Authentic Explorations

Sea cliffs drop into the North Atlantic, green glens fold into one another, and villages appear like small pockets of shelter between mountain and shore, the Glens of Antrim feel like Northern Ireland at its most cinematic. Set along the Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, this region is known for nine distinct glens that run from the Antrim Plateau down toward the coast, blending wild scenery with deep folklore and a strong rural identity.

Each glen has its own character, from broad, pastoral valleys to steeper, more dramatic cuts through the hills. The area around Glenariff is especially celebrated for forest trails and waterfalls, where streams tumble through mossy woodland and footbridges lead to shaded viewpoints. Higher up, the plateau opens into wide, windswept country, while the coastline delivers constant sea views, sometimes calm and blue, sometimes slate-grey and roaring.

The Glens are also rich in story. Local legends and Irish-language place names thread through the landscape, and small churches, stone cottages, and family farms keep the region feeling lived-in rather than staged. In villages like Cushendall and Cushendun, you’ll find a slower pace and a sense of community that suits the setting, warm conversations, local crafts, and evenings that settle in early when the weather turns.

This is an ideal region for active days without a rigid itinerary. Drive the coastal roads for viewpoints and beaches, follow walking routes through the valleys, or take short detours to ruined towers and hidden harbors. The area also pairs naturally with nearby highlights like the Giant’s Causeway and cliff walks along the north coast, making it easy to build a route that mixes nature, history, and sea air.

Food here leans hearty and local, seafood when it’s fresh, comforting soups, brown bread, and dishes built for cool weather and long walks. In the evenings, you’ll often see the familiar Northern Irish ritual: a pint of stout or ale by the fire, or a small pour of Irish whiskey, enjoyed slowly as the glens go quiet outside.

📸: entdecke_irland

Stone steps climb toward hilltop sanctuaries, church bells echo through leafy squares, and cafés stay busy long into the afternoon, Braga carries a quiet confidence that feels distinctly northern Portuguese. Set in Portugal’s northwest in the Minho region, it’s one of the country’s oldest cities, known for its deep religious heritage, elegant architecture, and a lively student energy that keeps the streets feeling current.

The historic center is compact and atmospheric. Baroque façades, tiled buildings, and shaded arcades frame plazas where locals gather, and churches appear around corners with surprising frequency, Braga’s nickname as a “city of churches” is earned. The Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga) stands among the most important landmarks, with layers of Romanesque and Gothic history woven into its interior and cloisters.

Then there’s the city’s most iconic pilgrimage site: Bom Jesus do Monte, perched above Braga with its dramatic zigzag staircase and sweeping views over the surrounding valley. Reaching the top feels like a ritual, whether you climb the steps slowly, ride the historic funicular, or arrive at sunset when the light softens across the hills. Nearby, Sameiro Sanctuary adds another panoramic hilltop stop, especially meaningful during religious festivals and local celebrations.

Braga isn’t only solemn and historic, it’s social. University life brings galleries, small music venues, and a strong café culture, while markets and festivals fill the calendar with color, processions, and regional pride. In spring and summer, the city can feel especially alive, with outdoor dining and evening strolls turning the center into a shared living room.

Food in Braga leans hearty and northern: slow-cooked meats, soups, and dishes built around local produce. The Minho region is also famous for Vinho Verde, a light, crisp white wine that pairs naturally with seafood and simple plates, and many people finish the night with an espresso or a small glass of local liqueur as the city settles into its evening calm.

📸: kristy_bredova