Glenariff with its magnificent scenery richly deserves its title "Queen of the Glens". It lies in the heart of the world famous Nine Glens of Antrim, a designated "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". Glenariff is a perfect U-shaped valley, whose sides are rocky precipices rising to wild moorland.

In the Glen lies one of the most popular Forest Parks in the country, while at the coast is the golden one mile (1.5Km) curve of Waterfoot Beach. The beach offers car parking, picnic area and a children's play park. The river flowing down the valley is fed by streams which fall hundreds of metres over the cliffs. At the bottom of the Glen lies the quaint little village of Waterfoot, where you can sample the perfect Guinness stout or joint in the traditional music and 'craic'. Is it any wonder visitors have been coming for over a century to this jewel of the North?

The landscape of today is the result of the work of generations of farmers whose descendants still use and protect the land. In Glenariff the distinctive pattern of ladder farms running up the valley sides gives each farm an equal share of lowland, glen-side and hill-ground. In spring the lambs wander through acres of bluebells like blue vapour rising from the grass, while later the yellow of the gorse (whins) and the red flowers of the fuchsia are a magnet for photographers.

Garron Plateau has the most extensive area of blanket bog in Northern Ireland and is a special conservation area. It is one of the most precious sites in the European Union.

The Antrim Coast Road, possibly the most scenic route in the British Isles, opened up the Glens to the rest of the country but they still have their own unique atmosphere, folklore and traditions. It used to be easier to cross the narrow seas to Scotland than to travel inland and many local family names have Scottish links. The distinctive ruin of Red Bay Castle is a reminder of the McDonnells, Lords of the Scottish Isles who became landlords of the Glens, and Earls of Antrim now residing at nearby Glenarm Castle. But the Glens are Irish and the last native Irish speaker died in Glenariff as recently as 1983. Today the traditions are carried on in Irish festivals, the sport of hurling, music and dancing, the friendliness of the people.

Glenariff is a welcoming Glen that hold hundreds of delights for visitors enjoying history, stunning scenery, friendly people and stirring music.