A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF Old Bushmills Distillery attracts thousands of visitors from all over world and, despite the end of tour hospitality tipples, it’s said some of them even managed to leave sober. One of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distilleries (granted by King James I in 1608) it also boasts a brilliant visitor tour where you get …
You Must See Mussenden
Mussenden Temple, Downhill Perched proudly on the cliff top overlooking the golden Downhill strand is Mussendun Temple. Built in 1785 as a summer library and modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, it provides breathtaking views (and ample selfie opportunities) along the coast and across to Donegal. The beach below was also a location used extensively by the film …
Land Of Giants
Giants Causeway, Bushmills The scientists tell us The Giant’s Causeway’s unique six-sided basalt columns and formations are the result of volcanic activity some 60 million years ago. But Platinum NI knows better! We much prefer the legend that it was local giant Finn MacCool who is responsible for the world-famous tourist attraction (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Northern Ireland’s …
Glenariff Forest
Nine Glens of Antrim Not even the most imaginative scriptwriter could conjure a realm of such beauty and diversity. Patchwork valleys, heather covered peat bogs, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping vista – the nine Glens Of Antrim are picture perfect. Steeped in tradition, and each with an enchanting and evocative name, The Glens (as they are more commonly known) cling precariously …
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Not perhaps the number one choice for vertigo sufferers, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was erected by fishermen more than 350-years ago to enable them to check their salmon nets. Suspended across a 20-metre chasm between the mainland and the tiny island of Carrick (with a 30-metre drop to the water below) at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge the …
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges, Armoy The Dark Hedges is one of Ireland’s most photographed natural phenomena, an atmospheric avenue of inter-twined beech trees originally planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors to their ancestral home, Gracehill House. The branches, like bony, inter-twined fingers, can appear otherworldly and make the perfect setting for local ghost (the Grey …
Rathlin’s Birds Eye View
Rathlin Island, Ballycastle Rathlin Island is a six-miles long, one mile wide inhabited island (population under 100) just across the Sea of Moyle from Ballycastle. Just 15-miles from Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre, the ferry to Rathlin is always popular, especially with enthusiasts visiting the island’s renowned RSPB Seabird sanctuary. In 1306 King of Scotland Robert The Bruce took refuge on …
Titanic Takes centre stage
Titanic Museum, Belfast It may not be part of the Causeway Coastal Route, but it would be remiss of Platinum NI not to mention the Titanic Visitor Centre in Belfast. Less than an hour from our base, the story of the world’s most famous ship is told using innovative and interactive displays. The setting is a stunning star-shaped six-floor building, …