Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The coastal stretch from Larne down towards the Glens is proper dramatic stuff. High cliffs, deep valleys cutting inland, and the sort of views that make you forget to check your phone. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty wraps around Mid and East Antrim, and it's genuinely one of Northern Ireland's finest walks if you're willing to put the effort in.

The Glens themselves - nine of them fanning out from the coast - are the real draw. Glenariff is the most famous, with its waterfall trail and forest park, but Fair Head and Cushendall offer their own rewards without the crowds. The coastal path between Cushendall and Ballycastle is excellent if you've got a couple of hours spare, with the sea on one side and proper windswept cliffs on the other.

Historians will dig the Neolithic standing stones and old hill forts scattered about, though you'll need local knowledge or a good guide to find most of them. Families with younger kids might find a full day tiring, but the short walks around Glenarm or Waterfoot work well enough, and the drive alone pays dividends.

Basecamp yourself near Ballymena and you're well-positioned for exploring. Ocean View Pods sits five miles away and offers decent enough accommodation if you want something with a bit of character. Summer's the obvious choice, but April and May are genuinely better - fewer midges, better light, and the gorse is in bloom. Allow at least two days to do the area justice.