Arts, Culture & Heritage

The breadth and depth of creativity from Northern Ireland is celebrated throughout the world. The Causeway Coast and Glens has played its part in the expanding an appreciation for the arts and culture of this land. Did you know that the Londonderry Air, better known as Danny Boy was penned in Limavady? Or that Ireland’s oldest traditional fair, The Lammas Fair is still held annually in Ballycastle. While the myths and legends of the Children of Lir and Finn McCool have been handed down for generations and form part of our rich culture. We invite you to join us and awaken your senses to our stories and songs, our creativity and our people.

Castles & Historic Sites
Dotted across the Causeway Coast and Glens you will discover castle ruins that are worth exploring. Some such as Dunseverick Castle and Kinbane Castle offer wonderful locations but little remains of the original structure, others however, will give you an insight into our powerful history.

On the outskirts of Portrush you will find Dunluce Castle dominating the headland with its majestic structure with a magnificent tale to tell of the McQuillan and O’Donnell clans. You will hear about chieftains and feuds, love stories and ghost stories dating to medieval times. Take a sea safari or kayak around the coastline where you will see the Mermaid’s Cave beneath the castle with revel in yet more stories.
Further west in Castlerock is Downhill Castle and Mussenden Temple. We would strongly recommend that you do not miss this historic site during your visit – there is so much for you to see. You will be blown away with the views that stretch across the Inishowen Peninsula to Donegal. The castle itself, now in ruins allows you to imagine what life would have been like in times gone by. Mussenden Temple, perched precariously on the cliff edge is a beautiful folly built by the eccentric Earl Bishop Hervey in the 1700s. You can discover his story on the Earl Bishop Trail.

Giant’s Causeway - National Trust
As attractions go you won’t find any bigger than Northern Irelands’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway. The 40,000 basalt stone columns formed over 60 million years ago are truly a sight to behold. The multi-award winning Visitor Centre is the perfect place to start your understanding of the geological phenomenon. If science isn’t your thing, indulge yourself with the myth and legend of Finn McCool. Insider tip: a sunrise or sunset at the Giant’s Causeway is something you will remember forever.

Art & Artists
Art and craft lovers will be in for a treat when you visit the Causeway Coast and Glens. There are art galleries, craft workshops and artists in residence for you to discover. From potters to painters, glass artists to jewellers, knitters to weavers, you will find them here. Exhibitions from local artists and beyond are held regularly at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and Roe Valley Arts Centre in Limavady. The Designerie in Bushmills and the Boathouse Gallery have workshop pods for you to visit and meet the maker. And a trip to Rathlin Island is not complete without stopping by the Breakwater Art Studio. In Portrush, meet artists Adrian Margey and Evana Bjourson and pick up a memorable piece from your visit. Or get a hands on experience with a pottery workshop at the Susan F Hunter Studio, among others.

A little bit of history…
Our museums may be small but our story is not. You can learn about our fascinating history from megalithic times to modern day heroes at several museums dotted across the Causeway Coast & Glens in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Garvagh.

Coming to you live from…
You will find the pace of life in the Causeway Coast and Glens a little slower that the urban centres but we do know how to show you a good time. From small theatre productions to live traditional and contemporary music we will keep you entertained. Throughout the year Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and the Roe Valley Arts Centre in Limavady host concerts and performances from the classics to modern day productions. The Riverside Theatre in Coleraine is an intimate venue offering a varied programme for children and adults, of comedy, dance, music, drama and art.
The sound of live music will also entice you into our bars and restaurants. Local musicians will delight you with their talents. You’ll be toe-tapping to the beat of the bodhran and dancing to the tunes from the fiddle or the guitar. The Atlantic Sessions music festival is held in November every year in Portrush and Portstewart and celebrates original music from Northern Irish artists. A mid-winter feast of music to add to your itinerary.

A visit to the Causeway Coast and Glens will awaken you senses and leave you yearning for more.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

What's On Search

Food & Drink Search

Shopping Search

Discover it all

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Castles & Historic Sites

From castles to churches, towers to monuments and friaries to graveyards, they all reveal so much about the fascinating history of the Causeway Coast and Glens. Step back in time and learn about our heroes and villains and our myths and legends and how our people lived through the ages.
Giant's Causeway - National Trust

The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some call it the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World. Are the unique hexagonal stones a result of volcanic action 60 million years ago? Or were they built by the giant Fionn MacCumhaill? Only a visit will help you decide.
Museums & Galleries

They say a picture paints a thousand words. So you should definitely visit one of the many art galleries in the Causeway Coast and Glens. Sometimes, you’ll even meet an artist in residence. Also, discover the stories of our past and the rich history of our people at our museums.
Music & Nightlife

We love a good night out in the Causeway Coast and Glens and even better if there is music. While you’re here, catch some live music in our bars and restaurants. Or you may prefer more formal performances. Whatever you choose, our talented musicians will have you cheering for more.
Theatres

Everybody loves a live performance. Dotted around the Causeway Coast and Glens, our theatres are small, where you get up close to the performers on stage. Enjoy the classics, contemporary plays, dance, comedy, musical theatre and amateur dramatics in these intimate settings. Entertainment at its best for adults and children.
Creative Workshops

We’re a creative lot in the Causeway Coast and Glens. We like to show off and share our skills. From pottery to photography, jewellery making to basket weaving and painting. Come along, meet some friends and learn something new at our workshops. You’ll be surprised at what you can do.
Street Art Trail

Our towns are vibrant & individual places too, with their own rich heritage. We believe that high-quality, creative street art can add vibrancy to town centres & help support local economic growth. Learn more when you visit & explore our towns & follow our Street Art Trail on a tour across 6 towns & 23 ground-breaking art pieces, each piece & place with their own story.
Causeway Craft Trail

Discover the arts and crafts businesses that thrive in the Causeway Coast and Glens. A warm welcome awaits - drop in, meet the makers and listen to their stories whilst acquiring cool new skills with a workshop in basket weaving or pottery, painting or wooden spoon carving.