Antrim

Antrim's dining scene is bigger and more varied than its size might suggest, with hundreds of restaurants listed across the town and its surrounding villages. You'll find everything from Castle Kitchen and The Old Post Office to reliable stalwarts like China Garden, plus pub food at The Mariners Bar and THE PHEASANT. Out towards the coast road, The Pantry @ The Dark Hedges makes a good stop if you're combining a meal with sightseeing, and the Causeway Business Lounge gives travellers a useful spot for something more low-key.

Antrim sits close to Belfast Lough and Belfast International Airport, which makes it a practical base whether you're starting a trip through County Antrim or just passing through. The town itself has a working, everyday feel, with Six Mile Water running through it and easy links out to the wider countryside and coast.

There's enough to fill a few days beyond the table. Castlewood Tree Top Adventure is a good option for families wanting to get outdoors, while World of Owls offers something a little different for anyone curious about birds of prey. Laganvale Farm Pumpkin Days brings a seasonal draw for those visiting in autumn, and Portrush Sea Tours gives a taste of the Causeway coast if you're happy to travel a little further afield.

Altogether, Antrim works well as a base that's equally suited to a short stopover or a longer stay, with its restaurants doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Between farm-based days out, tree-top courses and a wide spread of places to eat, it's a town that rewards a bit of local exploring rather than a single big attraction.