RATHLIN WEST LIGHTHOUSE

Known as Ireland’s only “upside down” lighthouse, views from the vantage point of this County Antrim cliff-face are pretty incredible. Built between 1912 and 1917, this is one of three lighthouses on the island, but the legend behind this one is special. It was in a cave underneath the West Lighthouse that Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is said to have learned the gift of perseverance from a tiny spider, thus sealing his determination to return to his homeland of Scotland in the 1300s. The arachnids aren't the only wild occupants of Rathlin: a colony of energetic seals at Mill Bay and the razorbills, puffins and kittiwakes of the RSPB Seabird Centre make this a wildlife lover's paradise. Catch the ferry from Ballycastle to tour the island, and should a bed and a pint be required, you won't be short of accommodation and a pub or two.

Not only are you on the magnificent Causeway Coastal Route, you can whip out your broadsword with a visit to HBO's Game of Thrones® filming locations – Larrybane, Ballintoy Harbour and Murlough Bay.