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Why the Glens of Antrim Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

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Why the Glens of Antrim Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

Why the Glens of Antrim Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

DigitalrezaidTRAVEL TIPS, COUNTRY GUIDES, DESTINATIONS, Planning1 week ago4.1K Views

This part of Northern Ireland stands out with its impressive scenery, friendly little towns and old legends. The area draws people looking to hike near the sea as well as those interested in seeing where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed. This blog explains why a trip to the Glens should be near the top of your travel wishes. The information covers how to get to your destination, where the best places to stay are and the interesting sites to visit.

A Timeless Escape: Why the Glens of Antrim Feel Like Another World

On Northern Ireland’s northern coast lies the Glens of Antrim — a place where time seems to stand still. Stories from ancient days drift through moss-covered forests, and old paths wind along misty slopes.

You will find a precious village inside this beautiful district, which seems more enchanting than any fairy tale. The charm of this place transforms stone cottages covered by ivy plants while streams flow silently through valleys filled with legends surrounding each shadow and tree.

Doorway-seeking European and American travelers can seek an unorthodox vacation experience in the Glens. The place transcends its location status because it delivers a voyage that transports you to historic ages. For those who seek other magical landscapes, Lapland’s Northern Lights where the Arctic sky lights up in vibrant colors. Much like the Glens of Antrim, Lapland offers a surreal and unforgettable connection to nature.

What are the Hidden Villages of the Glens of Antrim

People seek out the Glens of Antrim mainly because of their rough, majestic beauty, yet what makes the area magical are the various hidden villages positioned throughout the valley region. The tranquil settlements offer authentic views into the traditional Irish lifestyle because they have escaped tourist crowds. Similar charm can be found in the Arctic escape of Finnish Lapland, where snow-covered forests, husky rides, and peaceful villages offer a magical retreat. Both regions promise quiet beauty and unforgettable local culture, far from the noise of modern life.

Key Villages to Explore:

Cushendun: History and the ocean meet at the appealing Cushendun village. Locals recognize this village for its vivid white house architecture and its seafront location.
Glenarm: Visitors will find Glenarm an enchanting destination because it protects one of the oldest estates in Ireland, located in a region that combines natural environments with stone-built residential streets.
Waterfoot: Waterfoot presents itself as a scenic coastal settlement at Glenariff’s base because it offers beach tranquility and hillside panoramas.

These tranquil villages share different historical tales that extend from Celtic cultural heritage to their geographic bond with their natural settings. Northern Ireland becomes most genuine for visitors when they discover its hidden villages, which operate at a measured pace.

Scenic Drives and Walking Trails Through the Glens

The Glens of Antrim display themselves as if they were living environs of beautiful scenes. Visitors who enjoy Ireland’s lovely countryside should drive through the Antrim Glens. While in the valleys, people can see some of the most beautiful parts of Northern Ireland for themselves. This area makes an excellent spot for outdoor activities because nature lovers can either drive or hike to explore.

Scenic Drives:

Visitors worldwide travel to the Antrim Coast Road because this impressive coastline drive shows the Irish Sea views along with sights of natural glens.
The Glens of Antrim Loop provides tourists with a complete experience of all nine glens because each opens windows to different landscapes, along with peaceful relaxation from regular life.

Walking Trails:

Fascinating forests and splendid waterfalls adorn it, making it a glorious place for exploration, which is why many call it the “Queen of Glens.” As we walked along the coast, we were looking for a scenic stroll, which we absolutely recommend doing the trail from Cushendun to Ballycastle as it has beautiful views over the ocean, plus some pretty steep, fun, adventurous cliffs along the way.

Whether you’re a strolling gent or a serious hiker, everyone can take a walking path around here through the landscape and get the fresh air of the Irish countryside in the Glens of Antrim.

Glens of Antrim Folklore, Legends, and Lore

Traditional Irish folktales and old legends surround the entire Antrim Glens region. People from the area are pleased to explain fairy mythology, giant legends, and stories about Celtic heroes handed down over many generations. The traditional stories throughout the glens combine with their enigmatic nature to share the regional cultural roots with visitors.

