Ballintoy: Coast, Trails and Local History

Ballintoy brings coastal trails, an Early Neolithic monument and distinctive details of the Parish Church together in one travel itinerary. At the Harbour, a specific filming location and a private group tour add to the options. If you’re looking for hotels in Ballintoy, the differences between trail routes, coastal access, architecture and tours can help you choose the focus of your stay.

Coastal trails and access

The section of the Causeway Coast Way from Ballintoy Harbour to Ballycastle is 12.6 km long. The 12.6 km applies to the Ballintoy Harbour–Ballycastle section; access to the Harbour car park is described separately. For the car park at Ballintoy Harbour, the route follows a footpath and a track. The distance answers the question of how long a named section is; the directions to the car park, by contrast, provide guidance at the Harbour. The route guide notes that high tides can affect some coastal sections. Check the tides before setting out.

From Ballintoy Harbour, the Carrick-a-Rede Coastal Walk can be reached via a path leading to the coastal trail. Before setting out, check the conditions at the cliffs, as well as the wind and gradient. The two coastal references answer different planning questions: the Causeway Coast Way has named endpoints and a stated distance, while access from the Harbour to the coastal trail is described for the Carrick-a-Rede Coastal Walk.

Monument and church architecture

The Druid Stone in Ballintoy is a simple passage tomb and an Early Neolithic monument. A passage tomb is a type of tomb with a passage leading to the burial chamber; these two descriptions therefore identify both the monument’s architectural type and its period.

Ballintoy Parish Church sits above the North Antrim coast and within the Ballintoy Conservation Area. A cube sundial is mounted on an elevated corner of the church; one face points south and the other west. The Druid Stone and the church have different points of interest: the monument is notable for its tomb type and period, while the church stands out for its coastal setting and two-faced sundial.

Ballintoy Harbour: filming location and boat tour

Ballintoy Harbour served as the filming location for Lordsport, Pyke’s main harbour, in the series Game of Thrones®. This specifically identifies the harbour’s role in the series.

The private group tour by Ballintoy Boat Tours departs from Ballintoy Harbour on the Causeway Coastal Route. It passes rugged cliffs, hidden caves and secluded beaches; the exact route may vary. The tour offers the chance to spot seals, dolphins and seabirds, although sightings naturally vary. If you plan to take the tour, check current departure times and booking options in advance.

Explore more destinations: Bushmills, Waterfoot, Ballycastle

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