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Days Out in Cushendall

Cushendall sits at the heart of the Glens of Antrim, with five beaches, forest parks, and coastal walks all within easy reach.

📍37 placeswithin 10 miles
🎟️25 freeno ticket needed
🌊By the seabeaches & coast

The Glenariff Coastal Walk, Cushendun Caves, and Cushendall Beach alone could fill a full family day.

Twenty-five of the 37 places in the area are free — beaches, wildlife spots, coastal paths, and live music at Johnny Joe's McCollam's Bar. Glenariff Forest Park and Watertop Open Farm are the main paid picks for families.

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The best days out near Cushendall

Guide

Cushendun Caves

Free sea caves with a famous film and TV history
Film & TV Free · 3 mi
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Glenariff Forest Park

Woodland walks through a lush Glens of Antrim forest park
Forest & woodland 5 mi
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Waterfoot / Red Bay Beach

Free open beach where Red Bay meets the Antrim coast
Beaches Free · in town
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Watertop Open Farm

Farm-based fun park with hands-on activities for young kids
Funparks 7 mi
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Cushendall Beach

The town beach — free, sandy, and easy to reach
Beaches Free · in town
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Layd Old Church

Free historic ruins just outside Cushendall village
Ruins Free · 1 mi
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Tor Head Seal Viewpoint

Free clifftop viewpoint for spotting seals in the wild
Wildlife watching Free · 8 mi
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Glenariff Coastal Walk

A free coastal walk through one of the Antrim Glens
Coastal walks Free · 1 mi
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Glens of Antrim Distillery

Distilleries in town
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Johnny Joe's McCollam's Bar

Live music venues Free · in town
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Cushendall Sailing & Boating Club

Sailing in town
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Cushendun Beach

Beaches Free · 3 mi
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Cushendun Coastal Snorkel Site

Diving & snorkelling Free · 3 mi
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Cushendun to Torr Head Coastal Walk

Coastal walks Free · 4 mi
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Carnlough Bay Boat Tours

Boat trips 7 mi
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Carnlough Beach

Beaches Free · 7 mi
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Garron Plateau

Wildlife watching Free · 7 mi
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Dunfin Farm

Animals & farms 8 mi
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Straidkilly Nature Reserve

Wildlife watching Free · 8 mi
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Torr Head

Coastal walks Free · 9 mi
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Glenarm Beach

Beaches Free · 9 mi
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Glenarm Castle Land Rover Experience

Driving experiences 9 mi
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Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden

Castles & Estates Free · 9 mi
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Altarichard Forest Stargazing Site

Stargazing & observatories Free · 9 mi
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Murlough Bay

Film & TV Free · 9 mi
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Sheans Horse Farm

Horse riding 10 mi

Curfew Tower

Heritage sites Free · in town

Cushendall Golf Club

Golf courses in town

Red Bay Castle

Ruins Free · 1 mi

Glendun Viaduct

Heritage sites Free · 3 mi

Carra Castle

Ruins Free · 4 mi

Garron Point

Coastal walks 5 mi

Loughareema (The Vanishing Lake)

Wildlife watching Free · 6 mi

Cranny Falls

Forest & woodland 6 mi

Ballycastle Farm Shop

Farm shops 8 mi

Old Coastguard Station

Ruins Free · 8 mi
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Guide

Torr Head Loop

Coastal walks Free · 8 mi

Days out in Cushendall — your questions

What are the best days out in Cushendall?

Cushendun Caves and Glenariff Forest Park are both standouts. Cushendall Beach and Waterfoot / Red Bay Beach are great for a relaxed day by the sea. If you're after wildlife, Tor Head Seal Viewpoint is free and easy to reach. Most of the best options here cost nothing.

What free things are there to do in Cushendall?

Plenty. Cushendall Beach, Cushendun Beach, and Waterfoot / Red Bay Beach are all free. Cushendun Caves, Layd Old Church, and the Glenariff Coastal Walk cost nothing either. Johnny Joe's McCollam's Bar has live music for free. Twenty-five of the 37 places in the area are free.

Where can you go on a rainy day near Cushendall?

Options are limited indoors — this part of Antrim is best in fair weather. Glenariff Forest Park is worth visiting in light rain. Glens of Antrim Distillery is a good indoor stop, and Johnny Joe's McCollam's Bar is a warm, welcoming local option.

What's good for young children near Cushendall?

Watertop Open Farm and Dunfin Farm are the top picks for young children — hands-on animal experiences that little ones tend to love. Cushendall Beach is close to the village and easy for families with toddlers. Glenariff Forest Park also works well for kids who like to explore.

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