Best attractions and places to see around Rathsherry, a locality in Northern Ireland, feature diverse natural landscapes. The area is situated near the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing access to coastal features and inland trails. Visitors can explore remnants of ancient volcanoes and scenic country lanes. The region offers opportunities for exploring natural monuments and viewpoints.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Slemish Mountain is the remnant of an extinct volcano near Ballymena on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. Its summit rises to 437m, offering hikers beautiful views of the surrounding area and even the Scottish coast. Legend says that St. Patrick found God here after being enslaved as a youth and forced to herd sheep in the area. After escaping, he later returned to the area as a priest to convert his old master. Therefore, hundreds of people hike the 1.5km circular trail to the summit, especially on St. Patrick's Day (March 17). The 180m climb is rocky and steep and can be dangerous, especially in bad weather, so all hikers should be equipped for the rapidly changing weather conditions.
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Beautiful to look at, the river is more than fascinating
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These peaceful winding country lanes just above Glenariff Forest are a perfect spot for a walk if you'd prefer to avoid the crowds. Enjoy delightful scenes across the beautiful Antrim County, as well as glimpses to the coastline and across the Irish Sea.
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You can see that it hasn't rained in 4 weeks
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The Rathsherry area, situated near the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers diverse natural landscapes. You can discover waterfalls, remnants of ancient volcanoes, and scenic country lanes. Notable features include the Waterfall in Antrim Coast & Glens AONB and Slemish Mountain, an extinct volcano.
Yes, Slemish Mountain is a prominent viewpoint, offering expansive views of the surrounding area and even the Scottish coast from its 437m summit. Additionally, the Winding Roads Above Glenariff Forest provide peaceful spots with delightful scenes across Antrim County, including glimpses of the coastline and the Irish Sea.
Yes, Slemish Mountain holds significant historical and legendary importance. Legend states that St. Patrick found God here after being enslaved and forced to herd sheep. This makes it a popular pilgrimage site, especially on St. Patrick's Day.
The Rathsherry area is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, running, and road cycling. For detailed routes, explore the guides for Hiking around Rathsherry, Running Trails around Rathsherry, and Road Cycling Routes around Rathsherry.
Yes, the region offers a variety of hiking trails. For example, the Hiking around Rathsherry guide includes routes like the 'River Braid loop from Broughshane' which is easy, 'Glenariff Forest Park Scenic Trail' which is moderate, and more challenging options like the 'Glenariff Forest – Glenariff Forest loop from Cargan'.
While the region can be enjoyed year-round, summer offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Spring and autumn also provide beautiful scenery, though weather conditions on exposed areas like Slemish Mountain can change rapidly, requiring appropriate gear.
Many of the natural attractions and trails around Rathsherry can be enjoyed by families. While specific 'family-friendly' categories are not listed for all highlights, exploring areas like the Waterfall in Antrim Coast & Glens AONB or easier sections of the hiking trails can be suitable for families. Always check the difficulty and length of routes beforehand.
Many outdoor areas in Northern Ireland are dog-friendly, especially on trails and in natural parks, provided dogs are kept under control, often on a leash. When visiting specific attractions or nature reserves, it's always best to check local signage or official websites for any restrictions.
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area. The Waterfall in Antrim Coast & Glens AONB is noted for its beautiful natural sight, and the Winding Roads Above Glenariff Forest are loved for their peaceful atmosphere and scenic views, away from crowds.
Yes, the Winding Roads Above Glenariff Forest are described as peaceful country lanes, perfect for a walk if you prefer to avoid crowds while still enjoying delightful scenes across Antrim County and glimpses of the coastline.
For more information about the Antrim Coast & Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which encompasses many attractions around Rathsherry, you can visit the official DAERA website: daera-ni.gov.uk.


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