Glenariff: The Queen’s Glens and Waterfall Wonders
Nestled deep within the spectacular Glens of Antrim, Glenariff, often dubbed “The Queen of the Glens,” offers a truly awe-inspiring stop for motorbike tourists seeking dramatic landscapes and exhilarating rides in Northern Ireland. This majestic U-shaped valley, carved by glaciers, is a haven of natural beauty and an unmissable highlight of the Causeway Coastal Route.
The star attraction is Glenariff Forest Park, which provides a fantastic backdrop for a break from riding. Park your bike and embark on the renowned Waterfall Walk. This approximately 3-kilometre trail winds through a designated National Nature Reserve, leading you past a series of stunning waterfalls, tranquil pools, and ancient woodland. The carefully reconstructed boardwalk allows for incredible views of the rocky gorges and abundant plant life. There are several other trails of varying lengths if you wish to extend your leg-stretching. The winding roads within the Glens themselves offer some of the most enjoyable and scenic riding in Northern Ireland, with panoramic views around every bend.
While Glenariff Forest Park has a tea house/café (Glenariff Teahouse) within the park, offering light lunches, snacks, and refreshments with magnificent views, options immediately outside the park are limited due to its secluded nature. However, the charming Laragh Lodge Restaurant, also located within the forest park at the bottom of the famous walks and waterfalls, offers hearty meals in a unique setting. For a wider choice, the nearby coastal villages of Waterfoot or Cargan (just a few miles away) offer local pubs and food stores. Glenariff promises a truly immersive experience in Northern Ireland’s natural grandeur, making it an unforgettable and refreshing stop on your motorbike adventure.
Glenariff: The Queen’s Glens and Waterfall Wonders
Nestled deep within the spectacular Glens of Antrim, Glenariff, often dubbed “The Queen of the Glens,” offers a truly awe-inspiring stop for motorbike tourists seeking dramatic landscapes and exhilarating rides in Northern Ireland. This majestic U-shaped valley, carved by glaciers, is a haven of natural beauty and an unmissable highlight of the Causeway Coastal Route.
The star attraction is Glenariff Forest Park, which provides a fantastic backdrop for a break from riding. Park your bike and embark on the renowned Waterfall Walk. This approximately 3-kilometre trail winds through a designated National Nature Reserve, leading you past a series of stunning waterfalls, tranquil pools, and ancient woodland. The carefully reconstructed boardwalk allows for incredible views of the rocky gorges and abundant plant life. There are several other trails of varying lengths if you wish to extend your leg-stretching. The winding roads within the Glens themselves offer some of the most enjoyable and scenic riding in Northern Ireland, with panoramic views around every bend.
While Glenariff Forest Park has a tea house/café (Glenariff Teahouse) within the park, offering light lunches, snacks, and refreshments with magnificent views, options immediately outside the park are limited due to its secluded nature. However, the charming Laragh Lodge Restaurant, also located within the forest park at the bottom of the famous walks and waterfalls, offers hearty meals in a unique setting. For a wider choice, the nearby coastal villages of Waterfoot or Cargan (just a few miles away) offer local pubs and food stores. Glenariff promises a truly immersive experience in Northern Ireland’s natural grandeur, making it an unforgettable and refreshing stop on your motorbike adventure.