To witness the drama of Ireland's Causeway Coast and Glens is to walk with the ancient spirits of its deep glens, forests, gardens and country parks. Experience a unique blend of majesty and sheer beauty. You won't just walk or drive through this land: you will take a journey of the spirit.

Here are a few of the gardens and country parks to visit on your next vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations:

Benvarden Gardens

The Walled Garden at Benvarden has been in existence since 1788, when it is shown on a map of the estate. There are rose beds, long herbaceous borders and a very fine kitchen garden. Also a small lake and woodland walks, and a tea room.

The Walled Garden of Glenarm Castle
Dating from the 18th century, the Walled Garden of Glenarm Castle is one of the odlest in Ireland. Beautiful in all seasons, the garden is open from May through September. The Tea Room is open daily from Easter until mid-October.

Altarichard
There are two way-marked hill walks at Altarichard on the scenic route between Magherahoney and Cushendall. The Milibern and Breen forest trails, collectively known as Croaghan Way. Walkers can enjoy these challenging circular upland routes taking in the summit at Croaghan Way. Walkers can enjoy these challenging circular upland routes taking in the summit at Croaghan from which magnificent panoramic views to Rathlin Island and Scotland can be seen.

Ballyrobert Cottage Garden and Nursery
A specialist nursery stocked with a wealth of cottage garden plants is open to the public. Tea making facilities are available for visitors. Ballyrobert Cottage Garden is a beautiful and unique Ulster Cottage Garden. The garden extending to 6 acres is designed around an historic 17th century landscape, with the original cottage and barn being key features.

Monstown Wood
A little over a mile of pathway will lead you on your journey through a mix of habitats, including grassland, mixed woodland and recently planted woodland. The Three Mile Water River meanders alongside the new woodland and winds in to meet you at certain parts of the journey. Walkers can keep an eye open for dragonflies, damselflies, bluebells, bats and buzzards.

Hazelbank and Jordanstown Parks
Providing some of the best shoreline walks and cycle paths around Belfast Lough. In addition, the 9 mile Millenium Way is a unique recreational path which links many of the villages edging the lough from Whitehouse to Whiteabbey.

Riverside Park
The majority of the town's Highway to Health passes through the forty acres of open parjland in the heart of Ballymoney town. The park offers riverside walks, cycle paths, lake with ducks, children's play area and a band stand.

Carnfunnock Country Park
Country Park consisting of 191 hectacres of mixed woodland, colorful gardens, walking trails and coastline. Attractions include walled garden with unique sundials and maze.

The Landscape Center
The Landscape Center is a family owned award winning garden center in beautiful histroic Donegore. Enjoy home cooking and our famous lemon meringue pie in our 120 seat coffee shop overlooking Donegore Moat. Climb to the top of the Moat and enjoy spectacular views of the 6 counties of Ulster.

Carnmoney Hill
One of a chain of hills, steeped in history and folklow. Manager by the Woodland Trust, these 70 hectacres of land - grassland, wetland and woodland - are a honeypot for wildlife, including the long-eared owl, sparrowhawk and Irish hare.

Roe Valley Country Park
Beautiful riverside walks await the visitor here as well as a countryside museum. Variet of walks to suit all levels. Walks available year round.