Situated in the heart of Northern Ireland, County Antrim is a true gem that captivates visitors with its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. Bushmills, Co. Antrim and the entire North Antrim Coast provide the backdrop for a romantic break to remember. If you are looking for something special, off the beaten path and completely different to your average Hotel break then you have come to the right place – stay at Drum Gatelodge, a unique property conserved and restored by Irish Landmark Trust, offering a taste of the area’s heritage and the perfect location to visit the best of County Antrim.
Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fascinating basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Take a thrilling walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge suspended over the crashing waves below. Explore the stunning Causeway Coastal Route with its breathtaking cliffs and seascapes.
Delve into the area’s cultural heritage at the Old Bushmills Distillery, where you can learn about whiskey-making and sample the celebrated Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Visit the historic Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff edge, or discover the region’s past at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre.
Where to Stay in County Antrim: Drum Gatelodge
For a romantic and unique getaway, stay at Drum Gatelodge. This pretty two-story gatehouse was built in 1800 at the end of a long tree-lined avenue on the Ballylough Estate. Located on a quiet country road just outside Bushmills, Drum Gatelodge makes an ideal base for exploring the amazing North Antrim Coast. After a day of sightseeing along the coastal routes or visiting historic sites, you can relax at this cosy retreat with modern amenities like underfloor heating.
Wake up to bird songs and enjoy the peaceful countryside surroundings. Drum Gatelodge offers a unique experience staying in a private, charming property while discovering the beauty of County Antrim. Whether enjoying a romantic trip or just getting away from it all, Drum Gatelodge promises a memorable stay in this picturesque part of Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Day One – A Tour of The Giants Causeway
Start your adventure by visiting the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Incredibly, this natural wonder formed 60 million years ago. At the Visitor Center, you can learn about the Causeway.
Guided tours depart regularly from the centre, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the history and stories behind the Giant’s Causeway. Don’t miss the iconic sights, such as the Giant’s Boot and the Wishing Chair, which are sure to captivate your imagination.
To make your visit even more eco-friendly and cost-effective, consider arriving by public transport, bicycle, or on foot. You’ll not only save money on admission fees but also contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
For those seeking an adventurous experience, embark on the 5-mile Clifftop Experience Walk. This scenic trek departs daily from the visitor centre at 12:15 pm, taking you along the breathtaking cliff tops to the historic Dunseverick Castle before returning to the Giant’s Causeway. The walk, which lasts approximately 3.5 hours, offers stunning views and a chance to immerse yourself in the rugged coastal landscapes.
Day Two – Causeway Coast Scenic Route: Bushmills to Derry
Take a drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, a scenic drive that stretches from Bushmills to Derry. Although the direct route takes approximately an hour without stops, be prepared to spend much more time as you uncover the hidden gems and secret places that dot this enchanting coastal road.
Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path – getting lost is part of the adventure, and the friendly locals are always willing to lend a hand and guide you back onto the right track. Embrace the opportunity to discover hidden coves, quaint villages, and stunning viewpoints that might not be on the typical tourist map.
Make a stop in the charming town of Ballintoy, where you can explore the harbour and perhaps catch a glimpse of the iconic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in the distance. Continue your journey through the picturesque villages of Cushendun and Cushendall, nestled in the heart of the Glens of Antrim.
Take your time and savour the journey, stopping at charming seaside towns for a refreshing break or a delicious meal featuring locally sourced seafood and produce. Engage with the warm and welcoming locals, who will undoubtedly share fascinating stories and insights about the area’s traditions and way of life.
Day Three – Portstewart Strand Beach
After exploring the Causeway Coastal Route, on your third day, enjoy a visit to Portstewart Beach(20 minute drive), one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Take in stunning views of the Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple on the cliffs above. As a conservation site, it offers way-marked trails to explore the natural surroundings.
Visit the nearby Bann Estuary, a sanctuary for waterfowl and wading birds like curlew and redshank. The hide on the west side of the River Bann provides an excellent opportunity for birdwatching.
Lunch at Harry’s Shack
Harry’s Shack is located on the Portstewart Strand beachfront, serving fresh local fish, meats, vegetables and more from a wide menu. This is a very popular place to eat with beachgoers and locals alike, catering for everyone with brunch, lunch and dinner menus.
Day Four – Golf & Spa Day
Royal Portrush Golf Club
On the fourth day of your adventure, head to the renowned Portrush Golf Club (10 minute drive), home to the prestigious Royal Portrush Golf Club, which hosted The Open Championship in 2019. This historic links course, established in 1888, offers a true test of golfing skill and has earned its place among the world’s finest golf destinations.
The Dunluce Links, the club’s flagship course, is a masterpiece of golf course architecture. Designed by the legendary Harry Colt, the course seamlessly blends with the rugged coastal landscape, providing breathtaking views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The challenging layout, with its undulating fairways, devilish bunkers, and testing greens, demands precision and strategy from even the most seasoned golfers.
