Holiday cottages in Northern Ireland

Find good value holiday cottages on the County Antrim coast in Northern Ireland. The cottages welcome families and dog owners. There is also accommodation adapted for the disabled.

Northern Ireland may not instantly spring to mind when people are looking for somewhere to visit and yet it is a part of Britain that features a remarkable coastline. The only thing that most of us know about the County Antrim coast is the Giant’s Causeway – a geological phenomenon where hexagonal rock formations if varying heights have become a tourist attraction. This entire rocky coastline is indented and punctured with inlets and bays.

A sweep of sandy beach is to the west of the Giant’s Causeway, just before the village of Portballintrae which has a golf club and good facilities for holidaymakers. A peaceful harbour and boat club is a scenic place to walk or sit and watch the waves. Many visitors walk to see the ruined Dunluce castle on the edge of the cliffs at Portballintrae where they can walk along the wooden with views of crashing waves below.

Another scary walk is at Larrybane Bay in Ballintoy, where the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a challenge for some. This flexible bridge is high over the channel from the mainland to a rocky island where birds breed in their thousands. This is not the place for anyone terrified of sea gulls but for the intrepid, they will be rewarded by views of subterranean caves, Rathlin Island and on a clear day, the Scottish coast across the Irish Sea.

Further southeast is the town of Ballycastle and a ferry to Rathlin Island – a birdwatcher’s paradise. The island is famed for its wildlife and tranquillity. Over a hundred people still live here and there are a few facilities as well as several good walks.  Cycle hire is available for anyone who would like to cycle its very safe roads, also boat trips for sightseeing and dolphin spotting from the sea.

There are plenty of places to stay along the County Antrim coast. Stay in a remote cottage or in a small village with amenities on hand. One thing is for sure, you will find local people most welcoming and plenty of jolly music in the pubs.