The Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland is without doubt one of the greatest highway journeys on the earth. The 130-mile route from Belfast to Londonderry (Derry) will not be the longest drive on earth however what it lacks in miles it makes up for in spectacular locations to go to. So sit again and calm down as a result of we’re going to present you all the greatest stops on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Having pushed the Causeway Coastal Route 3 times, we’ve seen all the stops on this stunning Irish highway journey. When you go to Northern Ireland, likelihood is you’ll drive at the very least a portion of this well-known scenic route that snakes its means across the Northern Coast.
Stops on the Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is 130 miles lengthy and takes 3-5 days. It begins in Belfast and winds its means counterclockwise via the Antrim Coast ending in Londonderry.
Make positive to take your time as there are such a lot of issues to see and do on the coast highway. We recommend spending 3-5 days driving the Causeway Coastal Route. Trust me, you will have time to benefit from the scenic views, climbing trails, and prime sights.
In 2018, the Causeway Coastal route was voted the Number 1 Region on the earth by Lonely Planet. We give that ThePlanetD seal of approval as properly. Check out our metropolis guides on each Belfast and Londonderry to take advantage of your journey.
Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
If you spend 2 days in Belfast and sooner or later in Derry, you’ve gotten the right 5-day itinerary for Northern Ireland seeing all of its spectacular landscapes, Game of Thrones filming places, and the 9 Glens of Antrim most of that are situated alongside the Causeway Coast.
The coastal causeway route really is the last word Northern Ireland highway journey that highlights the perfect the nation has to supply. We are going to focus on all the greatest stops that will help you select which of the highest sights it’s best to see whereas creating your individual highway journey itinerary.
If you’ve gotten restricted time however nonetheless wish to go to the highest sights alongside the Causeway Coast, you’ll be able to guide this guided tour from Belfast. It’s a full-day tour to the Giant’s Causeway driving via County Antrim and the northern coast of Ireland. You’ll cease on the Dark Hedges, and the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge for photographs. You’ll then go to the wonderful Basalt Columns of the star sights which is usually described because the eighth Wonder of the world earlier than heading again to Belfast with a cease for photographs at Dunluce Castle.
Belfast
Located simply two hours north of Dublin, Belfast is only a hop skip and a soar from probably the most iconic stops on the Causeway Coast. The capital metropolis of Northern Ireland is a good place to make a base or to spend a few days exploring earlier than setting out in your Causeway Coast highway journey.
We stayed on the Ten Square Hotel Belfast and may extremely advocate it. Located immediately throughout from Belfast City Hall, we cherished this resort. We had been inside strolling distance of many sights and the rooms had been trendy and stylish.
There are so many issues to do in Belfast City. You can immerse within the historical past of its most well-known ship on the Titanic Belfast Museum, be taught of The Troubles of Northern Ireland as you tour Shankhill and Falls Roads, or take pleasure in a pint whereas listening to conventional music at one among its many native pubs.
There’s one thing for everybody in Belfast. Even film buffs will love following the trail of the Game of Thrones within the Glass of Thrones or spying on stars at Titanic Studios. Book tickets upfront for Titanic Belfast that features entry to Ocean Exploration Centre and the SS Nomadic. See our full Belfast City Guide for extra info.
If you wish to go to the Causeway Coast on a guided tour from Belfast this widespread Game of Thrones Tour takes you to a number of stops on the coastal route the place you’ll take pleasure in the great thing about the Antrim Coast earlier than hitting the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. During this guided day tour you’ll cease at locations like Carrickfergus Castle, and the 9 Glens of Antrim earlier than seeing the coastal city of Ballycastle. It’s then time to see HBO’s Game of Thrones filming places like Magharmorne Quarry which is the situation of Castle Black and the Dark Hedges to see King’s Road.
On our means out of Belfast, we stopped at Belfast Castle for a closing view overlooking town from its stunning fortress. It is a bit out of town heart, so we waited till we hit the highway to see it and it was the right begin to a visit across the Antrim Coast.
Located in Cavehill Country Park, Belfast fortress stands excessive above Belfast on a hill inside the grounds of Cave Hill Country Park. It is free to enter and inside you’ll be able to tour its rooms and seize a chew to eat on the cafe. There are loads of strolling trails across the fortress and you’ll stroll all the best way to Cave Hill Country Park,
When you go to Ireland, a visit to Belfast is a should. If you’ve gotten a short while, it’s best to guide a Black Taxi Tour to see the murals of Belfast and the neighborhoods of Falls and Shankill Road that had been the epicentre of The Troubles. And see how the Peace Wall is preserving the peace immediately.
