County Antrim
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County Antrim is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most beautiful and interesting counties. There is so much to see and do in this little county. Antrim’s main draw is undoubtedly Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city. The RMS Titanic was built in this port city: “she was fine when she left here,” as locals like to quip. A century later, the iconic new Titanic Belfast visitor attraction is the centrepiece of a rejuvenated quarter named after the ill-fated liner.
Weather Averages
Be prepared for rain or shine
MARCH - MAY High 12.24°c Low 4.16°c Precipitation 0mm/hr
JUNE - AUGUST High 18.13°c Low 11.28°c Precipitation 0mm/hr
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER High 13.47°c Low 6.98°c Precipitation 0mm/hr
DECEMBER - FEBRUARY High 7.43°c Low 1.67°c Precipitation 0mm/hr
Belfast
County Antrim
Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital. It was the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, which famously struck an iceberg and sunk in 1912. Culture, history and super-friendly people are what Belfast is all about. Visit here and you’ll experience a place unlike any other in Europe. This is a city that can trace its history back to the Bronze Age; a city that built Titanic; a city forging a unique food scene; and a city that dances to its own beat. From its mighty shipbuilding past to the dynamic arts scene that swirls around the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast likes to mix it up. Have lunch in the Michelin-starred restaurants and fish and chips dinners in down home chippies.
Bushmills
County Antrim
The village of Bushmills is best known for being the home of the world's oldest licensed distillery. The Old Bushmills Distillery has been producing whiskey since the first decade of the 17th century. The village is also close to the Giant's Causeway which makes the village a popular destination for tourists and holidaymakers. Bushmills Irish Whiskey is made at the world's oldest licenced working distillery in County Antrim, The original grant to distil was signed in 1608 by King James 1st and there has been distillation on this site since then, using the unique water from our own stream and Irish barley. It is more than 400 years old.
Ballymena
County Antrim
Ballymena is a pretty, historic town in Northern Ireland, just a 30-minute drive from Belfast. The town has much to offer visitors. There is a beautiful waterfall walkway that is often described as a mini-Switzerland and a twelfth century castle to explore. You can also admire the Georgian architecture, stroll along the banks of the River Braid or visit a local workshop that makes sporting hurls. St. Patrick is said to have tended cows on the rocky slopes of Slemish Mountain that overlook Ballymena and the site now attracts large numbers of pilgrims, especially every St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Ballymena is ideal for exploring on foot as everything is within easy walking distance. Local craft shops, historic buildings, decorative gardens, landscaped ruins and riverside walks all make Ballymena a delight to visit.
LOCAL CUISINE
Lough Neagh eel belong to the Anguilla anguilla species of yellow and silver wild eels, large, narrow headed and short-tailed. When cooked, their flesh is white and soft while their flavor is earthy. To retain their protected name, the eels must be caught using sustainable fishing methods at Lough Neagh lake in Northern Ireland, which provides the eels with high quality natural feeding, adding to their unique flavour.
GETTING HERE
Antrim is extremely accessible, home to two airports, as well as Belfast and Larne ferryports. Rail services to the rest of Northern Ireland, and to Dublin are also available, as well as bus and a good road network.