The best cycling routes around Little Ballymena

Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.

Affectionately known as ‘The Pencil’ The granite tower was built in 1887 as a memorial to James Chaine, the Harbour's developer. It's an accurate replica of an Irish Round Tower and was converted into a lighthouse by the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1899. Has stood like a sentinel over the Lough ever since.

Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.

Islandmagee is steeped in history and features rolling hills, quiet villages and a dramatic coastline. Its great cycling, for such a small wee Island it packs a punch, with vistas at every turn. You can walk the spectacular limestone cliffs of the Gobbins or stroll along the sandy beach at Brown’s Bay. Spot seals and seabirds by the harbour of Portmuck. And take in the views across the Irish Sea at Skernaghan, Islandmagee’s northernmost point.

These impressive arches of reinforced concrete where first used in 1934. The main viaduct is 630ft long, 70ft at its highest and has ten arches. There are three viaducts carrying the lines from Belfast to Ballymena / Londonderry and Larne Harbour across the Three Mile Water and Valentine’s Glen, to the north of Whiteabbey station.

For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. Nestled on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Unlike many other castles of this era, Carrickfergus Castle sits in excellent condition. In fact, despite being besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, and playing an important military role until 1928, it's one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland, and the only preserved castle of its age open to the public.

Antrim Castle Gardens are an absolute historical gem. You will find nothing like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Walk into the past as you stroll around this magnificent setting, visiting beautiful features such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond. Within the heart of the Gardens is a unique visitor experience, the refurbished Clotworthy House. Visit the Garden Heritage Exhibition where you can read about the history of the Gardens and the story of the Massereene family. It provides a fantastic opportunity to come and learn about garden history how the lives of the key family members intertwine with the development of Antrim town and the surrounding areas.

Great Climb and worth it. Divis and the Black Mountain are the highest points boasting views across the north. Divis or Dubhais meaning ‘black ridge’ refers to the dark basalt bedrock. The Mountains rest in the heart of the Belfast Hills and provide a backdrop to the cities landscape. A mosaic of grassland and heathland bog, they are home to a host of wildlife and archaeological remains. Divis stands at 478 metres (1,562ft) and Black Mountain at 390 metres (1,275ft)