inland on the northern coast of Ireland, Bushmills promises the best of country and sea. You’ll also find the residents in this quaint little village are as warm and welcoming as they come.
Perhaps best known as home to the world-famous Bushmills Whisky, take a tour and sample some of the local nectar at the Old Bushmills Distillery. Otherwise, rent a bike and cycle along the breathtaking coastline to Dunluce Castle, or hop on the railway to the Giant’s Causeway.
Bushmills is probably most well known for its distillery, which produces some of the best Irish blends and malt whiskeys in the world, and has been doing so for over 400 years. Take a guided tour of the premises and get the insider’s lowdown on how it’s all done. Learn about the ingredients involved and get up close and personal with some of the whisky stills themselves. If you’re lucky, you might even get to try a free sample!
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Ireland, no trip to Bushmills would be complete with a visit to the monumental Giant’s Causeway, just along the coast. You’ll be amazed at the sheer size of this natural feature, and its curious geological formation. In fact, it is so geometrically consistent that it’s hard to believe this natural structure isn’t really manmade. The Giant’s Causeway makes a delightful trip for kids and adults alike.
While there’s certainly no shortage of medieval castles in Ireland, Dunluce Castle is a particular treat. Teetering on the edge of Ireland’s northernmost cliffs, it looks almost as if this gravity-defying structure is emerging from the very rock on which it perches. If you’ve ever seen Game of Thrones, you might have even seen it yourself, as Dunluce Castle has been used as a filming location in this hit television show.
Keen golfers out there might want to enjoy the scenery from Bushfoot Golf Club in the nearby seaside village of Portballintrae. The club accepts non-members, meaning that it’s perfect either for experts or tentative novices who simply want to head out on the fairways to see how they get on. The dramatic views over the coast and country alone make it worth the visit and the bar and restaurant here are top-class.
The most unique perspective of the Northern Irish coast is from out on the Atlantic waves. There has been a recent boom in paddle boarding in Northern Ireland and the north coast is a primary spot to try it. Enjoy the Giant’s Causeway from a new point of view by getting out on the water. You’ll be under careful tuition from an instructor who will put even the most nervous novice at ease.
With so much on offer in the bijou but bustling Bushmills, search online and book your trip today with Expedia.
