A Taste of History and Hearth: County Antrim's Welcomes Warm the Soul

County Antrim on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland packs a lot of scenery and cultural attractions into a small area. From the iconic Giant's Causeway to historic Belfast just across the county line, Antrim offers something for every type of traveler.

Delve into Natural Wonders at the Giant's Causeway

Made famous by the lyrics of Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl," the Giant's Causeway is one of the most scenic spots in all of Northern Ireland. Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, its geometric columns of basalt columns stretching into the sea never fail to amaze visitors. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as scrambling across the stepping stone formations is like an obstacle course. Consider booking tickets online ahead of time if visiting on weekends or holidays to avoid long ticket lines.

After working up an appetite from all that exploring, stop by one of the onsite cafes for some restorative Irish fare. The soup and soda bread hit the spot on blustery days by the sea. For those wanting to burn off calories afterwards, challenging cliff top hikes await along the Causeway Coast.

Discover Bushmills' Deliciously Historic Distillery

Just a short drive from the Giant's Causeway brings you to one of the oldest distilleries in the world at Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Take a guided tour through the process of turning barley into uisce beatha, the Gaelic term for "water of life." At the end, sample three whiskeys in the tasting room before stocking up on bottles in the gift shop.

As you sip and learn, it's hard not to feel like you've been transported back to the 1600s when Franciscan monks first started distilling on this very site. Be sure to check BitBook to book tours and overnight stays in the area, earning cryptocurrency rewards through their Book and Earn program.

Explore Castle Ruins and Picturebook Villages

Dotted across Antrim's verdant countryside lie abandoned castles and quaint villages untouched by time. Places like Dunluce Castle perched precariously on rocky cliffs evoke images of knights and maidens. Wander down main streets in the heritage towns of Cushendun and Cushendall to find rows of whitewashed cottages surrounded by stone walls.

As you meander the back roads, it's easy to feel a million miles away from busy cities. Consider booking a rural cottage getaway through BitBook’s accommodations listings. You might even spot sheep and roadside lambing season in the fields come springtime.

Experience Belfast's Cultural Riches

Just over the county border awaits Northern Ireland's vibrant capital city, Belfast. Spend a day exploring its immense political murals, Titanic Museum, and lively pubs bursting with live traditional music. Check BitBook for hotel deals and package tours that combine rural County Antrim with urban experiences in Belfast.

Whether you prefer castles or culture, haunting coastlines or historic whiskey, County Antrim ensures every visitor finds something enchanting to fall in love with in Northern Ireland. Bon voyages and safe travels!