Carnfunnock Country Park

Just a short drive up the coast is the beautiful Carnfunnock Country Park.

The park is set on 191 hectares of mixed woodland and gardens and was originally part of the estate of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon but has since been purchased and run by the local council. Many of the original features still remain including the walled garden, ice house and lime kilns.

There are 5 marked walking trails from the Garden Trail which is 0.8 miles / 1.3km and takes approximately 20 minutes to the Woodland Trail which is 2.5 miles / 4km and takes around an hour to complete.

Also on site are some fun activities including a Play Park and the privately owned Family Fun Zone.

Whitehead

Whitehead is a small seaside village lying almost midway between the towns of Carrickfergus and Larne.

Located at the base of Muldersleigh Hill, Whitehead lies in a small bay between the limestone cliffs of Whitehead and the black volcanic cliff of Blackhead, with the Blackhead lighthouse marking the entrance to Belfast Lough. Whitehead is about 20 miles (32 km) from Belfast which is easy to get to via train. The Victorian train station is only a mile from Arbor Hills and the steam train is still in use for events! Whitehead Railway Museum is also located in the village.

The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges is a beautiful avenue of beech trees planted in the eighteenth century. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland and even featured in the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’.

Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff Forest Park is one of the nine Antrim Glens and spans over 1,000 hectares with trees, lakes and dramatic waterfalls.

Portmuck Harbour

Portmuck is a hidden treasure located on the north easterly point of the Islandmagee Penninsula. A small beach surrounded by a harbour wall that has been enjoyed by families for years. This stunning little port offers hidden views over Muck Island and offers striking walking routes on either side of the harbour.

A perfect place to relax with a swim in the sea or for a leisurely stroll to take in the breath-taking views

Browns Bay

Browns Bay Beach is a beautiful small beach at the top edge of Islandmagee. The horseshoe bay borders this remote rural setting and has exquisite views across the horizon of Scotland as well as the edge of the North Coast. This beach is popular for swimming, windsurfing, paddle boarding, picnics and walking. On the east of the bay is Skenaghan Point, a National Trust property, which has a short walking route past the “Rocking Stone”.

Looking to the North there is a view of the “Maidens Rocks” and their lighthouses out in the North Channel. The path to the West passes the golf course to Ferris Bay which is bounded at the Wester side by Ferris Point where you will find the lighthouse that guides ships into the busy Larne Port.

Blackhead Coastal Path

Blackhead Coastal Path is an exceptional walk encompassing both coast and country. The rocky shoreline runs the length of one side of the path while edging the other side are rolling grasslands and woodland. On your walk make sure to keep an eye out for some of the wildlife as the common lizard, seals, seabirds, pods of dolphins and even the odd minke whale can be seen.

The path leads to the base of the cliff that houses the iconic Blackhead lighthouse. Built at the start of the 20th Century this active lighthouse is a sight a to see and definitely worth the walk up the steps. The views around the lighthouse are stunning. Across the mouth of Belfast Lough Copeland Islands off the coast of Donaghadee can be seen and inland Scrabo Tower can be easily identified beyond Bangor.

Whitehead’s Diamond Jubilee Wood

Whitehead’s Diamond Jubilee Wood is one of the 60 Diamond Jubilee Woods across the UK. The 6 acre native woodland site was developed to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year as Monarch. Whitehead’s Diamond Jubilee Wood is the only Diamond Jubilee wood in Northern Ireland.