Driving from Ballymena to Toome: Top Places to See
Northern Ireland's natural beauty is often the focus of tourists visiting the country. From rugged coastlines to rolling hills dotted with sheep, Northern Ireland is a feast for the eyes. One of the best ways to see this stunning country is by car, taking in the sights at your own pace. In this post, we'll guide you through the top places to see when driving from Ballymena to Toome, Northern Ireland.
Before we begin, it's worth pointing out that the trip from Ballymena to Toome is a short one, taking just over 20 minutes. However, if you're keen to explore Northern Ireland's countryside, then there are plenty of excellent places to stop along the way. Let's get started!
1. Glenariff Forest Park
Our first stop is the beautiful Glenariff Forest Park. Located just a short 40-minute drive from Ballymena, the park's stunning scenery spans over 1180 hectares. Glenariff is known as the "Queen of the Glens" and features a picturesque waterfall, forest trails and stunning viewpoints.
Visitors to the park can take a guided walk along one of the many trails, with options suitable for families and more experienced hikers. For those looking to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, look no further than the park's Red Squirrel Trail. If you're travelling with little ones, the Gobbins Cliff Path is a must-visit, with small bridges and tunnels to explore.
2. Cushendun
Next up on our list of top places to see on a drive from Ballymena to Toome is the quaint village of Cushendun. With its picturesque, pastel-coloured houses and stunning beach, Cushendun is a photographer's paradise.
The village is home to many beautiful landmarks, including the famous "Cushendun Caves," which were featured in the hit TV show Game of Thrones. Fans of the show can take a guided tour of the caves, which were transformed into the eerie birthplace of the shadow demon of Stannis Baratheon's Red Priestess, Melisandre.
3. The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is another landmark that featured in Game of Thrones and is now a must-visit spot for fans of the show. The avenue of beech trees was filmed as the "Kingsroad" and is instantly recognizable to many fans of the show.
The trees were originally planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family as a grand entrance to their home and have since become one of Northern Ireland's most photographed natural landmarks. The Dark Hedges are just an hour's drive from Ballymena and make an excellent addition to any road trip through the region.
4. Ardboe Cross
The Ardboe Cross is a must-visit site for those interested in Northern Irish history. The cross is a 10th-century Celtic artifact and is one of the most impressive of its kind in Ireland. The cross was erected on the site of an important monastery founded by St. Colman and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors to the site can take a guided tour and learn about the history of the cross, as well as the surrounding area. The Ardboe Cross is located just a short 30-minute drive from Toome, making it a great final stop on your Northern Irish road trip.
5. Lough Neagh
Last but not least on our list of top places to see when driving from Ballymena to Toome is Lough Neagh. This vast lake is the largest in the British Isles, measuring over 152 square miles. Lough Neagh is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with plenty of activities on offer including sailing, water skiing and fishing.
Visitors to the lake can take a guided boat tour, where they will explore the lake's rich flora and fauna, as well as learn about the surrounding area's fascinating history.
Conclusion
Northern Ireland has an abundance of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Driving from Ballymena to Toome is a great way to explore the region and take in all it has to offer. From the stunning Glenariff Forest Park to the history-rich Ardboe Cross, there are plenty of amazing places to stop along the way. So get ready, buckle up and start your Northern Irish road trip today!