A Spa Visit
Alternatively, you could consider a visit to a local spa – there are numerous renowned options in the area. The Spa at Galgorm (30-minute drive) is an award-winning, world-class spa that offers a wide range of luxurious treatments and facilities. Set within the stunning grounds of the Galgorm Resort, this spa is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and exceptional service.
Take a dip in the outdoor hot tub, which overlooks the serene River Maine, or relax in the indoor pool, surrounded by natural stone and cascading waterfalls. For the ultimate in relaxation, book a Riverside Tub experience, where you can unwind in a private, wood-fired hot tub nestled along the riverbank.
You could also try the seaweed baths at nearby Ballycastle and enjoy a seaweed bath or one of their relaxation treatments (10 minute drive).
Day Five – Rent Bikes & Go for A Cycle
Rent a bike and embark on a self-guided tour along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, historic sites, charming towns, and quiet country roads. Local rental shops provide quality bikes and all necessary equipment. If you’re up for a longer cycle, you could visit the iconic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can test your courage by crossing the 20-metre-long bridge suspended nearly 30 metres above the waves.
The self-guided tour allows you to stop whenever and wherever you like, giving you the freedom to appreciate the vistas, take photos, and create lasting memories. The quiet country roads provide a peaceful and intimate way to explore this enchanting corner of Ireland.
Day Six – Visit The Bushmills Distillery
No visit to the Causeway Coast is complete without a stop at the historic Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Located just a stone’s throw from the Giant’s Causeway, this iconic distillery has been crafting exceptional Irish whiskey since 1608.
Join one of the guided tours to uncover the secrets behind the smooth and distinctive flavour of Bushmills whiskey. Learn about the process of mashing, fermenting, distilling, and ageing that goes into every bottle. Experienced guides will walk you through the distillery, sharing fascinating insights into the history and tradition of Irish whiskey-making.
See the giant copper stills where the whiskey is distilled, and inhale the rich, malty aroma that fills the air. Visit the ageing warehouses where the whiskey matured in oak casks for years, developing its complex flavour profile and golden hue.
At the end of the tour, head to the tasting room for a chance to sample some of Bushmills’ finest whiskeys.
Day Seven – Take a Causeway Coast Food Tour
To finish off your trip, take a Causeway Coast Food Tour. These tours are a great way to try local produce, meet passionate food producers, and learn about the area’s food history. Enjoy the freshest seafood straight from the Atlantic and see how local chefs are putting new twists on traditional dishes.
During the tour, your guide will share interesting stories about the region’s food culture and the importance of using local ingredients. You’ll also get to meet and chat with the food producers themselves, learning about their passion for their craft.
Places to Eat in Bushmills
There are a number of lovely places to eat in Bushmills while you visit.
The Bushmills Inn: An award-winning restaurant, excellent afternoon tea and delicious Sunday Lunch. It has nice al fresco dining options on a sunny day.
Tartines at The Distillers Arms: Chic, modern Brasserie Style with great local ingredients.
The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy (15 minutes from Bushmills): is popular with our guests, particularly those who have dogs as dogs are welcome there.
As with all of our properties, The Drum is equipped with all you will need to have a fully self-catered holiday – but we do offer some interesting options beyond this! Irish Landmark Trust and premium meal delivery service Hara at Home have teamed up to offer guests the option of ordering premium meal delivery at their Irish Landmark Trust property. Visit the Hara Home site to have a look at the menus and make your selection for the date required. Order and make payment directly with Hara at Home. Your House Manager will receive your delivery and have it for you at the property on arrival. Please note this service is available for Friday arrivals only.
When to visit County Antrim
Bushmills and the Causeway Coast are wonderful destinations to visit any time of the year, with each season offering its own unique charm and a wide variety of events and activities to enjoy.
One of the most exciting events in the area is the annual Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, which takes place every autumn. This festival celebrates two of the region’s most iconic products – its world-famous whiskey and its delicious salmon – and features a diverse programme of activities and events.
In addition to the Salmon and Whiskey Festival, there are numerous other events happening throughout the year in the Causeway Coast and Glens area. From music festivals and food markets to sporting events and cultural celebrations, there’s always something exciting going on. To discover the full list of events and plan your visit accordingly, check out Causeway Coast and Glens.
When booking your stay at the charming Drum Gatelodge or any other Irish Landmark Trust property, keep in mind that the longer you stay, the more affordable the nightly rate becomes. With so much to see and do in the area, it’s well worth considering extending your visit by an extra night or two to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the Causeway Coast. To book your stay visit The Old Corn Mill’s page.
Please note that these suggestions are meant to help you plan your trip and are based on information available as of Spring 2024. Always check individual websites for the most up-to-date opening times and booking details before finalising your itinerary.
