5 Lesser-Known Gems in County Antrim
Carnanmore Mountain
Carnanmore is where my love of coastal mountains began. Back when iPods were a thing and clam shell speakers were handy, we loved nothing more than spending time on its summit.
Standing at 379m (1,243 ft), it is a classic Antrim vista of rugged, heather-covered hills rolling towards the dramatic North Channel coastline.
Its name, from the Irish Carnán Mór (Great Cairn), refers to the ancient chambered cairn on its summit, a touch of prehistoric mystery embedded in the rock…
Ossians Grave
Ossian's Grave, or the Lubitavish Court Tomb if you want to get technical, is an amazing gem tucked right into the slopes of Tievebulliagh near Cushendall in County Antrim. Forget the usual hotspots this is a spectacular piece of history in a stunning location.
Built way back around 3500 BC, this Neolithic chambered cairn features a cracking semi-circular court leading into a burial gallery. It's properly old.
Now, that dramatic name? It's pure romance! Local folklore links it to Oisín (Ossian), the legendary Celtic warrior-poet. Even though the tomb is thousands of years older than his time, being up there, high above Glenaan with those breathtaking views of the glen, you can feel the isolation and the sheer weight of Irish history.
It's a fantastic spot for photography and capturing that sense of prehistoric mystery. It’s a cracker.
Douglas Top
Slemish is the obvious attraction in this area but if you really want to see its place in the landscape, Douglas Top is highly recommended.
Standing at 402 metres (1,319 feet), the summit gives you the perfect elevation to frame Slemish, which lies just a couple of miles to the north west.
Your focus here is singular: capturing the magnificent isolation of Slemish as it rises dramatically from the surrounding plains of mid-County Antrim.
Lough Na Cranagh
Another that falls into the category of people visiting the area for other reasons. This beautiful Lough is nestled into the iconic landscape of Fair Head and is a serene bolthole for me when things get hard…
Portcoon
Portcoon is a secluded cove on the North Antrim Coast, located just west of the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site. Its name translates to ‘narrow port’. This quiet spot is famous for the large Portcoon Cave, a prominent sea cavern that can be explored from the landward side, though access is usually limited to low tide..
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GLENDUN IN WINTER
Recently the subject of risks we used to take for our walks came up and it reminded me of this adventure in 2011. The risk wasn’t the walk it was the driving to get there and the driver coming back to pick us up. We all took those risks and were rewarded..
A very quick tea stop at the top of the Glen..
Our view of the route ahead. We pretty much went up the middle..
I was leading, it was hard..
Through bleary eyes and camera lens Trostan appears..
Then the majestic Tievebulliagh..
An epic but very difficult outing that we still talk about to this day…
Please don’t take our lead and take unnecessary risks unless you are prepared for all eventualities..
More Than Just a Walk: Exploring Ireland's Hidden Soul with The Antrim Rambler
Welcome! My name is Nicholas McBride, and if you’re here, you likely share the same profound and perhaps slightly obsessive love for the Irish landscape that I do.
Some people might call me a hiker or a photographer, but for 25 years, I've simply been a Rambler. I've walked more of Northern Ireland than anyone else alive, ever. I know the shortcuts, the secret views, and the moments when the light hits a mountain just right to make it feel moody, strange, and entirely unforgettable.
The Audience Is Ireland
My mission, and the mission of The Antrim Rambler, is simple: to share that intimate, unfiltered experience of this land.
This space isn't just for hillwalkers and seasoned hikers. While we welcome everyone, our audience is truly anyone who loves Ireland. It doesn't matter if you’re chasing a peak or simply dreaming of the coast from the other side of the world; if the sight of a mountain crest meeting the Atlantic sea sends a shiver down your spine, you’re in the right place.
We’re not focused on ticking off trails; we’re focused on the soul of the journey.
Why We Ramble Differently
I grew up on the North Coast and every bit of this land, from the basalt columns of the Antrim Coast to the inspiring heights of Lurigethan Mountain, feels like home. This is where I find my arty dark side coming out in my photography, chasing that perfect, dramatic shot.
This deep, personal connection is what sets our guided walks (led by the legendary Cecil Stirling) apart. We don't just point out landmarks; we connect with the quiet history, and we encourage you to see Ireland not as a tourist destination, but as a living, breathing character.
What you can expect from this blog:
* Behind the Lens: My favourite photography spots, behind the scenes..
* The Rambler’s Journal: Stories and reflections from a lifetime of walking, from my earliest days on the North Coast to the wilder parts of the Donegal Mountains..
* Northern Ireland’s Hidden Gems: The routes and views that aren't plastered across the postcards.
We hope you can follow us on this journey..
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Find Your Edge: Guided Walks Across Northern Ireland's Majestic Peaks
Are you ready to elevate your health, fitness, and total wellness? Join The Antrim Rambler for unforgettable guided walks and top-tier hillwalking experiences across Northern Ireland's most inspiring landscapes.
We specialise in taking you off the beaten path, from the dramatic cliffs of the Antrim Hills to the wild, untouched beauty of the Sperrin Mountains. Challenge yourself by ticking off the revered northern County Tops with our experienced guides. Our tours are carefully curated to blend the physical exhilaration of hiking with a deep appreciation for Ireland's incredible scenery.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a newcomer to the hills, our antrim hills guided walks and other adventures offer a unique chance to connect with the landscape, boost your well-being, and discover why this country is so loved by a global audience. Walk with us and feel the difference..
For Private Guided Walks please get in touch. Some of our more popular private guided walks are Lurigethan Mountain, routes designed around those people that want to do the county tops such as Trostan, Sawel and Errigal and the many beautiful places you can see from all the Irish hills of County Antrim and beyond..
Our regular guided walks are on Eventbrite..