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is situated on the Northern Shore of Belfast Lough. There are many castles to select from on the Causeway Coastal Route, and this can be a good choice since will probably be your first cease as soon as you allow Belfast. Carrickfergus Castle has been standing for greater than 800 years and is an instance of one of many greatest preserved medieval constructions in Ireland.
It’s stunning it’s nonetheless standing because it has stood invasions from the English, French, and Scottish armies. It additionally performed a strategic function in World War II. This fortress is so picturesque that it’s a widespread wedding ceremony venue.
Address: Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG, UK
The Gobbins Cliff Walk
The subsequent cease on our Causeway Coastal Route is the Gobbins Cliffwalk. Adrenaline junkies will love following The Gobbins Cliff Path which is a community of walkways and bridges that hugs a dramatic basalt cliff. Take within the extraordinary views of the Irish sea as you cross bridges and enter sunken caves as you cling to sheer cliff faces.
Address: The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL
Slemish mountain
A slight detour off the primary Causeway Coastal Route will take you to an imposing mountain the place legend has it that Saint Patrick Tended Sheep. Located in County Antrim, Slemish Mountain is the place Saint Patrick himself spent 6 years working as a shepherd after his seize.
If you occur to be visiting the Antrim Coast on Saint Patrick’s Day, you’ll be able to be part of a pilgrimage up the mountain the place it’s stated that St. Patrick turned to prayer giving him the braveness to flee. Even in case you aren’t there on Saint Patrick’s Day, a hike to the highest gives stunning views of the Antrim Coast.
Glenarm Castle
You can’t actually see a lot of Glenarm Castle as it’s nonetheless a non-public residence. The McDonnell household has owned the castles since 1636. But vacationers can go to the Walled Garden at Glenarm Castle to take pleasure in its stunning panorama.
The walled backyard was initially created to provide recent fruit and greens to the fortress and neighborhood. Today, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a stroll via the gardens or head out to its forest climbing path adopted by a cease on the restaurant for a slice of recent cake or a lightweight lunch. Glenarm Castle Garden is price a cease because it has been house to the Earls of Antrim for greater than 400 years.
There is a cool auto museum showcasing the household’s modes of transportation over time and one other museum that’s included in your go to making it a pleasant cease on the highway rip.
6 Castle St, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0BD, UK
Glenariff Forest Park
Located within the well-known Glens of Antrim, Glenariff Forest Park is usually thought of probably the most stunning of the 9 Glens of Antrim. Get out into nature to take a stroll to its spectacular waterfalls, tranquil swimming pools, and steep gorges.
Carnlough, from the Irish Carnlach, which means ‘place of cairns’, is a village in County Antrim with a picturesque harbour on the shores of Carnlough Bay. The space gives many alternatives to get out on the ocean and freshwater for some sightseeing or fishing.
The Londonderry Arms Hotel located within the village was inbuilt 1848 as a training inn by Frances Anne Vane Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry, nice grandmother of Winston Churchill. If you wish to spend the evening, this can be a sensible choice.
Directions: Glenariffe Rd, Ballymena BT44 0QX, UK
Torr Head Scenic Route
The Torr Head Scenic Route is a detour from the primary Causeway Coastal Route, however it’s not to be missed. Each time we’ve pushed this highway, it’s been a wild trip via winding surroundings and tough climate, nevertheless it’s been price it.
This drive doesn’t see a whole lot of site visitors due to its slim winding highway however it’s a journey you received’t neglect. We needed to again down a steep slim hill to make room for a big tractor coming our means. From the automotive park, you’ll be able to hike as much as a ruined fort the place you’ll take pleasure in views up and down the Antrim Coast.
Located between Cushendun and Ballycastle, this route takes you as shut as you may get to Scotland and on a transparent day, you’ll be able to see clear over the water to Scotland at solely 12 miles away! You’ll additionally have the ability to spy Fair Head, The Antrim Coast, and Rathlin Island the place you’ll be able to take a ferry to the one inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland.
Address: Ballycastle BT54 6RQ, UK
Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a small village situated alongside the causeway coastal route that dates again to the seventeenth century. It is right here which you could catch the ferry to Rathlin Island. There is a gorgeous 1.2 km lengthy sandy seashore to take a stroll and there are many eating places to seize lunch at throughout your journey across the Causeway Coast.
Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is a well-liked day journey that may be visited through ferry. The island is barely six miles lengthy and one mile broad with a inhabitants of solely 140 folks. What it lacks within the human inhabitants, it makes up for in seabirds. There are greater than 250,000 seabirds that return to breed on the island annually from puffins to kittiwakes and razorbills.
