Northern Ireland’s Quiet Coast Road Trip: North Antrim Coast Itinerary
The north Antrim coast isn’t about cramming in landmarks. It’s about coastal roads that hug the sea, forest trails that end in waterfalls, and tucked-away bays where you’ll likely be the only person watching the waves roll in.
This route follows the quieter stretch of Northern Ireland’s coastline, starting in Larne and ending near Ballintoy – with time for viewpoints, forest walks and a few small villages that don’t always make the guidebooks.
Start: Larne – coastal cliffs and an underrated beginning
Start in Larne, often overlooked but home to one of the most scenic stretches of the Antrim Coast Road.
From here, head north – the road winds under towering cliffs with the sea just metres from your tyres.
What makes this stretch special:
- It’s one of the oldest purpose-built tourist routes in Europe (opened in the 1800s).
- The road is narrow and curving, but breathtaking in the early morning light.
- You’ll start the trip feeling like you’re already deep into the best bit.
🛣️ Pro tip: If you’re coming from the Belfast ferry, Larne is an easy and logical place to start.
Stop 1: Glenarm – walled gardens and a proper coastal pause
Your first stop is Glenarm, a small village with a marina, historic buildings and a beautiful walled garden that’s worth the small detour inland.
Do this:
- Visit the Glenarm Castle Gardens, especially in late spring or summer.
- Grab coffee at The Milk Parlour or Stevey’s Ice Cream.
- Walk the short Glenarm Riverside Trail if you want to stretch your legs early.
📍 Tip: This is the kind of place that makes you slow down without meaning to.
Stop 2: Carnlough – a postcard harbour with quiet charm
Just up the road, Carnlough sits tucked into a cove with colourful boats and a no-rush vibe.
Worth a stop for:
- A walk around the harbour (yes, the one from Game of Thrones).
- A quick snack at Londonderry Arms or The Harbour Lights Café.
- A sit-down moment before you head inland to the forest.
Stop 3: Glenariff Forest Park – waterfalls and wooded valleys
Leave the coast briefly and head into Glenariff Forest, often called the “Queen of the Glens” – and with good reason.
It’s a deep, shaded gorge with waterfalls, mossy trails and easy walking routes.
Best bits:
- Walk the Waterfall Trail (about 3km) – short, well-marked and atmospheric.
- If you’ve got time, the longer circular Scenic Trail is also worth it.
- The café at the entrance does a decent lunch if you’re not packing your own.
🧭 Good to know: There’s a small entry fee for parking, and trails are well-maintained year-round.
Stop 4: Cushendall – sea views and dolphin-spotting lunches
Back to the coast again, Cushendall is where forest gives way to the sea. It’s small, colourful, and ideal for a slow lunch with a view.
Things to do:
- Walk the beach promenade or just park up near the pier.
- Dolphins are often spotted offshore – bring binoculars or just squint hopefully.
- Grab lunch at Harry’s, known locally for good seafood and no nonsense.
Stop 5: Torr Head – narrow roads, wild views
From Cushendall, take the winding road to Torr Head, a stretch that feels untouched and unpolished in the best way.
The views across to Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre are sharp on a clear day.
⚠️ Note: Torr Road is very narrow – not suitable for large SUVs or campervans. If you’re in a bigger vehicle, take the A2 route instead and rejoin near Ballycastle.
Why it’s worth it:
- Wild coastal views without the crowds.
- A short walk to the Torr Head lookout station.
- You’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the island — because you are!
Stop 6: Murlough Bay – remote, rugged and quietly stunning
Not far from Torr Head lies Murlough Bay, a quiet, curving bay surrounded by cliffs and headlands.
The road down is steep and unmarked – park where safe and walk in.
Why go:
- It’s often pretty empty, even in summer.
- Views toward Rathlin Island and Scotland.
- Peaceful, unfiltered landscape with little to no infrastructure (which is part of the charm).
Stop 7: Ballycastle – the town that balances bustle and calm
Ballycastle is the largest town along this stretch and a good spot to pause, eat, or stay over.
Things to do:
- Visit Ballycastle Beach for a proper walk.
- Try fish and chips at Morton’s on the harbour.
- Take the ferry to Rathlin Island (if time allows – it’s a half-day minimum)
📍 Why it works: It’s lively without feeling touristy. Just enough buzz to recharge before the quieter final stretch.
Stop 8: Kinbane Castle – the ruin with the best setting
This one’s easy to miss – but don’t.
Kinbane Castle is a clifftop ruin set on a limestone promontory, with a dramatic stair descent and the kind of backdrop that makes your camera work overtime.
Tips:
- The path is steep but manageable.
- Best visited early or late for golden light and fewer people.
- Bring a windproof layer – it gets gusty down there.
Stop 9: Ballintoy Harbour – cinematic and quietly wild
Last proper stop: Ballintoy, best known for its Game of Thrones filming fame, but it’s beautiful in its own right – all jagged rocks, green seaweed-covered coves, and otherworldly shapes.
What to do:
- Explore the rock pools and walk the coast.
- Have coffee at the small café above the car park.
- If the tide’s right, walk toward Elephant Rock – a natural sea arch nearby.
📍 Best visited early morning or evening – it gets surprisingly peaceful.
Optional extra: Whitepark Bay
Just around the corner, Whitepark Bay is one of the most serene beaches in Northern Ireland – vast, wind-smoothed and nearly empty outside peak season.
You’ll find:
- A peaceful walking beach.
- Herds of cows that sometimes wander down to the sand.
- Big-sky views and wide open quiet.
Optional extension: Dunseverick → Giant’s Causeway → Portrush
If you’re not ready to stop, continue along the coast:
- Dunseverick Castle (ruins on a cliff).
- Giant’s Causeway (iconic, but early or late is best to avoid the tour groups).
- Dunluce Castle (dramatic clifftop ruins).
- End in Portrush or Portstewart — classic coastal towns with just enough edge.
Road trip tips for Northern Ireland’s quiet coast
- Drive slow. Roads are narrow and winding – don’t rush.
- Pack layers. Weather changes fast – waterproofs and warm jumpers are smart.
- Midweek is quietest. Especially in summer months.
- Check ferry schedules if you want to add Rathlin Island.
- Respect local signage. Especially on steep roads and farm areas.
Exploring the Northern Irish coast
This part of the Northern Irish coast doesn’t need a big pitch – it speaks for itself once you’re on the road.
The distances are short, but the scenery feels expansive, and there’s just enough going on to keep things interesting without tipping into busy.
It’s a route that works well when you keep the pace light, pull over when something catches your eye, and give each stop a bit of space.
