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

The beautiful natural rock formation that is Giant’s Causeway attracts visitors from all over the world for its wonderful views, abundant wildlife and intriguing natural history.
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Giant\'s Causeway which includes general coastal views, rocky coastline and heritage elements

2. Old Bushmills Distillery

Whiskey lovers mustn’t miss out on the chance to visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, one of the few historic operating distilleries that offers tours to the public. Even if you aren’t too fond of the distinctive alcoholic malt drink that Ireland is famous for, it’s interesting to learn about its history and see how it’s made.
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Old Bushmills Distillery which includes interior views

3. 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 featuring a park

4. Dunluce Castle

Almost hanging off the edge of a cliff overlooking the Irish Sea, ancient Dunluce Castle was built as a symbol of power. Its precarious position at the edge of the cliff saw parts of the castle collapse into the sea in 1639, and the building was subsequently abandoned. Attracting walkers, history fanatics and photographers, the atmospheric ruins make for a wonderful sight and offer great photo opportunities.
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Dunluce Castle featuring château or palace, rugged coastline and a ruin

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, general coastal views and a sandy beach

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. Many years ago it was a much more precarious crossing, when salmon fishermen would use the bridge to check their nets, before the catch here dried up. Today the bridge is one of the country’s most beloved visitor attractions - around a quarter of a million people every year make the trip across and back, though every now and again some lose their nerve and have to be rescued from the island!

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 which includes tranquil scenes, rocky coastline and landscape views

Torr Head

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Drive to Northern Ireland’s wild coastline and enjoy the contrast between the bright blue of the Irish Sea and the dazzling green of the surrounding countryside.

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

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

Sheep Island

Explore the great outdoors at Sheep Island, a lovely green space in Ballycastle. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Sheep Island

 

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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.