Major city · United Kingdom
CushendallCois Abhann Dalla
Base here 2 nights with a car: five of the Nine Glens are within 20 min. Without a car, one night on the bus is the limit.
Cushendall is a 1,200-person village on the Antrim coast, at the mouth of the River Dall and the doorway to five of the Nine Glens. It is a base, not a sight: the Curfew Tower takes ten minutes, the glens take two days. Buses run six times a day on weekdays, so a car changes the trip completely.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Jul–Aug (busy coast traffic), Nov–Feb (short days, many closures)
- Airports
- BFS · BHD · LDY
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cushendall999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cushendall, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are single-track glen roads, wet boardwalks at Glenariff and no mobile signal in the valleys.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 or 112 police, fire, ambulance · 101 police non-emergency · 111 NHS non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBFS Belfast International (About 1 h 15 min by car via M2 and A26 to Ballymena, then A43; bus connections need a change at Ballymena.).
- Getting aroundYou need your own wheels for the glens: the main roads have a sparse bus service.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£12–20 (≈ US$16–30)
- BeerPint of beer£5–6 (≈ US$7–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Budget bedHostel or caravan-park cabin bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room£100 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room£150 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £85 (≈ US$120) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BFS Belfast International (About 1 h 15 min by car via M2 and A26 to Ballymena, then A43; bus connections need a change at Ballymena.) · BHD George Best Belfast City (About 1 h 30 min by car; train to Ballymena then Ulsterbus 150.) · LDY City of Derry (About 1 h 30 min by car along the A2 coast road.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Apr (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cushendall: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
13 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
15 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
16 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
15 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need your own wheels for the glens: the main roads have a sparse bus service. Ulsterbus 150 links Ballymena (rail from Belfast) with Cushendall in about 45 min, six times Monday–Friday and three times Saturday; bus 162 runs four times Monday–Saturday from Larne via Carnlough and Glenariff. Driving is on the left; the coast road A2 north to Cushendun and Torr Head is narrow with passing places.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Glenariff Forest Park
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
A43 south to Waterfoot, then Glenariffe Road
Waterfall Walkway is about 3 miles of steps and boardwalk; car park £5, open daily 8:00 to dusk.Waterfall Walkway is about 3 miles of steps and boardwalk; car park £5, open daily 8:00 AM to dusk.
Door to door: About 10 min by car
A2 north, or the old Ballybrack road through Glencorp
Carra Castle ruin and the shore caves; Mary McBride's does food.
Door to door: About 40 min by car
Torr Road north from Cushendun
Single-track with steep drops; clear weather only.
Giant's Causeway and Bushmills
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min by car
A2 coast road via Ballycastle
A full day; pair with Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Door to door: About 50 min by car
A2 south via Glenarm and Carnlough, or bus 162
The Gobbins cliff path is guided and needs a booked slot.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min by car
A2 to Larne then M2, or A43 to Ballymena then M2
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep in Belfast instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village centre (Mill St and Bridge St)
Pubs, Harry's and the takeaways on foot; B&Bs in 18th-century townhouses. Best for a car-free night.
Coast Road south edge
Caravan park and B&Bs 200 m apart, 10–15 min walk to the centre; quieter, sea-facing.
Waterfoot and Glenariff
3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) south, at the foot of Glenariff; pubs and B&Bs, closer to the forest park.1.9–2.5 mi (3–4 km) south, at the foot of Glenariff; pubs and B&Bs, closer to the forest park.
Cushendun
3 km (1.9 mi) north; smaller, one bar with food, good for Glendun and Torr Road.1.9 mi (3 km) north; smaller, one bar with food, good for Glendun and Torr Road.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 2 nights × £100 | £200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £85 | £340 |
| Car hire, one day1 × £45 · book ahead in summer | £45 |
| Glenariff Forest Park car park1 × £5 | £5 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £61 |
| Trip total≈ £168 per person per day, bed included | £671≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in pounds; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £12–20 (≈ US$16–30) |
| Seafood main at Harry's | £16–26 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Pint of beer | £5–6 (≈ US$7–8) |
| Ulsterbus Ballymena to Cushendall, single | £5–7 (≈ US$7–10) |
| Glenariff Forest Park car park | £5 (≈ US$7) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus 150 does not run on Sunday and the last weekday service is early evening: check the timetable before you commit to a car-free stay.
- The glen lanes are single-track with few passing places; do not plan to drive them after dark.
- Coast Road and glen car parks flood with day-trippers on summer weekends; arrive before 10:00.Coast Road and glen car parks flood with day-trippers on summer weekends; arrive before 10:00 AM.
- Mobile coverage has dead patches in the glens even where the map shows 4G or 5G.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999 or 112
- Police non-emergency
- 101
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CushendallCois Abhann Dalla
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999 or 112
- Police non-emergency101
- NHS non-urgent111
Embassy
No embassy in the village: US consulate-general in Belfast, other embassies in London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ulsterbus 150 Ballymena → Cushendall: about 45 min, £5–7 (≈ US$7–10) single
- Taxi Cushendall → Ballymena: £35–50 (≈ US$50–70)
- Car hire, one day: from about £45 (≈ US$60)
Say or show
- Hello — Hello (hel-oh)
- Thanks — Thank you (thanks)
- Please — Please (pleez)
- Where's the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop? (wairz thuh bus stop)
- Do you take card? — Can I pay by card? (doo yuh tayk kahrd)
- Cheers — Cheers (cheerz)
Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants if no service charge is added; not expected in pubs.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cushendall. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Jul–Aug (busy coast traffic), Nov–Feb (short days, many closures) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for BFS and BHD: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: village centre, Coast Road, Waterfoot and Glenariff, Cushendun.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Curfew Tower, Glenariff Waterfall Walkway, Layd Church, Ossian's Grave) and eat pages with last orders.
- Glen lane and coast-road fixtures so gates A–D can go green.