Things to do Antrim coast?

beccam

We are going to hire a bungalow in Bushmills over the 12th July period for 4 days. It's been a long time since I spent anytime around the coast area and would be grateful for any suggestions!

Places to go, see, eat etc much appreciated! There is myself, hubby and 3yr old daughter.

weeclick

what a great place to spend some time especially in the summer months. Ive been going to Portballintrae since I was 1 (Im now 20). Now I am driving I usually head up there every weekend its so gorgeous!

Of course theres the obvious stuff like Giants causeway. Portrush sea front and Coleraine Jet Centre (when it rains!) but then theres the local stuff like the steam train (takes you up to giants causeway via the beach - absolutely gorgeous and kids love it!) Not sure when they run so youre better checking ahead. Then youve got the long beach on Portballintrae (2 min drive from Bushmills) which is lovely when the weathers right although the tide can be dangerous! unfortunately though thats all thats really left of portballintrae for entertainments as theyve got rid of the ice cream parlour and replaced it with yet more housing!

Youve got the Open farm in Coleraine (cant remember what is called though sorry) and its brilliant, my parents took my neice at easter and she loved seeing all the animals plus they have a horse drawn carriage that takes you round the grounds, plus you can go strawberry picking in the summer months

Youve also got Dunluce castle if your daughter hasnt been before that could always be cool!

If your looking places to eat I would recommend bayview hotel in Portballintrae on a Sunday, they do a lovely lunch and can cater for kids, youve also got 55 degrees north in Portrush which is nice but very busy at weekends so better to reserve a table if you want to go!

If you fancy a drive and want some scenic routes for photos the coastal route from bushmills, out past giants causeway right out to Carrick-a-reed rope bridge is lovely although maybe not something a 3yr old would appreciate!

Youve also got Ballycastle up the road from there (about 15 mins by car from Bushmills on a good day) theyve a lovely beach and great village feel similar to Bushmills.

They also sometimes have fun days down at Portballintrae harbour during the summer, face painting, BBQ etc

And if all else fails - hit the amusements lol!

beccam

Thanks weeclick, thats great! I know we went loads when we were kids but just can't remember all there is now! Hoping the weather will be good so we can hit the beach but glad you reminded me of the Jet centre just incase!

Looking forward to taking the LO to the Causeway and rope bridge as they are sights everyone should see but great to have some less obvious things too!

Thanks again, I'll be googlemapping alot me thinks!!

Pretani

You can walk from Whitepark bay to ballintoy. Its a great walk.

Take a drive round the coast to cushendall, good scenery.

There's a small steam train at portballintrae which goes up the coast a few miles, don't know where you get tickets though.

There's good traditional food served in the Smugglers inn, its only a few miles from Bushmills. Another lovely place to eat is the Royal Court hotel which overlooks the white rocks portrush.

Indigo's_Mum

Maybe a bit far, but don't miss visiting Carnfunock Country Park just outside Larne.

For food, try Upstairs @ Joes in Cushendall. I think kids eat free on a Sunday and the food is gorgeous.

bribrian

Indigo's_Mum wrote: »

Maybe a bit far, but don't miss visiting Carnfunock Country Park just outside Larne.

+1............ The young one will love the mini train, crazy golf & maze etc.......;)

SuperMum2008

Pretani wrote: »

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There's a small steam train at portballintrae which goes up the coast a few miles, don't know where you get tickets though.

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You buy tickets on the train at the Portballintrae/Bushmills end, and at the train station at the Causeway, its a fab trip, realy cute little trains and fantastic views along the golf course and beach, but when it is hot, it is REALLY hot in the cabins, so wouldnt recommend it midday in hot summer (not that we get many of those days up there, but we live in hope!)

I second the Dunluce Castle suggestion. Was there at Easter for the first time ever, despite being up there regularly, and LOVED it -was really impressed with the size of the castle and the amount that you could see and do there. The kids loved it too, and make sure you walk down under the castle and see the sea crashing in under it - fantastic!

steveymp

Pretani wrote: »

Another lovely place to eat is the Royal Court hotel which overlooks the white rocks portrush.

Oh Sunday Lunch Carvery at the Royal Court:T:T:T

Get there early thou, it gets pretty busy;) think they serve all afternoon thou:T

weeclick

My grandma and mum went into the royal court hotel once and pretended they might be interested in staying there and was given the keys to all the top rooms to have a nosey at - they obviously never went back but as a small kid at the time I was fasinated by all the fancy rooms with big tvs and balconys lol -the rooms get a lovely view of white rock!

beccam

Just bumping since we're going on Fri til Tues so incase anyone knows of anything special going on or has anymore suggestions....especially of indoor things that can keep LO amused as think some rain is forecast (typical!!)

D.A.

You'll be wanting to check that the North Antrim parade isn't in Bushmills on the 12th this year...