This is where Northern Ireland is at its rawest and most rugged. Venture out here for spectacular views of the Irish Sea and Scottish coastline.
Torr Head is just about as northeast as you can go in Ireland. Not all visitors come out this far, making it all the more special for those who do.
Hire a car and take the rural route that leads out to the headlands. Make your first point of call Ballycastle, where a tourist information centre provides you with maps of the area. This is also a good place to stock up on supplies. There are no amenities at Torr Head itself, so buy enough food and drink to get you through the day.
From Ballycastle, it's about another 20-minute drive to Torr Head. The scenery in this part of Ireland is unparalleled pass forests, ancient cairns (man-made stacks of stone), and a multitude of wildlife and farm animals. There are perpetually beautiful views of the Irish Sea as you drive along the roads around Torr Head. Depending on the weather, this can be bright blue or murky grey. Park up safely and embark on a ramble.
From Torr Head itself, it's often possible to make out the Mull of Kintyre. Immortalised in a song by Wings, this is the south-western-most area of the Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland. The distance between the two landmasses is just 24 kilometres. Take photos of the idyllic views, devour your picnic and watch out for the sea birds which swoop and wheel around this area. If the weather is likely to be inclement, make sure you wrap up warm and know when it will get dark. Also be aware that it gets extremely windy close to the cliff edge.
Torr Head is 21 kilometres off the A2 Highway. If you're planning to stop at Ballycastle (and possibly Cushendun to the south too), factor in a whole day. It’s best to come by car, through the rural roads can make driving slow.
