The Old Bushmills Distillery - the world's oldest licensed distillery
Founded in 1608, the Old Bushmills Distillery has been long renowned for its whiskey, although the Bushmills Old Distillery Company did not form until the late 18th century. The company celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008 with a new Bushmills 1608 whiskey, the same year the Bank of Ireland began to feature the distillery on its new sterling banknotes.
The Giant's Causeway
Just over two miles from Bushmills, the Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Northern Ireland's leading tourist attraction. The rock formations, which include around 40,000 basalt columns, were formed more than 50 million years ago. They are maintained by the National Trust and are also noted for their extensive bird life.
The Causeway coastal walk
One of Britain's most spectacular coastal walks, the Causeway Coast Way is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is known for its striking coves. Besides the Giant's Causeway itself, this coastline also includes the ruins of Dunluce Castle which, despite suffering severe damage in a 17th-century fire, may have been a source of inspiration for one of the great poets and novelists of the 20th century, Belfast-born C. S. Lewis.
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
The Causeway Coastal Walk is also the site of the formidable Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which receives more than a quarter of a million visitors each year and links the mainland to the island known as Carraig a' Ráid (Carrickarede). A bridge has existed at this site for well over three centuries, and the current rope bridge is 30 metres above the rocky ground. Anyone daring enough to venture along this 20-metre crossing can do so for a nominal fee, although it is necessary to cross the bridge again to return to the mainland.
Hotels
For wonderful sea views, consider the elegant Bayview Hotel in the scenic seaside village of Portballintrae. If you're hoping to stay in Bushmills hotels, book a stay at the charming Bushmills Inn, a deluxe four-star hotel with fine views over the valley of the River Bush.
