Boasting an impressive stretch of rugged coastline and home to a plethora or traditional and stylish seaside towns, the coast of Northern Ireland is a great place for a refreshing outdoor holiday. Here, we share some of the best places for coastal walks near Larne, including both easy and challenging options.
Whether you are planning a romantic retreat or heading off for adventures with the whole family, Northern Ireland is one of the best places for a memorable walking adventure. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Antrim coastline is sure to provide you with breath-taking views. Keep reading for some of the best walking routes near Larne to inspire your next trip.
1. Glenarm Coastal Path
If you’re looking for an easy walking route, the Glenarm Coastal Walk is a great shorter trail offering stunning views across the sea from grassy cliff tops. Just 11 miles north of Larne, Glenarm Coastal Path has a convenient car park where you can leave your vehicle before you embark on your adventure. From here, you can follow the signposted track along the coastline. The path is generally flat and never steep or difficult, so it is also suitable for most wheelchair users. Along the way, you’ll find several smaller tracks leading to the shoreline for those wanting to dip their toes in the sea! Look carefully and you may spot the salmon farm that operates in these waters too.
If you continue on to the village of Glenarm, you’ll discover all the rural charm of a medieval Northern Irish village. Although small, this pretty coastal village has a rich history for visitors to discover. The Glenarm castle dates back to 1756 and is now the home of the Viscount Dunluce. The village is also home to a secret walled garden and lots of little shops and tearooms – perfect for refuelling after your walk.
2. Carrick-a-Rede Coastal Walk
To spark your imagination, Carrick-a-Rede Coastal Walk could be the setting of a fairy story, with its rope bridge providing a crossing point between the sea cliffs and the small island of Carrick-a-Rede. From this little island, you’ll sometimes be able to spot Scotland in the distance! Under 2 miles long, this short trail is just an hour’s drive from Larne, and is a popular choice for families.
Expect winding pebble paths, lots of wildlife and rugged grasslands wrapped by a turquoise coastline from this coastal walk near Larne. If you dare to look down, you’ll be able to see the ancient sea caverns hidden in the exquisite green waters. The trail will take you from Carrick-a-Rede car park at Larrybane on a single path towards the bridge, offering stunning views of the coastline along the way.
3. The Gobbins Cliff Path
Narrow rocky tunnels, winding pathways, caves, sea caverns and suspension bridges make up The Gobbins Cliff Path. This challenging stretch of coastline, situated 20-minutes from Larne, is certainly unlike any other you will come across. You’ll have to be of a good level of fitness for this stimulating guided walk as it can be arduous with narrow, uneven paths and steep hills and staircases. A 2.5 hour walking tour will let you traverse hidden tunnels, learn tales of local smugglers, witness native birds all while experiencing the bracing Irish sea winds.
The Gobbins is great if you love wildlife spotting: it is home to Ireland’s only colony of mainland puffins, and along the way, you might be able to spot dolphins swimming along. Usually open from March to November, The Gobbins first opened as a tourist attraction in 1902 after the arrival of the steam train brought large amounts of visitors to the area. The path was closed in the 1930s and fell into disrepair, but in 2015 a £7.5 million investment reopened The Gobbins to everyone. Make sure you book your walking tour in advance as spaces often fill up!
4. The Causeway Coastal Walk
The intriguing rock formations around the Causeway Coast have been attracting visitors to Northern Ireland for hundreds of years. The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, these large basalt columns make for an atmospheric coastal scene, pressed against the shores of the North Atlantic. No matter your ability, the 33 mile Causeway Coastal walk near Larne can be made as easy or as difficult as you like, with a number of options to choose from.
Whether you’re starting from Portstewart or Ballycastle, you can vary the length of the walk to your liking. If you’re travelling with family, starting from Ballycastle and finishing at the Causeway offers a relaxed way to enjoy this coastal trail. Taking just over 4 hours, this route will take you past dramatic cliff faces, vast open bays and windswept sandy beaches. For those feeling adventurous, the entire Causeway Coast Way usually takes visitors around 2-3 days to complete. Although this route offers some of the best coastal views across Ireland, be aware that some parts of the trail may not be public footpaths, so tread carefully!
If we’ve inspired you to begin planning your next walking adventure, take a look at our Cairnryan to Larne route today!
