Glens of Antrim

The Glens of Antrim are found in the north-east corner of Northern Ireland, less than 50 kilometres north of Belfast. This region comprises nine emerald green glens which radiate from the Antrim Plateau to the coast. The cliff fringed valley of Glenariff is the largest and arguably the most beautiful of the glens. It features the stunning Glenariff Forest Park and its spectacular waterfalls.

Trails in the Glens traverse working farmland, forests, moorlands and hill summits. The summit of the highest peak of Trostan is 550 metres with wonderful views over the Antrim Hills and the northeast coastline. There are also ancient woodlands. The Breen Wood Nature Reserve is a rare enclave of native oak wood, and said to be home to fairies.

The Glens are steeped in legends and history. Each glen has its own folklore. According to Irish mythology, Glenariff’s waterfalls were created by the warrior Oisin when he was being pursued up the Glen’s cliffside by the Vikings.

Cushendell is the capital of the Glens and stages the renowned Heart of the Glens Music Festival in August. Nearby Glenarm, Carnlough and Cushenden also hold singing and dancing festivals in July.

The Glens of Antrim offer a number of day and multi-day walks and there are a number of tour operators offering a variety of walking trips.

One of the best known multi-day walks in the Glens of Antrim area is the Moyle Way, a 42 kilometre walk from the Causeway Coast town of Ballycastle into the northern regions of the Glens of Antrim.

However, there are other day and multi-day walks in the area and the walking tour operators have crafted many different walking itineraries. We can help you choose a walk and an operator that best suits your needs.

The Moyle Way is just one of a number of Glens of Antrim walks we can tell you about, and help you to plan and complete.