🌊 County Antrim: Giants, Glens, Guesthouses, and Guinness
Welcome to County Antrim, where the cliffs are dramatic, the legends are larger than life, and the Guinness is as smooth as a lullaby sung by the sea. This northern treasure is a land of ancient myths, cinematic coastlines, and warm welcomes—especially if you’re staying in one of its many charming bed and breakfasts.
Whether you’re wandering the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway or sipping a pint in a Belfast snug, Antrim offers a magical mix of natural beauty, historic intrigue, and good old-fashioned craic.
🏰 Must-See Marvels and Hidden Gems
The Giant’s Causeway: Nature’s Puzzle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and geological wonder, the Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Legend says it was built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill to reach Scotland. Science says volcanic activity. We say: why not both?
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds and maximum enchantment.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A Swaying Adventure
Suspended 30 metres above the Atlantic, this rope bridge connects the mainland to a tiny island once used by salmon fishermen. Cross it if you dare—and don’t forget to breathe.
The Glens of Antrim: Nine Valleys of Wonder
The Nine Glens of Antrim are a lush tapestry of valleys, waterfalls, and folklore. Glenariff is the queen of them all, with forest trails and cascading falls. Cushendun, meanwhile, is a sleepy village with caves that starred in Game of Thrones.
🧙‍♂️ Curious Facts and Local Lore
Belfast: From Shipyards to Street Art
Antrim’s capital, Belfast, has transformed from a city of conflict to a hub of creativity. It’s the birthplace of the Titanic, home to the Peace Walls, and buzzing with music, murals, and mouthwatering food.
Fun fact: The Titanic was fine when it left Belfast. Just saying.
Bushmills: Whiskey and Warmth
The town of Bushmills is home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, dating back to 1608. Take a tour, sip a dram, and toast to centuries of craftsmanship.
The Gobbins: Cliffside Thrills
This cliff-hugging path is part hike, part thrill ride. Steel walkways cling to the rock face, leading you through tunnels, over bridges, and into sea caves. It’s like something out of an adventure film—minus the CGI.
🛏️ Bed and Breakfasts & Guesthouses: The Heart of Hospitality
If you want to experience the real Antrim, skip the chain hotels and stay in a bed and breakfast or guesthouse. These locally run gems offer warm welcomes, hearty breakfasts, and insider tips you won’t find in any guidebook.
Here are some of the top-rated spots to rest your head:
🏡 Bushmills Townhouse – Bushmills
A boutique B&B with a perfect 5.0 rating, just minutes from the distillery and the Causeway. Expect stylish rooms, homemade breakfasts, and hosts who treat you like family.
🏡 Glass Island Luxury Boutique B&B – Ballycastle
This elegant guesthouse offers plush rooms, sea views, and a breakfast spread that could win awards. Ideal for couples looking for a romantic base.
🏡 Cullentra House – Cushendall
Nestled in the Glens, this guesthouse is a haven of peace and hospitality. Guests rave about the views, the food, and the warmth of the hosts.
🏡 Pier39Portrush – Portrush
A seaside B&B with a perfect 5.0 rating, Pier39 is known for its chic decor, gourmet breakfasts, and unbeatable location near the beach.
🏡 Millbrae Lodges – Near Belfast
Located on the route to the North Antrim Coast, this B&B is perfect for road trippers. Guests love the comfy rooms and the proximity to both city and coast.
Whether you’re after a romantic retreat, a family-friendly base, or a solo escape, Antrim’s B&Bs and guesthouses offer something for everyone—with a side of soda bread and a smile.
🍽️ Where to Eat Like a Local
Antrim’s food scene is a delicious blend of tradition and innovation. Here are a few must-try spots:
- Mourne Seafood Bar (Belfast): Fresh, local seafood served with flair.
- Harry’s Shack (Portstewart): Beachside dining with a view and a menu that changes with the tides.
- The Ramore (Portrush): A cluster of restaurants offering everything from gourmet burgers to fine dining.
And don’t leave without trying a pastie bap—a deep-fried meat-and-potato patty in a floury bap. It’s Northern Irish comfort food at its finest.
🍻 Cheapest Pint of Guinness in Antrim
Now, for the all-important question: Where can you get the cheapest pint of Guinness in County Antrim?
The honour goes to The American Bar in Sailortown, Belfast, where a pint of the black stuff will set you back just ÂŁ4.50
1. That’s a rare find in a city where prices can soar past £6.50.
The American Bar is a cosy, artsy venue with live music, mismatched furniture, and a warm, welcoming vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your pint slowly, chat with locals, and maybe even catch a poetry reading or folk session.
🧳 Whimsical Weekend Itinerary
If you’ve only got a weekend in Antrim, here’s how to make it unforgettable:
Day 1: Coastal Wonders
- Morning: Explore the Giant’s Causeway.
- Afternoon: Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and visit Ballintoy Harbour.
- Evening: Dinner in Bushmills and a whiskey nightcap.
Day 2: Belfast Buzz
- Morning: Tour the Titanic Belfast museum.
- Afternoon: Explore the Cathedral Quarter and street art trails.
- Evening: Pint at The American Bar, followed by live music at The Sunflower.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- The hexagonal columns of the Giant’s Causeway at golden hour.
- The vertigo-inducing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
- The colourful murals of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
- A perfectly poured pint of Guinness with the Harland & Wolff cranes in the background.
🧠Getting There and Getting Around
Antrim is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Belfast has two airports—Belfast City and Belfast International—and excellent public transport links. For exploring the coast and glens, a car is handy, but Belfast itself is walkable and well-served by buses and black cabs.
đź’š Final Thoughts: Why Antrim is a Giant Among Counties
County Antrim is a place of contrasts: wild coastlines and cosy pubs, ancient myths and modern cities, budget pints and boutique B&Bs. It’s a county that invites you to explore, to listen, and to linger.
Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of giants, sipping whiskey by the fire, or waking up to a homemade breakfast in a guesthouse by the sea, Antrim delivers with heart, humour, and a whole lot of history.
So raise your glass to Antrim—where the stories are tall, the cliffs are taller, and the Guinness is just right.
