With over 200km of diverse coastline and a strong maritime history, we have beautiful harbours and coastal villages by the dozen. While they share much in common, each offers something unique and different for you to discover and inspire your next short break or weekend getaway.
Strangford, County Down
Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in Britain and Ireland, filled with extraordinary wildlife and beauty. Not only that but right out at the mouth of the lough and where it meets the Irish Sea is the pretty conservation village of Strangford. This is a place of narrrow streets and lanes, town squares and glimpses of the glittering sea between and beyond the beautifully kept homes and businesses.
Strangford is the perfect stopping-off point for a relaxing lunch or stroll around the harbour. From here you can explore Strangford Lough, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Northern Ireland’s first marine nature reserve. Hop on board the ferry and sail across the lough to Portaferry. Take a tour of Portaferry Castle’s historical grounds, or simply walk along the marina and take in the breathtaking views all round. While you’re in the village, why not drop in for a drink or a bite to eat in The Cuan (4*) or spend a night or two in the well-appointed rooms.
Rathlin Island, County Antrim
Home to the largest seabird colony in the United Kingdom, Rathlin is the perfect coastal village to spend some quality time. Board the ferry at Ballycastle - a small, unspoiled seaside town – before disembarking on the island where you can explore its harbour and the many and varied walking trails that it has to offer.
Rathlin will repay your visit ten-fold, packed as it is with both natural wonders and rich human heritage. Over the years it’s seen many visitors, some of whom have more than left their mark, including the Vikings who made a port where and whose remains and tools have been discovered scattered across the island. Here too, in Church Bay, lies the World War I wreck HMS Drake which was sunk by a German U-boat in 1917 and is today a popular diving mark. Across the island you’ll find a number of lighthouses and their stations to view and snap.
Ballintoy Harbour, County Antrim
Found at the end of a small winding road along the Causeway Coastal Route, you’ll find Ballintoy Harbour - made famous as a filming location for the Game of Thrones® series. The harbour features secluded bays, rock pools and sandy coves that you can spend time exploring before stopping off at the nearby village of Ballintoy.
This picture-perfect stop-off point is home to a charming array of shops and restaurants where you can sit back and relax with a refreshing afternoon tea. You can watch the well-kept fishing boats bobbing on crystalline waters, walk out to Ballintoy Church, one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful, or just drink in the awe-inspiring views along the clifftop walk towards Whitepark.
If you want to linger longer here – and you will – then Ballintoy House is a beautiful family-run listed Georgian building offering bed and breakfast just a few minutes’ walk up from the harbour itself.
Carnlough Harbour, County Antrim
Carnlough Harbour is located at the foothills of Glencoy – one of the nine Glens of Antrim, and on the shores of Carnlough Bay. It’s a small, enclosed harbour that is just brimming with seaside atmosphere as people dangle legs over the quay to eat ice cream and watch the fishing boats and pleasure boats come and go through the narrow harbour mouth. Carnlough is renowned for its super-friendly annual regatta which takes place in May of each year when boats from around the country converge to take part in the Round the Rock Challenge.
With The Harbourview Hotel a mere stone’s throw away and Glenarm Forest only one mile from the village, it is the ideal place for a relaxing break by the sea.
Glenarm Village, County Antrim
Further along the Causeway Coast in County Antrim, you’ll arrive in the coastal village of Glenarm. Here you can visit Glenarm Castle, ancestral home of the McDonnells, Earls of Antrim. With its glorious walled garden packed full of natural and manmade features, enjoy refreshments in the charming tea-room in the 19th century Mushroom House before setting off to explore this harbour village.
Glenarm was once an important trading port with Scotland, reflected in its large and sturdy harbour wall and quays which now enclose a fully equipped and popular sailing marina. If you're not staying in a berth in the harbour, land-lubbers are very welcome at the Glenarm Castle Glamping pods, overlooking the sea, along from the harbour itself. There’s also a café at nearby Glenarm Castle which serves delicious sweet treats and lunch, or make use of the on-site fire pit and wood-fired hot tub for a memorable overnight stay.
Cushendun, County Antrim
Located on a raised beach at the outflow of the Glendun and Glencorp valleys, you’ll find the pretty village of Cushendun. Originally designed in 1912 by Clough Williams-Ellis who is most famous for also designing the Portmeirion pottery village in Wales, this village of only seven houses is a designated conservation area that is home to charming craft shops and tea rooms. It is here that you’ll find the beloved sculpture of ‘Johann’ the goat – a famous Cushendun resident.
The Fisherman’s Cottage (3*) is right out at the mouth of the Glendun River and makes for a spectacular overnight experience of splendid isolation with uninterrupted views of the surrounding seas.
Donaghadee Harbour, County Down
Home to the first lighthouse built in Ireland in 1836 and the famous lifeboat station which played an important role in rescuing survivors of the MV Princess Victoria in 1953, Donaghadee Harbour boasts a long seafaring history. Popular with anglers and maritime enthusiasts alike, Donaghadee is reputedly home to the oldest pub in Ireland, Grace Neill’s, and boasts spectacular views across the Irish Sea.
