Things to do at Islandmagee

The peninsula of Islandmagee on the East Antrim coast is steeped in history and features rolling fields, quiet villages and a dramatic coastline. 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.

Portmuck

On the northwest side of the peninsula, down the hill from the quiet village of Mullaghboy, is the harbour of Portmuck, with its eclectic history of smuggling, fishing and lime production.

A ruined castle gatehouse

Take in views of the Antrim coast, see if you can spot seals and discover the nearby ruins of a castle gatehouse, thought to date from the 11th century.

Bird spotting

Don't forget your binoculars and look towards the Isle of Muck, where seabirds including kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills congregate.

Kittiwake in flight above the sea, photographed from above — Kittiwake soaring along the coast at the Islandmagee peninsula | © National Trust Images/Dougie Holden

Brown’s Bay

Further northeast is the sandy beach of the horseshoe-shaped Brown’s Bay. Around 600 metres from end to end, it’s a great place to take a stroll while you get some sea air.

Lichen-covered rocks pepper the grass leading to a large rocky section of the Portmuck coastline on the Islandmagee peninsula, Country Antrim, Northern Ireland. A grassy headland is visible in the distance. — A rocky section of the Portmuck coastline on the Islandmagee peninsula | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Walk the Gobbins cliff path

South from Skernaghan Point is the Gobbins. This dramatic series of limestone cliffs is over 200 feet high in places and stretches 3–4 miles along the eastern coast of Islandmagee.

The Gobbins cliff path is a popular walking destination. It’s not run by the National Trust but you can contact the Gobbins Visitor Centre for further details.