Coastal walks, a private boat tour and traces of cultural history give Ballintoy several distinct points of interest. When planning, it is worth first distinguishing between a section of the Causeway Coast Way with a specific route length, access to the Carrick-a-Rede Coastal Walk and exploring from the water. Those interested in history and architecture will find further points of interest in the Druid Stone and details at Ballintoy Parish Church. This makes it easier to choose based on whether you prefer to focus on being active, seeing the coast from a boat or exploring cultural history.
Coastal Walks and Trail Conditions
The section of the Causeway Coast Way from Ballintoy Harbour to Ballycastle is 12.6 km long. This figure gives the precise distance for this particular route and helps you assess it as a standalone hiking stage. The Carrick-a-Rede Coastal Walk is separate: from Ballintoy Harbour, you can reach it via a path leading to the coastal trail. A section of the Causeway Coast Way also runs via a footpath and a path to the car park at Ballintoy Harbour. These route details therefore refer to different points of reference—Ballycastle as the destination in one case, and access to the coastal trail or car park in the other. Before setting out, check conditions on the cliffs, wind and gradient. High tide can affect some coastal sections; take this into account when planning a route along the coast.
Boat Tour from Ballintoy Harbour
The private group tour run by Ballintoy Boat Tours departs from Ballintoy Harbour on the Causeway Coastal Route. It passes rugged cliffs, hidden caves and secluded beaches; the exact route may vary. There is a chance to spot seals, dolphins and seabirds on the tour. Such sightings naturally vary, so plan for them as a possibility rather than a guaranteed experience. Check departure times and booking arrangements before planning, as these may change. Ballintoy Harbour served as the filming location for Lordsport, Pyke’s main harbour, in Game of Thrones®.
Druid Stone and Ballintoy Parish Church
The Druid Stone in Ballintoy is a simple passage tomb and an Early Neolithic monument. The term “passage tomb” refers to an entrance leading to the burial chamber; the designation “Early Neolithic” describes the period. The two details complement one another without meaning the same thing: the first concerns the structure’s form, while the second refers to its archaeological dating.
Ballintoy Parish Church offers a different focus on cultural history. It stands above the North Antrim coast and within the Ballintoy Conservation Area. A cube sundial is mounted on a raised corner of the church: one of its faces points south and another west. Its unusual shape and two orientations make it a distinctive architectural detail.
Discover more destinations: Ballycastle, Bushmills, Waterfoot.
Return to the overview of the wider travel area: Moyle.
