articles/Landscape/antrim-page2

The Glens of Antrim - part 2 of 1 2 3 4

by Colin Turtle Published 01/04/2014

At the highest point of the road you can see superb panoramic views over five of the glens and across the Irish Sea to Scotland.

This road winds through Glendun and over the famous Glendun viaduct which provides a 'classic' example of early 19th century bridge design and construction dating to 1832. It also gives some stunning photo material.

From Cushendall to Glencorp we also pass through Glenaan and Glenballyeamon.The large mountain of Knocklayde overlooks Ballycastle and is flanked by Glentaisie and Glenshesk.

So that covers the nine Glens of Antrim which even by themselves could keep any photographer in a lifetime's material or scenery, coastal images and wildlife.

You have an unenviable choice to make when journeying from Cushendall to Ballycastle; there are two routes and both are beautiful in their different ways. There is the mountain route which provides some beautiful views of the Antrim Plateau and the surrounding area or there is the Torr Scenic Route which hugs the coastline for several miles. With its winding, narrow roads and steep drops, it is rugged coastline at its very best.

From the town of Ballycastle (a wonderful place for a bite to eat, some fresh fish, perhaps an ice cream), you can take the ferry to Rathlin Island or continue along the famous Causeway coast.

Rathlin Island is about 4 miles from east to west, and 2half miles from north to south. It lies between North Antrim and Scotland, and is only three miles from Fair Head and 16 miles from the Mull of Kintyre. People have lived there for thousands of years. There are standing stones, cairns, passage tombs, cashels, and ancient church and castle sites scattered across this small area.

It is home to tens of thousands of seabirds who live in the managed nature reserve. Rathlin's cliffs are equally impressive, rising from the deep waters to hundreds of feet tall. The wild coast and rough seas round Rathlin explain why there are three lighthouses.

Giant's Causeway The Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's top tourist attraction and only World Heritage Site.

A dramatic coastal landscape steeped in local mythology, the Causeway draws up to half a million visitors a year from around the world. It is owned by the National Trust.

• The Glens of Antrim page 1
  
• The Glens of Antrim page 2
  
• The Glens of Antrim page 3
  
• The Glens of Antrim page 4
  

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