With a few days’ holiday to enjoy, Boris and I braved the rain yesterday and took a trip with my parents along the beautiful Antrim coast , ending up in Glenarm, a village that sits in the southernmost of the nine Glens of Antrim. It forms part of the stunning Causeway Coastal route that winds from Belfast to the Giants Causeway and beyond.
To be honest, I’m not sure why I left it so long to visit Glenarm again (it must be 20 years since I was last there) because it is such a pretty village, full of architectural and historical interest as well as beautiful views to the headlands that jut out around the coast. Thankfully the sun came out in the afternoon and we had a lovely time walking along the shingly beach, enjoying an ice cream, talking to tourists and taking in the sights.
Here are a few of the things that caught my eye…
The Glenarm Bridge…constructed in 1823, widened in 1921 and refurbished in 2009, with idyllic views up river to the Barbican Gate
I loved the cheerful red door on the Old Schoolhouse – built in 1825 by the Earl of Antrim at a cost of £500 using sandstone brought in from Scotland.
The windows in St Patrick’s Church….I think these are gothic in style.
The Vennel – one of the prettiest streetscapes I’ve seen in a while. Vennel is a Scottish term meaning ‘a narrow lane or passage between buildings’ and reflects the close trading links between Glenarm and Scotland.
The Barbican Gate entrance to Glenarm Castle, built in 1825 from local basalt. It is now leased by the Irish Landmark Trust who have turned it into holiday accommodation. I would love to stay here for a weekend.
A little wildflower garden growing near the roadside…
And last, but by no means least, the view out to sea. Stunning as always.
Hopefully the pictures gave you a little taster of this lovely place – definitely worth a stopover as you drive around our beautiful coastline. You can learn more about Glenarm on this excellent website – Glenarm Heritage
