10 Things to Do on the North Coast This Year (Apart From Golf)

However, there’s much more to see and do at the North Coast.

Here are ten things to do on the North Coast (apart from golf):

1. Barry’s Amusements – This old-school theme park is located only moments from the championship green in Portrush. As the largest theme park in Northern Ireland, Barry’s Amusements has been in operation since 1926 and is a landmark along the coastline. There’s fun for all ages, adrenaline-rides and tonnes of fairground games on offer. This iconic theme-park is a must-visit stop on your trip to Northern Ireland.
2. Giant’s Causeway – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. Walk in the footsteps of giants over the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns – according to legend, the columns are the the remains of a causeway built the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool).
3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – One of the top tourist attractions throughout the whole of Northern Ireland Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a manmade rope bridge connecting the mainland to the small Atlantic island of Carrick-a-rede. The bridge is located high on the rugged cliff-face with the wild ocean roaring below.
4. Old Bushmills Distillery – Located in the town of Bushmills not far from Royal Portrush Golf Club, the Old Bushmills Distillery is the oldest operational distillery in Ireland and a place of history and heritage for those with a love for the ‘good stuff’. Northern Ireland Travel New’s Editor Kirsty Johnston took a trip to the North Coast recently and included a tour of the Distillery on her itinerary – it got the thumbs up from her! You can read all about her trip here.
5. Dunluce Castle – This ancient castle ruin hangs on the precipice of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Although the castle lays in ruin, tours offer insight into its tumultuous history dating back to the 16th-century.
6. Dark Hedges – Made famous via the hit television series Game of Thrones, the Dark Hedges is a country road between the rural townships of Armoy and Stranocum which is simply stunning. It’s not hard to see why it was chosen for a filming location and has become one of the most popular Game of Thrones tour stops in the Province.
7. Mussenden Temple – Sitting on top of the rock face towering above Downhill Strand is Mussenden Temple, an impressive but small Italian-style temple which teeters close to the cliff-edge. With panoramic views overlooking the sea and wild land, this is the perfect place to stop for a picnic and to take some envy-inducing photographs.
8. Downhill Strand – Downhill Strand is one of the most majestic stretches of sand at the North Coast (and there are stiff competition from all corners). Stretching 11 kilometres along the Northern coastline, this beach is favoured by water-sports enthusiasts. The Strand is located on the shoreline below Mussenden Temple.
9. Derry City Walls – A short drive from the town of Portrush, the Derry City Walls are a famous 17th-century fortress open to the public. With restored cannons, ancient gates and stunning vantage points over the city, this tourist-spot is well-worth the drive. Join one of the walking tours of the city to get the most out of this attraction.
10. Foylehov Activity Centre – Located in Derry, not far from Royal Portrush Golf Club, the Foylehov Activity Centre makes for a fun day out for all the family. The adventure centre offers something for everyone with hover-crafting, laser tag, football, golf and archery just some of the activities on offer.