ANTRIM COAST
8 Day Escorted or Independent tour Our meeting point is Belfast, a changing city undergoing large-scale transformation of the centre and waterfront areas. However, it still retains many examples of its past glories as Ulster’s engine room and as a result it has many fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings, making the city well worth […]
8 Day Escorted or Independent tour
Our meeting point is Belfast, a changing city undergoing large-scale transformation of the centre and waterfront areas. However, it still retains many examples of its past glories as Ulster’s engine room and as a result it has many fine Victorian and Edwardian buildings, making the city well worth some exploring.
A Sustrans cycle route guides us out of the city and up the Northern coastline. Here we alternate our time between exploring the unspoilt dramatic coastline and beautiful Glens whilst experiencing some of the finest hospitality you will find.
Our rest day is in the attractive town of Ballycastle where you can visit Rathlin Island. The famous Giants Causeways and Carrickrede Rope Bridge and the delights of Bushmills Distillery are all part of our safaris.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1
Saturday: Belfast.
We meet up in the centre of Belfast and after an introductory meeting we have dinner together.
Day 2
Sunday: Belfast to Carnlough 64km.
Setting out on a Sustrans Cycle path you cycle out of Belfast along the coast to Carrickfergus and its famous 12th Century castle. You then head inland and up into the mountains before descending to the first of the Antrim Glens with beautiful views of the ocean below. That night you stay in the quiet seaside village of Carnlough.
Day 3
Monday: Carnlough to Cushendall 56km
In the morning we cycle back up into the hills and see Sperrin mountain. It is here where legend has it that St Patrick spent his youth in captivity as a pig farmer before escaping back to England only to return as a Bishop to convert Ireland to Christianity. We then return to the coast for lunch in a seaside Hotel. The days cycle takes in the beauty of Antrim not only in its coastline but also in its famous and stunning Glens. Slowly but surely we make our way along the coast to the village of Cushendall where we base ourselves for two nights.
Day 4
Tuesday: Cushendall to Ballycastle 56km
In the morning we explore the pretty and less visited Glenaan more thoroughly and then return to the coast for lunch in Cushendun. In the afternoon comes one of the highlights of the week, a breathtaking cycle along the coast road to Ballycastle passing along green fields dotted with sheep, while you look out over beautiful views of Scotland and the Mull of Kintyre, just across the sea.
Cycle along the dramatic colourful coast of Northern Ireland
Day 5
Wednesday: Rest day in Ballycastle
One attractive option on the rest day is to take the ferry to explore nearby Rathlin Island which has one of the largest bird colonies in the country as well as a small seal colony. It is a wonderful place to spend a rest day giving you that sense of being away from it all that you can only experience on an island.
Day 6
Thursday: Ballycastle / Bushmills / Ballycastle 56km
You start with a cycle along beautiful coastline to view the hexagonal basalt rock formations at the Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark. When you see this geographical wonder you will understand why is had been awarded World Heritage Site status. Your next stop on a day of spectacular sights is the Carrik-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This swinging bridge to Carrick-a-Rede island was originally erected by local fisherman over a 23m-deep and 20m-wide chasm to check their salmon nets. After taking the “rope-bridge challenge” you head on along the coast to Bushmills where
you have lunch before heading back to Ballycastle for the night.
Day 7
Friday: Ballycastle to Belfast 40km
We cycle along the coast where we can visit the famous Carrickrede rope bridge and then along to view the hexagonal rock formations at the Giants Causeway. From there we head to the village of Bushmills where we can visit the famous Whiskey distillery. The tour finishes off with a transfer back from Coleraine to Belfast city for a final night together.
Day 8
Saturday: After a hearty breakfast, like all good things the tour ends!
| Tour Rating- Moderate to hilly |
| The roads are all sealed and the route is designed to ensure that you spend most of the week on quiet back roads, away from the main tourist routes. This is one of the hillier tours so a good level of fitness is required. |
Schedule & Price Escorted Tours
Contact us about availability: info@adventourus.com
| Price per person | CAD $1390 |
| Single Surcharge (on request) | $450 |
| High Season Surcharge July & August | $50 |
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Schedule & Price Independent Tours
Self guided tours are available from April to October and can start any day of the week.
| Price per person | CAD $1,560 |
| Single Surcharge | $450 |
| High season surcharge (July & August) | $50 |
| This tour includes: |
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Airport / Transfers
The nearest international airports is Belfast. There is a regular shuttle service from the airport into the city centre, where your hotel is located.
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