Things to do in Cushendun

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Our Global Adventure
Photo by Our Global Adventure
Photo by Markus Hermannsdorfer
Photo by Markus Hermannsdorfer

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Top places to visit

1. Giant's Causeway

The beautiful natural rock formation that is Giant’s Causeway attracts visitors from all over the world for its wonderful views, abundant wildlife and intriguing natural history.
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Giant\'s Causeway which includes heritage elements, rugged coastline and a monument

2. The Dark Hedges

The Stuart family, who wished to impress visitors to their home in the nearby Gracehill House, planted the beech trees here some 200 years ago. It is quite apparent from a visit here just how successful they were, as the Dark Hedges still astound visitors today.
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As if the undulating Irish countryside wasn’t magical enough, close to the town of Ballymoney you can treat yourself to a magical and mysterious moment with a visit to the Dark Hedges. This breathtaking avenue of gnarled beech trees lines the Bregagh Road close to the village of Armoy in County Antrim.

3. Old Bushmills Distillery

Whiskey lovers mustn’t miss out on the chance to visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, one of the few historic operating distilleries that offers tours to the public. Even if you aren’t too fond of the distinctive alcoholic malt drink that Ireland is famous for, it’s interesting to learn about its history and see how it’s made.
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Old Bushmills Distillery which includes signage

4. Glenarm Castle

Unquestionably one of the finest castles in Ireland, it was built in 1636 and forms part of a working estate that includes forests, an organic farm and the Glenarm River, well-stocked with fish. Breathtaking views of the estate and the sea can be enjoyed from the Mount in the gardens.
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The Earls of Antrim have called it home for 400 years and its spectacular walled garden is one of Ireland’s oldest, and at one time it was almost burned to the ground, it is said on account of a fire being kept permanently burning to warm up a featherless parrot. Glenarm Castle is truly one of a kind.

5. Glenariff Forest Park

Set in the valley of Glenariff, one of nine County Antrim glens and popularly known as the “Queen of the Glens”, the park is under half an hour’s drive from Ballymena and around an hour from Belfast. Some car parking is available for a small fee.
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If you love getting back to nature, then a visit to Glenariff Forest Park, which was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, will not disappoint. This majestic park, covering over 1,000 hectares of mature woodland, conservation areas and shimmering lake, is immensely popular with walkers, horse-riders, caravanners and campers.

What to do in Cushendun

Popular places to visit

Glenarm Castle

Glenarm Castle

The Earls of Antrim have called it home for 400 years and its spectacular walled garden is one of Ireland’s oldest, and at one time it was almost burned to the ground, it is said on account of a fire being kept permanently burning to warm up a featherless parrot. Glenarm Castle is truly one of a kind.

Glenarm Castle
Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff Forest Park

If you love getting back to nature, then a visit to Glenariff Forest Park, which was formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, will not disappoint. This majestic park, covering over 1,000 hectares of mature woodland, conservation areas and shimmering lake, is immensely popular with walkers, horse-riders, caravanners and campers.

Glenariff Forest Park

Slemish Mountain

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Slemish Mountain during your travels in Ballymena. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Slemish Mountain

Cushendun Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Cushendun Beach during your travels in Cushendun? Discover the countryside while you're in the area.

Cushendun Beach

Red Bay Castle

Learn about the local history of Cushendall with a stop at Red Bay Castle. Wander the seaside in this quaint area.

Red Bay Castle

Cranny Falls

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cranny Falls during your travels in Ballymena. While in this quaint area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Cranny Falls

Lurig Mountain

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lurig Mountain during your travels in Ballymena. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Lurig Mountain

Ossian's Grave

Learn about the local history of Glenaan when you take a trip to Ossian's Grave. While in this quaint area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Ossian's Grave

Galgorm Castle Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Ballymena at Galgorm Castle Golf Club. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this quaint area.

Galgorm Castle Golf Club
Ballymena

Ballymena