Antrim Coast Car-Free Trip: Castles, Coastal Walks, and Wild Swimming
A journey along Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast is perfect for travelers seeking adventure without a car. This Antrim Coast car-free trip combines trains, buses, and ferries to reach stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and historic castles. Along the way, visitors enjoy wild swims, scenic hikes, and unique local experiences, all while reducing their environmental impact.
Start with Ballygally Castle
Begin your adventure at Ballygally Castle. Here, you can join the “Sea Dips and Hot Sips” experience. After a brisk swim in the chilly sea, warm up with a hot drink by the fire. The castle, built in 1625, features thick stone walls, Scottish-style turrets, and cozy rooms. Breakfast includes porridge with local honey and a splash of Bushmills whiskey.
Explore Glenarm Village and Castle
Next, take the bus to Glenarm Castle, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Antrim. The castle gardens bloom beautifully in spring, and guided tours reveal centuries of history. In the nearby village, fern-lined riverside walks lead to small waterfalls. Red squirrels often dart among the trees. Be ready for winter storms: waves can crash onto the bus windscreen as you travel along the coast. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/northern-ireland
Coastal Trails and Portrush Adventures
Continue your Antrim Coast car-free trip by train to Portrush. From here, enjoy cliff paths, golden beaches, and wildlife spotting. The recently refurbished Portrush Adelphi Hotel offers modern rooms and local gin miniatures. Take the bus to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge or the Giant’s Causeway. Even if the bridge is closed, walking the coastal paths provides incredible views of the Atlantic and dramatic cliffs.
Local Crafts and Island Visits
End your trip at Portstewart, visiting a willow workshop run by Louise McLean. Here, you can try basket-making while watching the waves outside. The workshop also offers workshops on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s only year-round inhabited offshore island. These experiences highlight the culture and natural beauty of the Antrim Coast.
Why Choose a Car-Free Trip?
An Antrim Coast car-free trip is sustainable, relaxing, and memorable. Traveling by train, bus, and ferry allows you to focus on the scenery and local culture. From icy wild swims to historic castles and scenic hikes, this route offers a rich experience without the stress of driving.
