Cushendun
A coastal village in County Antrim listed with the National Trust, Cushendun captivates with its red sandstone caves, cottages of Cornish-inspired architecture and panoramic views across the Irish Sea to Scotland.
Cushendun is a small coastal village in County Antrim, nestled at the mouth of the River Dun on the coast of the Glens of Antrim Peninsula. Listed as a National Trust property, it stands out for its whitewashed cottages inspired by Cornish design, its red sandstone cliffs and its sea caves. It is also a recognisable filming location for fans of Game of Thrones.
Practical information at a glance
- Access: village accessible by car via the Coastal Route A2 (Causeway Coastal Route)
- Parking: public car park available in the village
- Recommended duration: 1 to 2 hours for the village, caves and beach
- Beach and caves access: free, accessible on foot from the village centre
What to see
The village is centred on a main square lined with white cottages built in the 1920s by architect Clough Williams-Ellis for the Countess of Ronaldshay. The pebble and sand beach stretches at the foot of the cliffs. The red sandstone caves, carved into the cliff face by the sea, are accessible at low tide. The River Dun runs through the village before joining the sea.
History and context
Cushendun is part of the Glens of Antrim, nine steep-sided valleys that descend to the sea. The village's current character owes much to Maud Bolitho, Countess of Ronaldshay, who commissioned Clough Williams-Ellis — better known for Portmeirion village in Wales — to design the cottages in the 1920s. The entire ensemble is now protected by the National Trust.
Highlights of the visit
The sandstone caves
These natural cavities carved into the red sandstone cliff are accessible from the beach. They served as a filming location in Game of Thrones for the Lands of Shadow scene. The light here is particularly striking in late morning.
The National Trust cottages
The architectural ensemble of the main square is rare in Northern Ireland. The white facades, slate roofs and well-tended gardens form a coherent whole, photographed from the main road or from the beach.
The beach and estuary
The beach combines pebbles and fine sand. The estuary of the Dun attracts coastal birds. On clear days, views extend to Scotland and the Isle of Kintyre.
Photography tips
Morning light illuminates the white cottage facades from the east. The caves are best photographed at low tide in late morning. For views of the sea and Scotland, position yourself on the heights north of the village. Check tide conditions before approaching the caves.
Location and access
Cushendun sits on the Causeway Coastal Route (A2), about 25 km north of Larne and roughly fifty kilometres from Belfast. The road hugs the coast and passes through the villages of Cushendall and Waterfoot in turn before reaching Cushendun. There is no direct rail link; a car remains the most practical option. Ulsterbus services connect the Antrim coast from Ballymena and Larne, with stops in the Glens villages.
Nearby
- Cushendall — neighbouring village in the Glens of Antrim, departure point for hiking towards Glenariff.
- Glenariff Forest Park — forest park with waterfalls and marked trails, known as the "Queen of the Glens".
- Fair Head — basalt cliffs towering over 150 metres above the sea, with views of Rathlin Island and Scotland.
- Ballycastle — coastal town with ferry to Rathlin Island, market and lively waterfront.
Frequently asked questions
The caves are accessible on foot from the beach, but only at low or mid-tide. Check local tide tables before your visit to avoid being cut off.
Yes. The sandstone caves served as a filming location for the Lands of Shadow in the series. The site is recognisable to fans, but remains a natural location with no particular thematic development.
From May to September, days are long and weather is more clement. The village remains accessible year-round, but winter storms can make the beach and caves difficult to access.
Yes. The Causeway Coastal Route allows you to link Cushendun, Ballycastle, Fair Head and the Giant's Causeway in one day from Belfast, provided you set off early and limit stops.
The village has a pub and a few bed-and-breakfast options. For a wider choice, Cushendall or Ballycastle, a few kilometres away, offer more services.
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