One of Ireland’s most picturesque drives, the Antrim Coast Road winds around 40 kilometers (24,8 miles) of breathtaking coastline in Northern Ireland. The route follows the coastline, with high cliffs on one side and the water on the other.
Where is Antrim Coast Road located?
It’s located in Northern Ireland. More precisely, the route travels southeast from the County Down metropolis of Newry, passing through the fishing communities of Kilkeel. Then it’s going through Rostrevor and Warrenpoint.
You can locate this road on the map below:
Enlarge the map
Information about the itinerary :
One of the best tourist roads in the world is said to be the Antrim Coast Road. Recently, traffic on this stretch of the road has grown significantly (in particular during warmer weather). It traverses the communities of Ballygalley, Glenarm, Carnlough, and Waterfoot as it travels 40 kilometers (25 miles) down the coast from the Black Arch in Larne to the Red Arch at Cushendall.
The Antrim Coast Road is a well-liked destination for both tourists and local drivers because it combines breathtaking views with difficult driving conditions. It is renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, undulating hills, and lush countryside, all of which are framed by the dramatic cliffs of the Antrim Coast and the untamed beauty of the Glens of Antrim.
What is the history of the Antrim Coast Road:
The road was an extraordinary engineering accomplishment. It stretches for much of its length between the rugged Irish Sea shoreline and steep limestone and basalt cliffs. In fact, it was finished in 1842 at a cost of £37,140 to open up the hitherto inaccessible Glens of Antrim to trade. By the 1960s, rockfalls had obstructed a portion of the path. That’s why it was shut down for three years while a new stretch was constructed.
Road preview:
You can obviously have a preview of that drive. Here is a YouTube video that shows a part of the road:
How to get to Antrim Coast Road?
Take the A2 via Carrickfergus if you’re beginning in Belfast to see vistas of Belfast Lough and some breathtaking waterfront homes for the city’s affluent commuters. After that, you’ll arrive at the port of Larne, which serves as the gateway for many British tourists.
The road just gets better from there on out, with views of headland after headland opening in front of you and sheer cliffs to the left. On a clear day, you can see Scotland to your right.
Not so far from this road, you can also drive the Causeway Coastal Route.
You can visualize how to get there on this approximative map of the drive:
Is Antrim Coast Road road open?
The road is open all year long. The Antrim Coast Road is a well-liked destination for both tourists and local drivers because it combines breathtaking views with difficult driving conditions. It is renowned for its breathtaking coastal views, undulating hills, and lush countryside, all of which are framed by the dramatic cliffs of the Antrim Coast and the untamed beauty of the Glens of Antrim.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Antrim Coast Road is also rich in history and culture. It has several historic sites, castles, and monuments located along its route. Whether you are a local resident, a tourist, or simply a lover of the great outdoors, the route is a must-visit destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Picture credit: By near Ardclinis by Gareth James, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121603626
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