County Antrim occupies the north-east corner of Northern Ireland, extending from Belfast Lough and the shores of Lough Neagh to the dramatic Causeway Coast. Its landscape brings together basalt cliffs, wooded glens, historic towns and long-standing connections across the North Channel with western Scotland.
The Causeway Coast and Glens of Antrim
The county’s best-known natural landmark is the Giant’s Causeway, where interlocking basalt columns lie below the cliffs of the Antrim Plateau. The site forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for the geological record preserved in its lava flows and coastal rock formations.
Beyond the Causeway, the Glens of Antrim form a series of valleys opening towards the coast. Waterfalls, forest parks, villages and elevated viewpoints give this part of the county a character distinct from the flatter landscapes around Lough Neagh.
Current destination information is available from Discover Northern Ireland’s County Antrim guide.
Castles, towns and coastal heritage
County Antrim includes Carrickfergus, whose medieval castle overlooks Belfast Lough, and coastal communities such as Ballycastle, Cushendall and Cushendun. Dunluce Castle occupies a striking headland farther north, while Rathlin Island lies offshore beyond Ballycastle.
The county also reflects centuries of movement between north-east Ireland and western Scotland. Maritime routes, Gaelic lordships, plantation-era settlement and later industrial development all contributed to its cultural history.
Exploring County Antrim
Access arrangements for individual attractions can change, so visitors should check official information before travelling. To explore County Antrim within a wider journey, see the site’s private tours across Ireland.
