From natural landmarks to stunning structures, join us on a tour of some of the most picturesque places in the area and create your perfect instagrammable itinerary.
Gleno
We start our instagrammable Antrim journey with a visit to picturesque Gleno, which offers two photogenic landmarks in particular. First stop is the beautiful Gleno waterfall which you can reach via a quick walk from the convenient car park. 30m in height, the waterfall looks especially Instagram-worthy after rainfall, so it’s totally worth putting on your wellies and making your way to this natural wonder. Following a trip to the waterfall, head back into the historic village of Gleno where you can see its lovely whitewashed houses which will provide another stunning shot for your feed.
Sallagh Braes
Sallagh Braes, a scarp in the uplands, offers an instagrammable cliff walk showcasing views across the valley below and towards the Irish Sea. The perfect place to visit if you like to fill your feed with shots of nature, and enjoy a challenging walk, Sallagh Braes also boasts a striking ballast amphitheatre. Love Games of Thrones? This location should definitely be on your visit list as it featured in the popular TV series.
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Blackhead Lighthouse
A walk up to Blackhead Lighthouse offers a multitude of photo opportunities, all more than worthy of a spot on your Instagram grid. Spot unique sea caves gouged by the waves as you walk around the catwalk at the base of the headland, take snaps of the fast ferries as they make their way across the water from Scotland, and climb the steep flight of steps that lead to the striking lighthouse itself. Instagrammable views from the lighthouse capture the mouth of Belfast Lough, the Copeland Islands off Donaghadee, and Scrabo Tower, a 19th century lookout point which stands at 135ft tall.
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The Gobbins
The thing that makes The Gobbins so instagrammable is its uniqueness. Take your followers on an epic journey across bridges, up carved staircases, and through tunnels as you explore the rugged coastline on a once in a lifetime experience. Spot seabirds and other marine creatures whilst creating content that is guaranteed to make your feed stand out from the crowd. You may even be lucky enough to see puffins and dolphins, so keep your eyes peeled throughout your tour and listen carefully to your knowledgeable guide who will provide plenty of fascinating information for your Instagram captions.
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Madman’s Window
An instagrammable spot with a story, Madman’s Window is a naturally formed window shape created by two large limestone boulders located along the Glenarm Coastal Path. Legend has it that a man who lost his sweetheart in the waters of Glenarm Bay used to look through the window in hopes that she would return to him. Use the limestone window to frame the sea and you’ll get a great shot for your Instagram feed.
Glenarm Castle
Glenarm Castle may be privately owned, but thankfully it’s open to the public which means that you can visit and snap some super instagrammable photos. Take a tour of the castle itself and see its luxurious dining room, drawing room, stunning hall, and ‘Blue Room’ while learning about the building’s history from the family butler and house staff. Outside, explore the estate’s famous Walled Garden with its especially photogenic herbaceous borders, water features, fruit and vegetable gardens, and gorgeous flower displays that are sure to brighten any Instagram feed. Discover the Woodland Walk too and keep an eye out for red squirrels, robins, rabbits, and a variety of other birds and wildlife. You can even stay in one of the on-site glampimng pods and admire the views over Glenarm Marina below.
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Slemish Mountain
Combine taking instagrammable photos with a peaceful hike on a visit to the striking Slemish Mountain. A landmark surrounded by myth and legend, this mountain offers great photos from both its base and its summit. A 1.5km walk will take you to the top where you’ll be rewarded with views across Antrim and the Scottish coasts, the town of Ballymena, Lough Neagh, the Sperrin Mountains, the Bann Valley and the higher summits of the Antrim Hills. Whichever way you turn, there will be a fantastic photo opportunity to add to your collection. The Slemish Mountain hike would make great content for a Reel too!
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Chaine Memorial Tower
On seeing the Chaine Memorial Tower, you’ll understand why it’s locally known as ‘The Pencil’. Standing at 27m high with a pointed top, the tower was built as a memorial to the developer of Larne Harbour, James Chaine, in 1887. Located on Larne Lough, the structure is set against a lovely water backdrop, perfect for those Instagram pics. Visit at sunrise or sunset for an especially awesome photo for your feed.
Carrickfergus Castle
A must have photo for any Instagram account, Carrickfergus Castle dominates the northern shore of Belfast Lough and is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The Norman castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland, making it a great addition to any Instagram feed, and it’s open to the public so you can take snaps inside too! See how the Great Hall at the top of the Great Tower has been transformed by a new roof, and photograph cannons from the 17th to 19th centuries which have protected the castle for years.
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Barbican Gatehouse
The Grade A listed Barbican Gatehouse is a stunning example of a fortified gatehouse and sits proudly at the entrance to the Glenarm Estate. The gatehouse can be reached via an old stone bridge over the Glenarm River and features instagrammable battlements and turrets. Predominantly built using basalt, details have been added in red sandstone which make the structure even more picturesque, and its ancient sandstone coat of arms is an attractive addition too.
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Whitehead Rainbow Houses
If your Instagram feed is full of colour, the Whitehead Rainbow Houses will be the perfect addition to your account. Perhaps the most vibrant row of houses you’ll see, and boasting totally instagrammable architecture and features too, you’re sure to capture a fantastic snap during your visit to this picturesque seaside village. To see the area in full, why not take a bike, or e-bike, tour and enjoy views of the rainbow houses and other places of interest on two wheels!
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Now that you know where to find the most instagrammable locations in Mid & East Antrim, plan your itinerary and have fun filling your feed with photos that your followers will love!
One of our lesser known ‘hidden treasures’, Gleno is a magnificent 30 foot waterfall nestling in The Glens of Antrim and owned by the National Trust.
A stunning short walk across exposed hillside, leading to and along the edge of the dramatic Sallagh Braes basalt cliffs. The Sallagh Braes is a prominent basalt scarp with a spectacular ballast amphitheatre located 3 miles west of Ballygally, close to the Causeway Coastal Route. Views can be enjoyed across the cliffs to the valley below and the Irish sea in the distance. This is a moderately difficult walk. It starts from a height and undulates across hummocky land with some hills to negotiate. Dogs are not allowed as the route goes over farmland. The local area has recently been featured in the popular HBO TV series, Game of Thrones® and associated interpretation can be found in Linford Car Park.
A short and delightful circular walk from the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead, around the coastal path to Blackhead with its iconic lighthouse, the most easterly point of County Antrim, then back to Whitehead for refreshments and shopping.
On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and the dolphins dancing off the coastline. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy this 2.5-hour walking tour through tunnels and bridges with the waves crashing at your feet.
Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning planting displays year round. Don't miss the annual tulip festival which takes place every May.
Slemish Mountain is about 1,500 feet above sea level and is located close to Broughshane in County Antrim. It is the legendary home of Saint Patrick and is actually the central core of an extinct volcano. Hike to the top and enjoy fantastic views!
This special memorial tower stands tall on the western side of Larne Lough, at the entrance to Larne harbour greeting visitors arriving by sea. It's an accurate replica of an Irish Round Tower and is known affectionately by locals as 'The Pencil.'
For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Romantic in appearance and setting, and approached by a bridge over the Glenarm river, the Barbican comprises a three storey block with a roof terrace, with a picnic bench which affords significant views over the surrounding countryside.
Whitehead Centre provides a tourism hub for information about what is going on locally and how to make the most of your time in our vibrant and beautiful town. E-bike hire and guided tours available to book.