If you’re looking to spend a little more time here, then you won’t a find a more perfectly positioned or named place than Pier 36 (4*), overlooking Donaghadee harbour itself, which enjoys an outstanding reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s finest pub and restaurants. You’ll enjoy spacious nautically themed rooms, with sea views and superb breakfasts.
Dunseverick Harbour, County Antrim
A short drive from the historic ruins of Dunseverick Castle you’ll find Dunseverick Harbour. Still in use by local fishermen, the harbour is a pleasant place to stop off on your coastal tour. Legend has it that Saint Patrick once visited here. It was also the point where many people set off on the emigration trail in the 1800s. Today, the harbour and its surrounds are the perfect picnic stop off point as well as offering a number of walking trails to explore.
Portbradden Harbour, County Antrim
Found along the Western end of Whitepark Bay, the tiny village of Portbradden is one of the most picturesque and recognised fishing harbours in Northern Ireland. With nearby caves to explore, walking trails to traverse, and reputedly home to Ireland’s smallest church, it is a must-stop along the Causeway Coast.
Stop you must, so stop at Portbraddan Cottage (4*), an authentic and atmospheric National Trust self-catering property from where you can hear the sea crash against cliffs and watch the gulls circling the harbour as the trawlermen land their catch.
There are so many more picture postcard seaside places to enjoy here, including Annalong and Portaferry in County Down, that we could keep going for ages and still not cover them all. The great thing is that, despite the best efforts of our ocean waves, these amazing places aren’t going anywhere and they’ll all be waiting here for you to discover them.
***Temporary Suspension of Normal Ferry Service **** Essential health and safety work will be carried out at slipways in Portaferry and Strangford, 14 October 2024 and last for 5 weeks. Alternative arrangements intended for passengers include a passenger only ferry operating a reduced timetable.
Portaferry Marina is situated on the east shore of The Narrows, the gateway to Strangford Lough, a marine nature reserve of unparalleled beauty, it is a good starting point on which to explore the Lough, and on-shore activities.
Portaferry Castle is a 16th Century tower-house, built by the Savage family. It is located on the slope overlooking Portaferry harbour.
The success of The Cuan has been built on consistently serving excellent food and drink coupled with exceptional customer service. A strong emphasis is placed on using fresh ingredients and sourcing our produce locally. Stay over in our bedrooms.
The Cuan is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, on the Village Green in the beautiful tranquil village of Strangford. The Cuan is the perfect setting for a mid-week break, weekend getaway or an activity led holiday with the family.
Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.
Ballycastle-Rathlin Island Sailings daily, weather permitting. 45 mins. Groups and wheelchair users by request. Booking advised.
The superb 74 berth Blue Flag marina is situated within the inner basin of Ballycastle Harbour and provides visiting vessels with sheltered pontoon berthing for vessels up to 20 metres. Blue Flag Award Winner.
Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a ‘raised beach’, it is located alongside the B15 Coast Road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine and five miles west of Ballycastle.
The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is a refuge for quiet relaxation.
Carnlough's sheltered historic harbour, with small fishing boats, is the focal point of this picturesque village, located on the Causeway Coastal Route. It's a well known Game of Thrones® film location, recognisable as the Free City of Braavos Canal.
A well-loved country hotel in the small coastal village of Carnlough on the Antrim Coast Road, less than an hour from Belfast and midway to the Giants Causeway.
Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning planting displays year round. Don't miss the annual tulip festival which takes place every May.
Escape to our 4* Glenarm Castle Ocean View pods for a stylish rural retreat. Fully furnished with ocean views, explore the estate's delights and nearby coastal attractions. Perfect for families or couples.
Step into the heart of Glenarm Castle's estate and discover our cosy Tea Room, nestled in the historic Mushroom House within the enchanting Walled Garden. Open daily, it's a rare gem in Northern Ireland, offering visitors the unique experience of savouring Glenarm shorthorn beef. You have the choice to add a trip to the Walled Garden, but please note there's an extra charge. Alternatively, simply indulge in the Tea Room's offerings. Enjoy hearty breakfasts from 10:00 to 11:30, delicious lunch dishes from 12:00 to 16:00, and the laid-back charm of our Tea Room. Check our socials for upcoming events.
This beautifully furnished cottage situated at the mouth of the Glendun River beside the sea with uninterrupted views of Cushendun Bay is the perfect spot to relax, watch the fishing boats go past or even view seals playing.
The Pub On The Pier at Donaghadee, serving tasty bar snacks all day with fresh fish, delicious local beef, pork, lamb and game for lunch and dinner.
Dunseverick Castle is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the small village of Dunseverick and the Giant's Causeway.
A semi-detached cottage nestled in the western end of White Park Bay in the old fishing hamlet of Portbraddan. Acquired by the National Trust in 1994.
Portaferry Marina is situated on the east shore of The Narrows, the gateway to Strangford Lough, a marine nature reserve of unparalleled beauty, it is a good starting point on which to explore the Lough, and on-shore activities.
