With steep valleys stretching to rugged coastlines and headlands, it’s a beautiful part of the world with a rich and varied history.
In a series of features, our journalists are examining the things they love most about the places they live (and one thing they hate – but we will come to that later).
In no particular order, here are some of the things that I love about the Antrim Coast and Glens, an area in which I was glad to grow up and where I still live today.
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5. Glenariff Forest Park
With its rocky gorges and stunning waterfalls, Glenariff Forest Park is the place I like to go to get away from it all. As a child, I used to visit the park during Easter holidays and nowadays, after trekking one of the trails and taking in the beautiful scenery, love to stop off at the Laragh Lodge restaurant for a well-earned cuppa and a bun. Photo: DiscoverNI
6. The 'Games of Thrones' connection
There's no denying the effect HBO's global hit Game of Thrones has had on Northern Ireland, with tours of its many filming locations still running six years after the last episode of the show aired. Perhaps the best example, only 15 minutes from my door is the Dark Hedges. The ancient avenue of beech trees appeared as the King's Road for just a few seconds in the first season, but it was enough to transform the once-quiet spot into a global tourist attraction. Unfortunately a total of 13 trees, which were nearing the 250th anniversary of their planting, have been lost since November 2023 due to storms. The site's popularity has also led to current custodians, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, pledging to take a "considered approach" to protect its natural beauty. Photo: NI World
7. Économusée
There are a host of Économuseé or 'working museums' across Northern Ireland, with most of them concentrated in the Antrim Coast and Glens area. Among these talented local producers helping traditional artisan crafts to thrive is Ursa Minor Bakehouse on Ann Street, Ballycastle (founders Ciara and Dara O hArtghaile pictured) - I absolutely love their sourdough bread! Photo: KEVIN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA
8. And the one thing I hate... lack of gritting
With its largely rural roads network, it's not surprising that many parts of the Glens fall outside of the Department for Infrastructure's gritting schedule during icy periods. Venturing out in the car during a cold snap means I just have to grit my teeth instead and accept it's going to be a slower journey than usual - all part and parcel of living in the countryside! Photo: Local Democracy Reporting Service