Discover the enchanting charm of Cairncastle, nestled along County Antrim’s stunning Coast Road. Explore its rich history, scenic beauty, and more.
Nestled amidst the lush green hills of County Antrim, Cairncastle beckons with its timeless beauty and captivating history.
This small village, enriched by its Presbyterian heritage, is home to centuries-old churches and some of the deepest connections to Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland.
As you venture along the scenic Coast Road, you’ll encounter breathtaking coastal vistas and a serene atmosphere that invites exploration.
Come with us on a journey to Cairncastle, where history, culture, and natural wonders converge perfectly.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Cairncastle:
- Enjoy stunning coastal views along the Coast Road as you make your way to Cairncastle, offering scenic vistas of the Irish Sea.
- The Coast Road will also take you through nearby towns like Carrickfergus and Whitehead and, further north than Cairncastle, Glenarm, Glenariff, and Carnlough. It forms part of the Causeway Coastal Route and eventually reaches the Giant’s Causeway, which has numerous must-see sites.
- We recommend renting a car and travelling at your own pace to get the most out of your visit to Cairncastle. The drive along the scenic route from Belfast, which you can explore with our Belfast Bucket List, should take less than an hour.
- Check the weather before you visit! It might also be best to bring a raincoat and warm clothing regardless, as it can get chilly along the coast, even on a sunny day.
- Pop into Mattie’s Meeting House for a pint and a bite to eat. This pub dates back to at least the 1800s, making it one of the oldest pubs in County Antrim.
Interesting facts about Cairncastle:
- The Cairncastle Flute Band is one of the oldest Protestant marching bands in Northern Ireland, having been formed around 1855–1859.
- Knockdhu (from the Irish ‘Cnoc Dubh’, meaning ‘black hill’) is a Bronze Age promontory fort about a mile west of Cairncastle. The site comprises three banks and ditches, roundhouses, and a gatehouse.
- Indeed, Knockdhu and the surrounding mountains were used as a filming location for the HBO series Game of Thrones. This is where Ned Stark executed Will, the deserter from the Night’s Watch.
- Cairncastle Presbyterian Church was founded in 1646 and is one of the oldest congregations of the Presbyterian Church in the country.
- St Patrick’s Church of Ireland was built in 1815. Its churchyard houses a Spanish chestnut tree, known locally as the ‘Spanish Armada Tree’. Legend has it that the tree sprouted from a seed carried in a dead sailor’s pocket.
What’s nearby
Food: Garden Restaurant (contemporary), The New Fairways Restaurant (Ballygally; modern, local), Ruby’s (Larne; grill), Carriages (Larne; bistro).
Drink: Mattie’s Meeting House, Olderfleet Bar & Lounge (Larne), Billy Andys (Larne) The Bridge End Tavern (Glenarm), The Coast Road Inn (Glenarm), The Glencloy Inn (Carnlough).
Accommodation: Ballygally Castle Hotel (four-star), Derrin Guest House (four-star), Curran Court Hotel (four-star), Halfway House Hotel (two-star).
Other attractions: Carnfunnock Country Park, The Black Arch, Olderfleet Castle, Glens of Antrim & Glenoe, one of the best things to do in Antrim, and Glenariff Forest Park.
Your questions answered about Cairncastle
What is there to do in Cairncastle?
Cairncastle offers scenic beauty, historic churches, and proximity to filming locations from Game of Thrones, making it ideal for outdoor exploration, cultural visits, and TV series enthusiasts.
How old are the churches in Cairncastle?
The Presbyterian Church in Cairncastle has a rich history dating back many years, but the exact age details are uncertain. The nearby St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland dates back to the 12th century.
Was Game of Thrones filmed in Cairncastle?
Yes, parts of Game of Thrones were filmed in and around Cairncastle, adding to the village’s allure for fans of the show.
