Itinerary
Belfast
Before you start your trip along the Antrim Coast, Extreme Ireland have reserved for you a fantastic cycling tour around the vibrant city of Belfast (optional extra). The capital of Northern Ireland is the cradle of the legendary RMS Titanic, where you can feel her presence in many parts of the city. But not everything is about this gigantic beauty, you’ll also have the chance to see different monuments dedicated to the political conflicts of the twentieth century in Belfast, such as the Peace Wall. The Belfast Castle and Saint Anne Square are two of the other iconic places that you can’t forget to visit. You can also drink a pint and listen to the traditional Irish music in one of the many pubs that fill the streets of this beautiful city.
Highlight of the day: Titanic Experience
Overnight: Belfast
Restaurant Suggestion: The Lantern
Carrickfergus & Gobbins Cliff Path
You have to wake up early this morning, because one of the longest days of the tour is waiting for you. Start cycling along the coastline until Carrickfergus, where you’ll have the chance to see the Norman style castle that was used as a fortress for the Irish, French, Scottish and English. Following the coastline up north you arrive in Larne, where Extreme Ireland recommend you park the bicycle to walk along the Gobbins Cliff path. It is a three hour walk along a path with more than 100 years of history that gives you amazing views of the basalt cliffs over the sea.
Highlight of the day: Carrickfergus Castle
Overnight: Ballygally
Restaurant Suggestion: Halfway House Hotel
Glenarm & Glenariff
Today you’ll ride through the Coast Road that brings you to Glenarm, where you can see a lovely castle built in 1636 by the first earl of Antrim. Nowadays there is still a member of his family living there. It is a lovely estate and has beautiful gardens. After Glenarm, arrive in the village of Waterfoot, better known as Glenariff. It is one of the most beautiful fishing villages of the Antrim Coast. At this point you can decide if you want to follow the coastline by the shorter way or take the long path inland to visit the Glenariff Forest Park. You can see the impressive Glenariff Waterfalls surrounded by the lush forest park. At the end of the day you arrive in Cushendall; after a long day of cycling, relax in the town, have a pint or visit the Curfew Tower, which was once a prison.
Highlight of the day: Glenarm Castle
Overnight: Cushendall
Restaurant Suggestion: Harry’s
Torr Road & Ballycastle
Bordering the Cushendall Golf Club you will find the Layd Old Church - a ruined church, which was built by Franciscan monks and is the place of burial of some of the MacDonnell clan. Cross the River Glendun to leave Cushendun and head towards Ballycastle. You will take the Torr Road, which provides some of the most amazing views of the Antrim coast. As you cycle along enjoying the views, you pass Torr Head. From here you can see the Scottish coast which is just 10 miles away. Once you arrive in Ballycastle, you will have a fantastic panoramic view of Rathlin Island, which you’ll be able to visit tomorrow if the weather is suitable.
Highlight of the day: Torr Road
Overnight: Ballycastle
Restaurant Suggestion: O’Connor’s Bar
Rathlin Island
At 08:45am, you will catch the ferry to Rathlin Island, if the weather is favorable. After 25 minutes of sailing, arrive at the dock and get on your bicycles to explore the island. Head towards the east of the island and then down to the southern end. This island could be on every biologists bucket list because of the existence of animal species, which are particularly rare, such as the purple eyed rabbit. Can you spot one? Another tourist attraction is the impressive Rathlin Lighthouse on the west side of the island. Back in Ballycastle you can explore the little town or just relax to be in top shape for tomorrow.
Highlight of the day: Rathlin Island
Overnight: Ballycastle
Restaurant Suggestion: Anzac Bistro
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge & The Giant's Causeway
It is the last cycling day but it is also the best day of the tour. You will see the amazing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. On this 20 meter long and 30 meter high rope bridge, it is better not to look down! A few kilometers away, the Giant's Causeway awaits, which for most is the highlight of the tour. There are 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, which are the result of a volcanic eruption more than 60 million years ago. The rock formations and views will leave you stunned. If you have enough energy once you reach your overnight stay in Bushmills, Extreme Ireland recommend you visit the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery where they transform water into gold whiskey.
Highlight of the day: Giant’s Causeway
Overnight: Bushmills
Restaurant Suggestion: The Bushmills Inn Restaurant
Return to Dublin
After a hearty Irish breakfast, it is time to make your way back to Dublin. Before you leave, you will have time to visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, if you haven't yet been there, or just have a walk through the village. You can do an optional extra Bike ride to the Dark Hedges. This is a 35km circular route.
Your day tour coach to the Giant's Causeway will pick you and your bikes up and transfer you back to Dublin.
End of our Services: Extreme Ireland hope you enjoyed your cycling tour of Northern Ireland. Thank you!
