North Antrim coastline is well known for its sand beaches, sea cliffs and breathtaking views. The special focus of this episode of Lesser Spotted Ulster is Ballintoy, the area surrounding it and the people who call it their home.
Ballintoy, a small village on the Causeway Coastal Route between Ballycastle and the Giant's Causeway, lies about one kilometre from Ballintoy Harbour and is a perfect example of what rural life in this part of the world looks like. Joe Mahon visits a range of local points of interest such as mysterious Sheep Island, Larrybane Stalactite Cave, a holiday destination believed to be very popular amongst Victorian ladies, Whitepark Bay where he joins in on beach casting (with little success) and Portbradden, a picturesque hamlet nestled under the cliffs where Joe talks to a local fisherman about fishnet knitting, salmon and the impact of overfishing.
Joe Mahon also checks in with the new occupants of Bendhu, an eccentric, original and intriguing house which was the creation of a Cornish artist Newton Penprase. Newton started Bendhu in 1936 and continued working at it long after his retirement.
Penprase was not the only artist charmed by the wild beauty of the north coast. Julian and Jill Friers, a painter and a winemaker, also chose to settle down here. Joe joins the couple over a glass of wine to talk about their life and work in the Ballintoy area.