The Glens of Antrim: Glenariff, Waterfalls & the Causeway Coastal Route

The Glens of Antrim are nine valleys that run from the Antrim plateau down to the sea on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland. The coast and glens are protected as the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Why The Glens of Antrim Is Special

The drive along the Antrim coast road, past white cliffs, sandy bays and the mouths of the glens, is one of the great coastal journeys of Europe.

Each glen has its own character, and the largest, Glenariff, hides a gorge of waterfalls in its forest park.

The History of The Glens of Antrim

Glenariff, sometimes called the Queen of the Glens, is the biggest of the Glens of Antrim and the most visited. Its forest park has a famous walk along boardwalks through a gorge of waterfalls.

Villages sit at the mouth of the glens: Glenarm, one of the oldest settlements on the coast, with its castle; Carnlough, with its limestone harbour; Cushendall; and Cushendun, designed by Clough Williams-Ellis.

Further north, the narrow Torr Head road climbs over the headland, with views across the sea to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.

What to See & the Best Walks at The Glens of Antrim

Walk the Waterfall Walk in Glenariff Forest Park, a circuit past several falls in a wooded gorge. Drive the coast road from Glenarm through Carnlough to Cushendall.

Take the narrow scenic road over Torr Head to Ballycastle, and walk to Cranny Falls from Carnlough.

Wildlife at The Glens of Antrim

Red squirrels live in the forests of the glens, and the coast has seabirds, seals and otters. Look for buzzards and peregrines over the cliffs.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near The Glens of Antrim

See the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB and Glenarm Castle Walled Garden listings, and our guides to Glenarm, Carnlough and Cushendun.

The Giant's Causeway is about an hour north-west; see the Giant's Causeway.

The Glens of Antrim Through the Seasons

Spring brings bluebells and full waterfalls. Summer is the time for coast drives and beaches. Autumn colours the glens, and winter brings dramatic seas along the coast road.

Getting to The Glens of Antrim

The nearest railway stations are Larne and Ballymena, with buses along the coast road. A car gives the most freedom on the coastal route.

The Glens of Antrim: Questions & Answers

Which is the Queen of the Glens?

Glenariff, the largest of the nine Glens of Antrim.

How many Glens of Antrim are there?

Nine.

Our Advice

Our advice: Drive the coast road north from Glenarm, walk the waterfalls in Glenariff, and take the Torr Head road on a clear day.