Antrim Coast

Photos: Picnicking beside the road at Ballygalley on the Antrim Coast; Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre; Tourists trying a few samples at the "Tasting Room" of the Old Bushmills Distillery.

As the home of the Giant's Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery, the coast of County Antrim probably does not need anything else to draw visitors. But those two popular attractions are only the beginning. On the same route, you can take in all the beauties of the nine Glens of Antrim plus endless coastal vistas, and an enchanting assortment of colorful harbor towns and seaside villages, not to mention two of Ireland's most impressive castles at Carrickfergus and Dunluce.

To whet your appetite, here are a few of the highlights:

Giant's Causeway, Causeway Head, near Bushmills (tel. 028-2073-1582), is a unique natural rock formation extending for three miles along the coast. It is undoubtedly Northern Ireland's most photographed attraction — often called the 8th wonder of the world, and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List of sites. It consists of more than 37,000 tightly packed basalt columns, almost like stone steps. The tops of the stones begin at the foot of the coastal cliffs and reach into the sea, disappearing under the water. Most of the stones are six-sided in shape and vary in size, with some as tall as 40 feet. They were formed by quick cooling and shrinking lava that burst to the earth's surface about 70 million years ago. It is a one-of-a-kind site, not duplicated anywhere else in Ireland. Start a tour by looking at the exhibits and 25-minute audio-visual in the visitor center, maintained by the National Trust. Then step outside and explore the rocks for yourself. It's quite a hike, however, and takes about a half-hour to and from the rocks. For non-hikers, there is frequent minibus service (March-September). Open daily. Web sites: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-giantscauseway and www.giantscausewaycentre.com

Old Bushmills Distillery & Visitor Centre, Main St., Bushmills (tel. 028-2073-3224), is the oldest distillery of its kind in the world, officially licensed in 1608. Visitors are welcome to take a walk-through tour of the plant to view the whole process, essentially unchanged over the centuries. Escorted by well-versed guides with informative and amusing commentaries, the 40-minute tours end in the "Potstill Bar," a pub-style "tasting room" where guests are invited to sample the results. Open daily during April-October except for Sunday morning; and Monday-Friday during the rest of year. Web site: www.bushmills.com

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, near Ballycastle (028-2076-9839), is a swaying 63-foot wooden plank bridge with a wire handrail positioned 80 feet above the sea, spanning an open chasm between the mainland and Carrick-a-rede Island. Each spring fishermen put up the bridge to give them access to a salmon fishery on the island, but the general public is welcome to use it. Access is from Larrybane car park, where there is a visitor center operated by the National Trust. After parking, it's a one mile walk (about 15-20 minutes) along a cliff path to get to the bridge. Open March to October in daylight. Web site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-carrickarede

Dunluce Castle, Bushmills/Portrush Rd., Portrush (tel. 028-2073-1938), is one of Northern Ireland's most photographed castles, even though it is a ruin. Built by Richard de Burgh, the Earl of Ulster in c. 1300, it is a splendid structure sitting on basalt rock jutting out over the sea, reached by a wooden walkway. It was for many years the home of the Irish MacDonnells, chiefs of Antrim. Open daily year-round, hours and days vary with the season. Web site: www.northantrim.com/dunlucecastle.htm

Carrickfergus Castle, Antrim St., Carrickfergus (tel. 028-9335-1273), is Northern Ireland's largest and best preserved Norman castle, dating back to1180. The focal point is a square keep that is 90-feet high (five stories), with eight-foot thick walls. Enter through a gate flanked by two round towers. Inside well-versed guides explain the castle's history, and show off various highlights such as an old castle well and a dungeon. In the summer months, the grounds hold medieval fairs, crafts markets, and pageants, as well as ever-changing exhibits and events on archery and military parades. Open daily. Web site: www.ehsni.gov.uk/carrick.shtml

Cushendun, a town on the Glens of Antrim route, sits on the shore where Glendun and Glencorp sweep together toward the sea. It is one of the most picturesque villages in all of Ireland, and certainly one of the smallest, with a population of 50. Almost everyone stops to take a picture of its lovely Cornish-style white-washed cottages. The entire village is maintained by the National Trust. Web site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Irish Linen Centre, Market Square, Lisburn (tel. 028-9266-0074), is the best place to go to learn about Ireland's linen industry. Although not strictly on the Antrim coast, it is part of the county about 10 miles southeast of Belfast. This award-winning museum traces the story of linen from the 17th century to the high-tech industry of today. There are opportunities to see linen in all stages of production including a weaving demonstration with hand looms. Open daily, except closed on Sunday. Web site: www.lisburncity.gov.uk/irish-linen-centre-and-lisburn-museum

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