Kinbane Self-Catering

“The perfect self catering get away in Northern Ireland, Kinbane Self Catering Cottage and surround areas to visit.”

We stayed in a wonderful countryside cottage, “Kinbane self-catering cottages” in Northern Ireland that offered the perfect mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and fantastic accommodation, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Highly recommended and our host Nan was so welcoming. The cott… more

We stayed in a wonderful countryside cottage, “Kinbane self-catering cottages” in Northern Ireland that offered the perfect mix of stunning landscapes, rich history, and fantastic accommodation, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Highly recommended and our host Nan was so welcoming. The cottage provided a cozy and comfortable stay. It was well-furnished, with all modern amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living area, and multiple bedrooms to accommodate my family. The cottage has everything you need, a perfect backdrop for both adventure and relaxation. This location was perfect as all of the sites we visited were within 22 minutes’ drive from the cottage. Day 1 Our first day we explored "Dark Hedges". Dark Hedges is a visually stunning and atmospheric avenue of beech trees located near the village of Armoy in County Antrim. This natural landmark has gained worldwide fame for its use in the popular TV series "Game of Thrones," where it served as the setting for the Kingsroad in Season 2. In Barrycastle (only 7 minutes away from the cottage) we found a Eurospar and purchased our groceries for the week. We then took a short drive to see what else the amazing coastline had to offer us for the week ahead. That evening we visited Kinbane Castle, also known as Kenbane Castle, (Built in 1547) a picturesque ruin located a few minutes’ walk from our cottage. This historical site offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and stunning natural beauty of the region. The ruins offer spectacular views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline of County Antrim. You can see as far as Rathlin Island and the Scottish coast. The castle is surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush green fields, and a variety of coastal flora and fauna, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Access to the castle involves a steep and challenging descent down a narrow path with steps but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views and the chance to explore the evocative ruins up close. The remote and relatively untouched nature of the castle ruins provides a sense of solitude and timelessness, offering a unique experience compared to more frequented tourist sites. Kinbane Castle ruins offer a blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Northern Ireland's scenic north coast. Day 2 We visited Ballycastle forest looking for red squirrels, unfortunately we did not find any, but it is a picturesque and expansive woodland area known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Then it was off to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. (9 minutes’ drive from our cottage) The rope bridge was originally constructed by salmon fishermen over 350 years ago. It provided access to Carrick-a-Rede Island from the mainland for the fishermen to check their salmon nets. It spans about 20 meters (66 feet) and is suspended 30 meters (98 feet) above the rocks below. You have to be a bit brave to cross it! The island and the surrounding waters are rich in wildlife. Guillemots, razorbills, and other seabirds can often be seen, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The area is also known for its diverse plant life, including various species of wildflowers that bloom in summer. Then we went to Ballycastle to visit the Artisan market and a walk on the beach. Day 3 The Giant’s Causeway is located only 22 minutes’ drive from our cottage. This is a natural wonder renowned for its unique geological formations. It consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. These columns, primarily hexagonal in shape, create a striking landscape that appears almost man-made. According to local legend, the Giant's Causeway was built by the Irish giant Finn McCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill) as a path to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner. When Finn realized Benandonner was much larger, he retreated, and his wife disguised him as a baby. When Benandonner saw the "baby," he assumed the father must be gigantic and fled back to Scotland, destroying the causeway behind him. Similar basalt columns are found on the Scottish Isle of Staffa, further fuelling the myth. The Giant's Causeway is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 due to its outstanding geological value and natural beauty. Beyond the geological marvel, the Giant's Causeway offers stunning views of the rugged coastline, with the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks. The dramatic scenery for photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Then we visited Ballintoy Harbour, located in the small village. It is a picturesque and charming coastal site known for its rugged natural beauty. The harbour is nestled at the foot of a steep road that winds down from the village. Ballintoy Harbour gained international fame as a filming location for the hit television series "Game of Thrones." It was used to depict the Free Cities where the character Varys was born, and served as the coastal nook where Theon Greyjoy arrives back in the Iron Islands, admires his ship, and first meets his sister Yara. There is a small cafe at the harbour, "Roark's Kitchen" that served the most delicious Victoria Sponge cake and coffee. It also offered vegetarian and vegan options. Day 4 We drove to Ballycastle and caught the ferry to Rathlin Island. It is part of County Antrim and is the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland. Rathlin Island is about 6 miles (10 kilometres) long and 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) wide. The island has a rich history, with several notable sites including the ruins of the Rathlin Castle, the Rathlin Boathouse Visitor Centre, and various ancient churches and standing stones. Rathlin Island Bird Sanctuary It is renowned for its seabird colonies, making it a significant bird sanctuary. It is home to tens of thousands of birds, especially during the breeding season. Key bird species include puffins, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars. The island is one of the best places in the UK to see puffins. (from afar - a very long photographic lens is needed, or you can see them through a telescope) There are designated viewing platforms that allow visitors to observe the birds without disturbing them, providing views of the nesting colonies on the cliffs. The bird sanctuary is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to its importance for bird conservation. We then caught the ferry back and had dinner at the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle. Food was amazing and reasonably priced. Day 5 On our last day, driving back to Belfast International airport we stopped at Downhill Demesne. A historically and architecturally significant estate located near Castlerock in County Londonderry. It was the former residence of Frederick Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, and is known for its dramatic cliff-top setting and impressive ruins. It boasts a Mussenden Temple, this small, circular building was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy. Built in 1785 as a library, it sits precariously on a cliff edge, offering stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean. TIPS Purchase a National Trust membership as most of the places we visited were National Trust. Parking is then also free for members. Download the app, Cornell lab Merlin - it records and identifies bird sounds and some binoculars as there is plently of bird life to discover. Fantastic photography opportunies, so take your camera to get those perfect holiday photos. Wear a good pair of walking shoes. We walked an average of 10 KM a day.

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