Antrim Coast in Two Days

We REALLY enjoyed Rathlin Island, but we're partial to puffins. I'd drop Carrick-a-Rede long before Rathlin. I've never understood why people would travel to Ireland to do a rope bridge (or zip line), but then we have both nearby.

I think making it to Derry in two days is easy. Without knowing your larger plan, going beyond Derry would be an option. You might want to includer Dark Hedges (see it before all the trees die!). We were a little disappointed with Giants Causeway (having done Staffa in Scotland) and July will be a zoo of tour buses. Dunluce Castle is excellent, at least in May.

I would want to, and have, overnighted on Rathlin. The island is bigger than physical dimensions suggest. While I freely admit to being an islandphile I think doing an overnight gives you a far better understanding and appreciation of the island.

As already pointed out on your other post, Day 1 as it stands is unworkable. Rathlin Island needs a full day - you do realise that you can't take your car across on the ferry? There are some lovely walks you can do though...

You have plenty to see and do driving from Belfast to Ballycastle. Carrickfergus Castle will take about an hour. Gobbin's Cliff Path will take 2.5-3hours to walk. Each of the glens is different and you really do need to allow time to drive up and down at least two (Glenarm and Glendun for example make a nice loop, but there are others too) to get a real feel for what they are like. Glenariff is my favourite and the Waterfalls walk is well worth doing - allow about 45 minutes..

Giant’s Causeway needs to be seen at low tide when more of the columns are exposed. At high tide it is disappointing. Do climb up behind the Visitor Centre to the cliffs and looking down on the Causeway at the visitors scampering away below like ants... It does make a good day along with Carrick a Rede and Dunluce Castle. I normally freak out on bridges like Carrick a Rede, but am so glad I actually went across it. (Husband had to block the way so I could creep across by myself without anyone bouncing along behind me.)

You could also include Mussenden Temple on a cliff high above the sea and worth visiting for its superb views.

I must admit I can’t see the attraction of Dark Hedges - if it hadn’t been for Game of Thrones, no-one would bother with them.... Just as well we all like different things!

Being realistic you are looking at three days rather than two days if you want to visit Rathlin Island.

We had one hour of dark, stormy weather with lots of lightning when we arrived at Dark Hedges. That made it particularly memorable, and in normal weather, it's just a bunch of old trees. Wasleys is probably right unless it's on your route.

We had one hour of dark, stormy weather with lots of lightning when we arrived at Dark Hedges. That made it particularly memorable

That explains a lot.... anywhere can look dramatic under those conditions!