This post, the first in a series of 32 covering the entire island, offers a few ideas for things to do on a weekend in Country Antrim. The following is just one sample itinerary based on the information in our book Exploring Ireland: a guide to the Irish outdoors, where you will find plenty more details, ideas and inspiration. 

WALK Fair Head Walks

Take in the spectacular cliffs of this rugged headland just east of Ballycastle. Much of the wild and windswept plateau above the vertical cliffs is owned by the McBride family who have farmed this land for thirteen generations. Three walks start from the farm’s carpark (£3 per car): the Climber’s Trail, the Cas An Lough Walk (yellow arrows) and the 4.2km Perimeter Walk (green arrows). See explorefairhead.com for further details.

EXPLORE The Gobbins Cliff Path

The fruit of a Victorian engineer’s vision to attract visitors to experience the dramatic cliffs and seascape of the Antrim coast at close quarters.  The three-hour guided tour that follows the series of bridges, suspended pathways and tunnels, traversing the basalt cliffs is a must-do if you are in the area. See thegobbinscliffpath.com for details.

VISIT Ballintoy Harbour

This extremely picturesque cove is tucked away on the Causeway Coast, accessed via a very narrow winding road. The small harbour is flanked by sandy coves, sea stacks and deep caves; and it’s easy to see why it featured in Game of Thrones

EAT St. George’s Market

Stock up on supplies for the weekend in this Victorian market in Belfast. The market, which dates back to 1604,  runs on Fridays and Saturdays when it offers mostly food and local produce, as well as on Sundays when the emphasis is on local arts and crafts. See belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket for further details.

STAY Port Moon Bothy

Spend an idyllic night or two in this restored fisherman’s cottage on the Causeway Coast. Near the water’s edge, the setting is wonderfully remote and the bothy is only accessible by boat or foot. See the Causeway Coast Kayak Association for details.

The above list reflects just a tiny fraction of the information in Exploring Ireland which has details of over 1700 things to do and places to see across the entire island of Ireland.