A car-free journey along County Antrim's rugged coastline offered an enchanting winter escape, where the Atlantic Ocean caressed the shore in icy yet surprisingly warm waves. The trip began at Ballygally Castle, a 17th-century hotel that celebrated its 400th birthday this year and boasts a Sea Dips and Hot Sips package, complete with dry robes, hot-water bottles, and flasks. This affordable gem is one of Northern Ireland's most unique hotels.
The Antrim coast proved to be an ideal setting for a sustainable break, even on the stormiest winter days. A scenic hike up Windswept Sallagh Braes offered breathtaking views over wooded glens and across the sea to Scotland. Standing stones, ancient barrows, and bronze-age relics dotted the landscape, while birdlife and wildflowers added vibrancy to this wild and beautiful area.
The next morning's outing took me on a scenic bus ride from Ballycarry station to the Gobbins cliff path in Portrush. This recently refurbished walkway promised stunning views of the coastline, with rainbows and mist adding drama to an already breathtaking landscape. After exploring the town, including visits to Babushka for homemade soup and sea views, I headed to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, where the roar of the Atlantic Ocean provided a thrilling backdrop.
My final day's journey took me to Portstewart, where Louise McLean's charming workshop in her whitewashed cottage offered an enchanting insight into traditional basket-weaving techniques. The wild beauty of the coastline inspired this talented artist, who has grown 15 different types of willow in her wildlife-rich garden. A visit from a sudden downpour outside added to the cozy atmosphere within.
Throughout my travels, I discovered a wealth of natural beauty and unique attractions along County Antrim's stunning coastline. Ballygally Castle remains an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable winter break with plenty to explore and enjoy.
The Antrim coast proved to be an ideal setting for a sustainable break, even on the stormiest winter days. A scenic hike up Windswept Sallagh Braes offered breathtaking views over wooded glens and across the sea to Scotland. Standing stones, ancient barrows, and bronze-age relics dotted the landscape, while birdlife and wildflowers added vibrancy to this wild and beautiful area.
The next morning's outing took me on a scenic bus ride from Ballycarry station to the Gobbins cliff path in Portrush. This recently refurbished walkway promised stunning views of the coastline, with rainbows and mist adding drama to an already breathtaking landscape. After exploring the town, including visits to Babushka for homemade soup and sea views, I headed to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, where the roar of the Atlantic Ocean provided a thrilling backdrop.
My final day's journey took me to Portstewart, where Louise McLean's charming workshop in her whitewashed cottage offered an enchanting insight into traditional basket-weaving techniques. The wild beauty of the coastline inspired this talented artist, who has grown 15 different types of willow in her wildlife-rich garden. A visit from a sudden downpour outside added to the cozy atmosphere within.
Throughout my travels, I discovered a wealth of natural beauty and unique attractions along County Antrim's stunning coastline. Ballygally Castle remains an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable winter break with plenty to explore and enjoy.
i'm still on a post-vacation high! the car-free journey along the atlantic coastline was literally the most beautiful thing i've ever seen - those rugged cliffs, the sea dipping into the shore... it's like nature's own art gallery 
and the best part? it's so peaceful and calming, even in the midst of a storm 
. have to give props to ballygally castle too, it's this super unique hotel with an amazing package deal that felt like a spa retreat, minus the price tag 
. anyway, i'm feeling all zen and inspired after my trip - just thinking about the wild beauty of northern ireland is making me want to get out there and explore again soon 
I've been meaning to visit Northern Ireland for ages, but I never got around it. The idea of staying in a castle and enjoying hot sips by the fireplace sounds amazing 
️. And that rope bridge? That's like something out of a movie 
! Portstewart seems so charming too, I love how they've incorporated traditional basket-weaving into their workshop 
. The natural beauty of the coastline is just stunning... I need to plan a trip ASAP 
!
Who wouldn't want a dry robe and hot-water bottle to snuggle up in? The Antrim coast is literally stunning, from Windswept Sallagh Braes to Gobbins cliff path - breathtaking views all around! 
And that basket-weaving workshop in Portstewart? Goals! 
#NorthernIrelandEscape #WinterWonderland #CoastalVibes
...the views are insane, like you can just imagine standing there with the Atlantic Ocean in front of you, it's breathtaking 
. And the best part? It's not too crowded or touristy, so you can actually get some peace and quiet. But honestly, I was a bit disappointed by how much they've built up the place - still beautiful, but now it feels more like a resort than a natural escape 
. The stormy weather was just an excuse for some epic photoshoots, if you ask me 
That's like a whole lotta sea views and scenic hikes! And with attractions like Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Ballygally Castle, there's something for everyone. Whether you're into history, nature, or just relaxing in a cozy cottage, County Antrim has got you covered 
. And get this - if you visit on a Wednesday, you're more likely to find deals and discounts than on any other day of the week! So, what are you waiting for? Book that trip to County Antrim ASAP! 
and that carrick-a-rede rope bridge is giving me major adventure vibes 
but what really resonates with me is how ballygally castle's sea dips and hot sips package sounds like the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring 
dry robes, hot-water bottles, and flasks... sounds like my kind of self-care retreat 
AND CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE WAS SO INTENSE WHEN YOU'RE STANDING THERE WITH THE OCEAN ROARING BELOW U! 
I WISH I COULD GO BACK RIGHT NOW!!! 
- sea dips and hot sips package? yes please! And exploring the coast was insane... the windswept cliffs, ancient standing stones, and birdlife everywhere made for an unforgettable adventure 
. The rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede was so cool too! 
but what really stood out to me was how natural and untouched the whole area felt - I loved that it wasn't all touristy and commercialized like some other places we've visited on our travels 
. anyway, if you're thinking of a winter break in Northern Ireland, definitely consider County Antrim... trust me, you won't regret it 
. And have you ever tried a scenic hike on a stormy winter day? It's like the whole world is yours alone 
. The Gobbins cliff path was literally breathtaking - I felt like I was walking on air 
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! i mean, 400 years old hotel? that's just wow 
. but what really gets me is how this whole region seems to be all about preserving nature and history - from birdlife to bronze-age relics, it's just so refreshing 
I'm all about that sustainable living vibe and Ballygally Castle has it down pat. Dry robes, hot-water bottles, and flasks are my new winter wonderland essentials! 
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and that Sea Dips and Hot Sips package? Game. Changer 
I'm totally not impressed with this 'car-free journey' anyone can take. Like, come on, it's just a bunch of people walking along the coast, that's about as adventurous as watching paint dry 
? No thanks, give me the freedom of the open road any day 
