The Glens of Antrim are nine valleys running from the Antrim Plateau to the coast, each with its own character, formed by glacial and volcanic activity - officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988.
The Nine Glens
Glentaisie, Glenshesk, Glendun, Glencorp, Glenaan, Glenballyeamon, Glenariff, Glencloy, and Glenarm - the traditional nine, running along the eastern and northern sides of the Antrim Plateau, with main towns and villages including Ballycastle, Cushendun, Cushendall, Waterfoot, Carnlough, and Glenarm.
Formation and Geology
Shaped by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age and underlain by the Antrim Plateau’s basalt - formed through volcanic fissure eruptions and lava flows, of which the Giant’s Causeway is the most famous surviving feature. The Moyle Way, a 26-mile trek through five of the glens, ends at Glenariff Forest Park.
The Causeway Coastal Route
Also called the Antrim Coast Road, this scenic drive runs through the glens, passing Carrickfergus Castle, the Gobbins, Glenarm Castle & Gardens, and Torr Head - typically a 2-4 hour drive through this stretch alone, or 3-5 days to properly explore the full route with stops.
Highlights by Glen
Glenarm, the southernmost glen, is home to Glenarm Castle and Gardens, the ancestral home of the McDonnell family, with a walled garden and historic ruins including Templeoughter Church.
Glencloy, the “Glen of the Hedges,” centres on Carnlough village, with its harbour and the White Arch over the coast road - plus real Game of Thrones connections at Cushendun village and the Cushendun Caves, and waterfall walks to Cranny Falls and Doonan Waterfall.
Glenariff, the “Queen of the Glens,” is the largest and most visited, home to Glenariff Forest Park and its Waterfall Walkway, including the well-known Ess-na-Crub Waterfall.
Wildlife
The glens support native species including red grouse, peregrine falcon, and common buzzard, plus red deer, badgers, and bats, alongside rare plants like the fen violet and Irish whitebeam. Conservation work is led by groups including the Glens of Antrim Historical Society, the Glens Red Squirrel Group, the Glens of Antrim AONB Unit, and the National Trust, with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust running the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme.
Culture and Events
The glens carry a real folklore tradition - tales of fairies, banshees, and the legendary Fianna warrior band - celebrated at events including the Glens of Antrim Storytelling Festival, the Glenarm Shindig, and the Glenarm Castle Highland Games.
Practical Notes
Accommodation ranges from B&Bs to hotels across the glens; named establishments in the original article were not independently re-verified as currently operating this pass.
