## [The Glens of Antrim, Ireland: A Scenic Journey Along the Antrim Coast](/travel-talk/glens-antrim-ireland-scenic-journey-along-antrim-coast) Some of Ireland’s most memorable scenery is found not at a single landmark, but along the road between destinations. The Glens of Antrim are a wonderful example. On Craig Travel’s [**Best of Ireland journey departing April 29, 2027**](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/best-ireland-apr-29-2027), travellers follow Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast through green valleys, rolling hills and sweeping coastal scenery. But the Glens are more than beautiful scenery along the way. Nine distinct valleys make up this corner of County Antrim, each with its own landscapes, history and stories. ## Nine Glens, Each With a Story Stretching between Larne and Ballycastle, the Glens of Antrim are Glenarm, Glencloy, Glenariff, Glenballyeamon, Glencorp, Glenaan, Glendun, Glenshesk and Glentaisie. Together, they form part of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a protected landscape encompassing some of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive countryside and coastline. And while all nine share a famously green landscape, each has something different to discover. Glenariff is known for its forested landscape, rivers and waterfalls. Glencloy, also known as the Valley of the Sword, has been linked to the production of flint weapons. In Glenaan, local legend connects the valley to Oisín, son of the legendary Fionn mac Cumhaill, while Glentaisie takes its name from Taisie, the daughter of the King of Rathlin. Nature, history and folklore are closely intertwined here, giving the Glens plenty of stories to accompany the views. ## Along the Antrim Coast The Glens are one of the highlights found along Northern Ireland’s celebrated Causeway Coastal Route, where the journey between destinations is part of the experience. Leaving Belfast, Craig Travel travellers follow the Antrim Coast north through changing landscapes of valleys, hills and coastline. Travelling by coach means there is no need to concentrate on directions or navigate unfamiliar roads. Instead, you can enjoy the views along the way while a journey leader and local driver/guides provide context to the landscapes, history and stories of the region. Farther along the coast, the landscape changes again. ## Where Geology Meets Legend At the **Giant’s Causeway**, approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns meet the sea in one of Northern Ireland’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. While glaciers helped shape the valleys of Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway tells a very different geological story. Its basalt columns formed tens of millions of years ago through volcanic activity, when cooling lava fractured into the distinctive formations visible today. Irish folklore offers another explanation. The Causeway is famously associated with the giant Finn McCool, or Fionn mac Cumhaill, the same legendary figure connected to stories within the Glens of Antrim. It is a fitting connection along a coastline where geology, history and legend so often meet. ![](/sites/default/files/Giant%27s%20Causeway.jpg) ## Why Experience the Antrim Coast on a Guided Journey? On the Antrim Coast, the journey between stops is part of the experience. Travelling by coach means you can settle in and enjoy the changing scenery, while a journey leader and local driver/guides bring more context to the landscapes, history and stories encountered along the way. It’s also a well-balanced way to experience Ireland. While there are some longer walks, uneven terrain and changes in elevation, much of the journey is comfortably explored by coach, giving travellers time to relax and enjoy the scenery between stops. Rated[ **3/5 – Moderately Challenging**, the **Best of Ireland**](https://www.craigtravel.com/craig-travel-ratings) journey is a good fit for travellers who appreciate the comfort of coach travel while still wanting to get out, explore and experience each destination. ## Experience the Glens of Antrim With Craig Travel The Glens of Antrim are just one chapter of Craig Travel’s **16-day Best of Ireland journey**, departing April 29, 2027. Continue across the country to discover the walled city of Derry, stand atop the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, experience life on the Aran Islands and explore the landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. With transportation, accommodations and sightseeing thoughtfully arranged, you can experience Ireland’s landscapes, history and traditions without having to plan the details yourself. 👉 Request a brochure or [**speak with an advisor**](https://www.craigtravel.com/contact-us) who can answer all of your questions about our [**Best of Ireland journey departing April 29, 2027**](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/best-ireland-apr-29-2027). Discover if this adventure is the right fit for your next journey. [Print This](#)