Where ancient giants supposedly built roads, castles cling to cliffs and every coastal bend reveals another spectacular view.
If you're looking for dramatic scenery, fascinating history and a few stories that sound almost too ridiculous to be true, County Antrim is going to be right up your street!
From the extraordinary stones of the Giant's Causeway to the Glens of Antrim, this corner of Ireland really knows how to put on a show: medieval castles, colourful harbour villages, magnificent coastal walks and some of the best-known Game of Thrones locations.
And that's before we get to Belfast, a city packed with history, culture, food and character. Whether you're following the Causeway Coastal Route or chasing legends, you'll want the camera charged!
There are no border checks between the Republic and Northern Ireland, but a few things change: prices are in pounds sterling (£), speed limits are in miles per hour, and it's worth checking your phone plan and car insurance cover before you go.
Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ireland's most famous natural wonders.
Geologists put it down to ancient volcanic activity. Irish folklore blames Fionn mac Cumhaill and a very awkward encounter with a Scottish giant (more on that below).
Why visit? Natural wonders, geology, photography and folklore.
A rope bridge strung 30 metres above the sea to a tiny island once used by salmon fishermen. The views along the coast are spectacular, and it's definitely not one for anyone who hates heights!
Why visit? Adventure, coastal scenery and photography.
One of Ireland's most atmospheric ruins, clinging to a rocky headland near Bushmills. Its story involves the MacQuillans, the MacDonnells, sieges and a kitchen said to have fallen into the sea.
Why visit? Castles, history and dramatic coastal views.
A tiny harbour at the bottom of a twisting road, with rugged rocks and sea stacks. Game of Thrones fans will know it as the Iron Islands.
Why visit? Photography and filming locations.
A historic village best known for the Old Bushmills Distillery, which can be toured depending on current arrangements.
Why visit? Village character and adults interested in distilling.
Reached by ferry from Ballycastle, Rathlin has cliffs, wildlife and maritime history. The RSPB West Light Seabird Centre is the place to see the seabird colonies in season.
Why visit? Wildlife, island adventures and coastal walks.
The 'Queen of the Glens', with woodland trails, waterfalls and big views. The waterfall walk is at its best after rain.
Why visit? Walking, waterfalls and nature.
Two lovely coastal villages in the Glens. Cushendun has distinctive Cornish-style cottages and caves that appeared in Game of Thrones, while Cushendall sits in beautiful countryside with a strong cultural heritage.
Why visit? Scenic drives and relaxed coastal breaks.
An avenue of intertwined beech trees near Armoy, made famous by Game of Thrones. Atmospheric on a misty morning.
The trees are over 200 years old, and storms have brought several down in recent years, so the avenue has gaps now.
Why visit? Photography and film locations.
One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland, begun by John de Courcy in the late 12th century and standing guard over Belfast Lough.
Why visit? Medieval history and family visits.
A guided walk along bridges, tunnels and paths built into the basalt cliffs at Islandmagee. One of the most unusual outdoor experiences in Ireland.
Why visit? Adventure and spectacular coastal scenery.
A colourful seaside town with a relaxed feel. The Blackhead Path leads along the shore to the lighthouse on the headland.
Why visit? Seaside walks and a quieter coastal escape.
Belfast spans counties Antrim and Down. These are the big hitters for a first visit.
The story of RMS Titanic, built in Belfast, told through interactive galleries on the site where she was designed and launched.
Strictly speaking, the Titanic Quarter sits on the County Down side of the Lagan, but it's an essential part of any Belfast visit.
Why visit? Maritime history, engineering and families.
Start at the grand City Hall, then wander up to the Cathedral Quarter's cobbled streets, street art, pubs and music.
Why visit? Architecture, food and nightlife.
Free to visit, with everything from Egyptian mummies to Armada treasure and the story of the Troubles. The Botanic Gardens and their Victorian Palm House are next door.
Why visit? Rainy days and families.
Belfast Castle stands on the slopes of Cave Hill, with views over the city and the lough. Walking routes climb to Napoleon's Nose, the rocky profile said to have inspired Gulliver's Travels.
Why visit? City views, walking and photography.
Dramatic castle ruins on a white limestone headland. The steps down are steep.
A secluded, beautiful bay near Ballycastle, reached by a steep, narrow road.
Rugged views across the North Channel. On a clear day Scotland looks close enough to touch.
A pretty woodland waterfall near Larne.
Gardens, walking trails and family attractions on the coast near Larne.
The distinctive hill where tradition says the young St Patrick herded animals as a slave.
A long stretch of sand with views to Rathlin Island.
A lake that fills and drains away depending on the weather, wrapped in ghost stories.
Historic 17th-century landscaped gardens in Antrim town.
A tiny coastal settlement with beautiful scenery near White Park Bay.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Fionn mac Cumhaill built a stone causeway across the sea to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner. Then he saw how enormous his rival was.
His wife Oonagh dressed Fionn as a baby and tucked him into a cradle. When Benandonner saw the size of the 'baby', he fled back to Scotland, ripping up the causeway behind him. Fingal's Cave on Staffa is said to be the other end.
The most famous Dunluce story says that during a storm part of the kitchen collapsed into the sea, taking servants with it. It's a great tale, but historians aren't convinced it happened that way.
Tradition says Patrick was brought to Ireland as a slave and spent six years tending animals on Slemish before escaping. He later came back as a missionary.
Each of the Glens has its own landscape and stories, from fairy thorns to the ghost of Loughareema's drowned coach and horses.
Harland and Wolff's shipyard made Belfast one of the great industrial cities of the world. Titanic, launched there in 1911, sank on her maiden voyage in April 1912.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
Prices in Northern Ireland are in pounds sterling (£). Please check opening hours before you travel.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times, tours and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Discover Northern Ireland, National Trust, Titanic Belfast and The Gobbins.
Carry on around the north:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge