Ballintoy, County Antrim: The Harbour, Carrick-a-Rede & Things to Do

Ballintoy is a small village on the Causeway Coast of north Antrim. From the village a narrow, steep road winds down past the white parish church to a tiny fishing harbour among black basalt and white limestone rocks.

Why Ballintoy Is Special

Ballintoy Harbour is one of the most beautiful spots on the whole Antrim coast, with sea stacks, rock pools and the islands of Sheep Island and Rathlin offshore.

It is a perfect stop on the Causeway Coast, close to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the white sands of Whitepark Bay.

The History of Ballintoy

The village lies about a kilometre from the harbour, reached by a very narrow, steep road down Knocksaughey hill, which passes the entrance to Larrybane and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

The distinctive white Ballintoy Parish Church sits on the hill above the harbour. Two of the village's oldest hotels and pubs, the Carrick-A-Rede and the Fullerton Arms, still stand on the main street.

In recent years the harbour became famous around the world as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Things to Do in Ballintoy

Drive (carefully) or walk down to the harbour and explore the rocks and the coast path. Visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (National Trust; book ahead), which crosses to a small island above the sea.

Walk the Causeway Coast Way west to Whitepark Bay, a sweeping beach of white sand, and on towards the Giant's Causeway.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Ballintoy

The Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast is a few miles west; see our guide to the Giant's Causeway. Boats from Ballycastle sail to the RSPB Rathlin Island Seabird Centre.

For gardens, Creative Gardens Bushmills is close by, and the whole coast is the Causeway Coast AONB.

Ballintoy Through the Seasons

Spring and early summer bring seabirds to Rathlin. Summer is the season for the rope bridge and beaches. Autumn and winter bring dramatic seas and empty coast paths.

Getting to Ballintoy

The nearest railway stations are Coleraine and Ballymoney, with the Causeway Rambler bus along the coast in season. Parking at the harbour is very limited.

Ballintoy: Questions & Answers

Do you need to book the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge?

Yes, booking ahead is recommended; the bridge is cared for by the National Trust and can close in high winds.

Can you drive down to Ballintoy Harbour?

Yes, but the road is very narrow and steep and parking is limited. Walking down is often easier.

Our Advice

Our advice: Book the rope bridge for early morning, then walk down to Ballintoy Harbour before the crowds arrive.