Popular Myths:

Local lore tells that the Giant’s Causeway was formed by a giant who built those massive rock columns as a way of crossing to Scotland. Some people describe that the hills of the Glens of Antrim saw another act of creation during the fierce battle between this giant and his opponent. Glenariff, usually known as the “Queen of the Glens,” adds even more to the lure of mystery because it is said to have been home to fairies.

Local folks and visitors alike share stories about these creatures inhabiting the glen’s sparkling waters, some even going.

What Castle Was Used in Game of Thrones?

Northern Ireland possesses numerous iconic filming spots. However, Castle Ward stands out as the most visible among them all. Winterfell in HBO’s Game of Thrones was built using the framework of an 18th-century country estate in Ireland. Many of Game of Thrones’ memorable scenes were filmed at Castle Ward, which includes both Gothic and classical features similar to Winterfell.

The region features various other filming spots, including:

Caves of Cushendun: In the Glens of Antrim, these stellar caves were used in Season 2 for the events where Shadow’s assassin is born.
Dark Hedges: A Beautiful stretch of avenue beech trees has its own entry into the 2 seasons as the King’s Road.
Ballintoy: The place, a rugged coastal village, would’ve been a backdrop for the Iron Islands, especially Balon Greyjoy’s home.
Dunluce Castle: Perched over it, this castle also served as a location that depicted the Iron Islands.

Culinary Delights and Village Markets

Visitors find more than visual attractions in the Glens of Antrim because the area presents an active food scene. Any exploration of this area brings visitors to its locally sourced food items, fresh seafood, and authentic Irish cuisine. Every week, local markets in villages enable visitors to taste traditional local food, making this place excellent for those who love delicious local food.

What to Try:

Cushendall’s Seafood sells freshly caught Irish Sea mussels and oysters that arrive only hours before, making these items Cushendall’s most special, almost like a mention of the local coast. If you want a meal that makes you feel cozy, Traditional Irish Stew is the way to go, with its lamb, large potatoes and small collection of vegetables. Wheat bread is the same when fried. Ireland’s breakfast list wouldn’t be complete without it: a simple slice, often with lots of butter and a little jam to end your morning perfectly.

Where to Stay in the Glens of Antrim

No matter if you are looking for basic or high-end accommodation, the Glens have plenty to choose from. Whether neat or luxurious, you will find the right place to stay.

Accommodation Options:

Cozy cottage escapes tucked away among glens full of sugar maple trees for a calm break.
You will find various environmentally responsible places to stay in the area.
Some castles are turned into hotels, so you can sleep in a castle and feel like a fairy tale character

How to Reach the Glens of Antrim (From Europe and America)

Reaching the Glens of Antrim is almost too simple, whether travelling from Europe or the United States; the area is stocked with roads, air, and rail.

Travel Tips:

Belfast: You have to drive one hour from Belfast to the Glens, which is perfect for day trips or weekend trips.

Dublin: Only a 2-hour drive from Dublin, straight into the heart of the glens.

By Air: Belfast International Airport has an extensive flight network into Europe and the U.S.

For those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, discovering beauty across landscapes and cultures brings deeper meaning to travel. The Glens, like many world gems, offer scenic routes that turn every mile into a memory.

Why the Glens of Antrim deserve to be on your travel wish list

The Glens of Antrim offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience that’s not well known. It has everything, whether the beauty of its valleys appeals to you, all the folklore, or the Game of Thrones sites- the Glens will have it all. Ranging from secret little hamlets to medieval castles, this corner of Northern Ireland beckons to leave the mundane and reach for the wonder.

FAQs

How much of Northern Ireland is the Glens of Antrim?

The northern region of Ireland is home to nine Glens of Antrim; of these, nine are given unique names: Glenariff, Glenballyeamon, Glencloy, Glenhead, Glenaan, Glencorp, Glenravel, Glenarm and Cushendun.

What do the 7 Glens of Artrim go by?

The seven identified Glens of Antrim are Glenariff, Glenballyeamon, Glencloy, Glenhead, Glenaan, Glencorp and Glenravel.

Where is Gelns of Artrim situated?

It is located at the North East coast of Northern Ireland between Ballycastle and Larne in County Antrim & this region is known for its smooth valleys.

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