areas of interest

An Area OF outstanding Beauty (AONB) is exactly what it says it is : a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is everyone’s interest to safeguard them. Special legislation in the UK ensures that these areas are protected for the enjoyment of future generations. Each AONB has been designated for special attention for a number of reasons including flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations as well as the outstanding dramatic landscapes. There are 49 AONBs in the UK and 4 of these sit within the Causeway Coast and Glens region, making this area and the Causeway coastal route the Essential Irish Journey.

Antrim Coast and Glens AONB

This region contains some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in Northern Ireland. The area is dominated by a high undulating plateau cut by deep glens which open north and eastwards to the sea. It is an area of contrasts: gentle bays are separated by blunt headlands: exposed moorland gives way to sheltered valleys: wide open expanses to enclosed farmland.
Slemish mountain rises abruptly, its wildness in sharp contrast to the neat fields of the Braid Valley below. The area has a rich cultural heritage, folklore is alive and well and there are close associations with Scotland. Rathlin Island, lying offshore to the north, is rich in historical, geological and botanical interest. view upcoming events in the Antrim Coast and Glens area

Causeway Coast AONB

A place of extraordinary beauty encompassing 18 miles of spectacular coastal scenery of dramatic cliffs and headlands broken by the wide sweep of fresh sandy beaches backed by dunes. Dark volcanic rocks and brilliant white chalk, eroded by the vigorous North Atlantic, form magnificent geological features including the renowned World Heritage site Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede.
This natural beauty is made all the more impressive by the small harbours, fisheries and farm delicately poised on the storm-torn coastline. A rich and fascinating wildlife thrives on the offshore islands and rocks, amid the cliffs and sand dunes, and within the farmed countyside. view upcoming events in the Causeway Coast area

Binevenagh AONB

Binevenagh’s dramatic cliffs and headlands have given the AONB its name, however it also includes some of the finest beach and sand dunes in Ireland. Magilligan Strand stretches for 8km from Downhill to Lough Foyle. Binevenagh has a rich cultural heritage and includes many striking buildings such as the Mussenden Temple and Bishop’s Palace at Downhill and the Martello Tower at Magilligan.
view upcoming events in the Binevenagh area

Sperrins AONB

A largely mountainous area of great geological complexity, it presents vast expanses of moorland penetrated by narrow glens and deep valleys, and is rich in historic and archaeological heritage and folklore. It is important to note that only a portion of this AONB sits within the Causeway Coast and Glens region.
view upcoming events in the Sperrins area