WATCH: 32 hours in Antrim, Northern Ireland

Welcome to Northern Ireland's stunning County Antrim - home to the Giant's Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, the lovely seaside town of Portrush, some of the most delicious seafood you'll ever try, and so much more. 

Travel writer Nadia El Ferdaoussi joined IrishCentral on a jaunt to County Antrim right as The 148th Open was underway in 2019 at the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Club, the first time The Open had been hosted there since 1951. 

Nadia kicked off her 32 hours in Portrush and then headed to the Bushmills Distillery, which has the distinction of being the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery! Tour guide Niall Mehaffey regaled her with the distillery's fascinating history and poured some samples. 

Up next were the glorious beaches of Portrush. The resort town is blessed with three - East Strand, West Strand, and White Rocks. 

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Portrush, County Antrim. (Ireland's Content Pool)

For dinner, she headed to Harry's Shack, which sits right on the beach in the neighboring town of Portstewart. Serving up fish right from local fishing boats, Harry’s carefully constructed menu features dishes ranging from fish of the day cooked on the bone, to gourmet constructions, to the classic fish and chips.

Day two began at Portrush's Arcadia Beach Cafe before Nadia ventured to Dunluce Castle, the dramatic cliff-side castle ruins near the lost town of Dunluce.

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Dunluce Castle, County Antrim. (Ireland's Content Pool)

For an adventure-filled day, Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens Sean Bateson also recommends the Giant's Causeway, Ballycastle, and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. 

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View of Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, County Antrim. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Then conclude your trip the right way, just like Nadia - with a pint, music, and the company of locals at a pub!

Find more inspiration for what to do on a trip to County Antrim on Ireland.com.

Proudly produced in partnership with Tourism Ireland.

*Originally published August 2019. Updated May 2023.