Legend has it that Robert the Bruce took refuge in a cave on Rathlin Island after he was pushed from Scotland by King Edward I of England.
Dark Hedges
The world-famous Dark Hedges are situated on Bregagh Road and are probably the most photographed location in Northern Ireland. It was made much more well-known when HBO’s Game of Thrones popped over to this highway to movie a scene in season 1 the place it was used because the King’s Road.
It isn’t precisely situated on the primary Causeway Coastal Route, however as a result of it’s only a quick detour, we’re including it. This putting scene with 90 Beech bushes lining this highway creating a cover of twisting branches overhead is to not be missed.
The Stuart household planted the bushes within the eighteenth century to welcome company as they approached their Georgian mansion. Today the bushes have grown into one of the vital spectacular views and one of the vital widespread vacationer sights in Northern Ireland.
Read all about it at The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and What you Need to Know
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a must-see cease in your drive alongside the Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary. The panorama alone is one among Northern Ireland’s best. While we had been there, we noticed an infinite basking shark feeding within the waters beneath so be sure that to maintain a watch out for wildlife.
The first rope bridge at Carrick a Rede was as soon as solely utilized by daring fishermen crossing the damaging rope dangling over the ocean. Today the brand new and improved Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge hyperlinks the island of Carrickarede to the mainland in a far much less harmful method. Albeit crossing the rope bridge continues to be a little bit hairraising. It will not be as precarious because it as soon as was, however it’s nonetheless very thrilling.
Visitors who traverse the 30-meter (90 ft) deep rope bridge are rewarded with unimaginable views of the North Coast.
Ballintoy Harbour
Ballintoy Harbour is a picturesque fishing village situated only a quick drive from the Carrick a Rede rope bridge. The waves are highly effective right here creating an awe-inspiring scene. This harbor is so picturesque that the harbour stood in because the Iron Islands within the Game of Thrones. It was used for the scene the place Theon Greyjoy returned to his boyhood house of Pyke on the Iron Islands (Lordsport Harbour) and meets his sister Yara.
Ballintoy comes from the “Baile an Tuaigh” which means “the northern townland” and it undoubtedly feels that means. It is northern, rugged, and wild. In city, you’ll discover an array of small outlets and two church buildings.
We cherished stopping at Ballintoy Harbour as a result of tour buses can’t get down. The slim winding highway makes it an ideal cease away from the crowds. Read extra: A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is probably the most extraordinary sight in all of Northern Ireland and is a geological surprise on the Causeway Coastal Route. If there may be one attraction on the Causeway Coast that you have to see, that is it! This UNESCO World Heritage Site will blow you away as you’re awed by 40,000 hexagonal stone columns which are completely stacked beside one another main out to the ocean. Read extra: The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway – Do You Believe?
You can guide day excursions to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast in case you aren’t doing a self drive across the Causeway Coastal Route. This extremely rated tour takes you to see well-known sights alongside the Antrim coast earlier than reaching the Giant’s Causeway. Places you’ll see en path to the Giant’s Causeway are Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Dark Hedges. Learn concerning the historical past from reside commentary on board.
Legend has it that the Irish Giant, Finn McCool, constructed a large stone causeway to cross the ocean to struggle the Scottish Giant, Bennandoner. It is simple to imagine the legend because it is without doubt one of the most uncommon sights we’ve ever seen. It seems to be as if a large constructed a patio of good stones making a causeway out to sea.
Science tells us that the Giant’s Causeway was truly created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years in the past. As the recent lava flowed to the ocean, the cool water turned them into basalt cliffs completely stacked upon each other. There are a number of climbing trails across the cliff edge and alongside the coast to view the extraordinary sight.
It’s a straightforward stroll right down to the Giant’s Causeway from the automotive park, however shuttles are supplied for these with mobility points. Inside the customer heart is a present store, interpretive heart, cafe, and low store. We recommend staying on the Causeway Hotel to have all of it to your self at dawn and sundown.
You can guide full day excursions to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast to see highlights of the Northern Coast together with the Causeway Coast and Visitor Centre, and Dark Hedges.
Bushmills
Located just some minutes from Giant’s Causeway is the beautiful city of Bushmills. Located on the River Bush, Bushmills was fittingly named after the mills on the river. It dates again to the seventeenth century and has a excessive focus of heritage-listed buildings. It really does really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time.
This can be a preferred base for folks to go to the Giant’s Causeway. While we advocate staying on the Causeway Hotel, Bushmills Hotel is one other glorious alternative. It is extra upscale than the Causeway Hotel with a superb restaurant situated within the coronary heart of city.
Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills Distillery is simply 5 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway and is a good cease on the Causeway Coast. It’s Northern Ireland’s premiere distillery and Ireland’s Oldest working distillery. King James I truly granted the primary distilling license to Bushmills in 1608. You can take a distillery tour to see how Irish Whiskey is produced.
Even in case you don’t wish to take a tour, you’ll be able to enter the customer heart to take pleasure in a little bit of its grounds to see a few of the distilleries and you should purchase premium whiskey at its fundamental store. Dave loves their 16-year-old.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is an deserted medieval fortress situated proper on the north Antrim Coast on northern coast. The fortress was constructed within the thirteenth Century and was inhabited till the late 1600s. You additionally would possibly acknowledge this fortress from the internal sleeve of the Led Zeppelin album, “Houses of the Holy.”
When driving to Dunluce Castle from the Giant’s Causeway, take a cease on the bend within the highway for the right postcard view of the picturesque ruins.
Tours may even be booked to the Causeway Coast from Dublin. This extremely rated tour is the right day journey for folks with restricted time however who nonetheless wish to take pleasure in a few of the prime Northern Ireland locations once they go to Ireland. Visit the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, The Giant’s Causeway and spend a while in Belfast on a guided tour from Dublin.
Magheracross Viewpoint
New to the Causeway Coast is the Maghercross Viewpoint strolling path. We didn’t even know this was right here however we determined to tug over into the car parking zone. It is without doubt one of the greatest views on your entire Causeway Coast and you actually should cease to take pleasure in a stroll alongside its paths main out to 2 lookouts. One seems to be in direction of Dunluce Castle whereas the opposite overlooks Whiterocks seashore. It is right here that the well-known Wishing Arch rock formation as properly. The huge sea cliffs that rival the Cliffs of Moher.
Portrush and Whiterocks Beach
Portrush is one other must-stop on the Causeway Coastal Route. The conventional seaside resort has a stunning outdated city to discover that has loads of lodges, eating places, and bars. Portrush is legendary for its three sandy seashores, the West Strand, East Strand, and White Rocks Beach, and boasts the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club. If you want {golfing}, that is the place to do it, Royal Portrush Golf Club is the one golf membership exterior Great Britain that has hosted The Open Championship.
Just a little bit additional down from the Maghercross is the award-winning Whiterocks Beach which isn’t solely a should for these driving alongside the Causeway Coast, however it’s also a favourite with locals too! The seashore stretches from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle with excessive limestone cliffs jutting up from the sand.
Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is situated within the stunning environment of Downhill Demesne close to Castlerock in County Londonderry. The temple is dramatically perched on a 120 ft. cliff prime, excessive above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Ireland. It is run by the National Trust and if you stroll via its grounds from the ruined mansion to the cliff, you’ll be handled to spectacular in each instructions.
Mussenden Temple is yet one more excessive lookout situated on the coast that was used as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones. Built within the 18th Century by Earl Bishop, the temple and 120-foot tower is a good spot from which to look out to sea. When strolling alongside the seashore at Benone Strand, you’ll be handled to a postcard view.
Benon Strand
Another stunning seashore on the opposite facet of the Mussenden Temple is Benon Strand. To attain the seashore from the automotive park, you want to take the tunnel underneath the prepare tracks of The Derry Colerain Railway that travels between Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine. Benone Strand is taken into account one among Ireland’s most stunning and unspoiled seashores and a stroll alongside this lengthy sandy stretch is a should.
Gortmore Scenic Viewpoint
If you haven’t had sufficient spectacular views in your causeway coastal route itinerary, observe The Bishop’s Road from Downhill to Derry, for this detour off the Causeway Coastal Route. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see all the best way to Donegal and the islands of Islay and Jura off the west coast of Scotland.
We spent an excessive amount of time on the seashore on our final journey right here and had been itching to get to Derry, so we skipped this view, however you’ll be able to hop on it at Benon Strand for an additional gorgeous coast highway drive.
Derry (Londonderry)
Derry is our finish level of the Causeway Coastal route itinerary and is a superb metropolis to spend at the very least one full day. Stay at The Hotel Maldran Derry and park your automotive as you discover the historic sights of this vibrant metropolis.
Derry is the one remaining fully walled metropolis in Ireland and one of many best examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Built between 1613 and 1618, the partitions had been constructed as a protection towards English and Scottish invasions. You can stroll across the 1.5 km of preserved partitions taking in all of the sights.
Make positive to go to the neighborhood of Free Derry to be taught all about The Troubles that engulfed Northern Ireland in civil unrest. A guided tour is very beneficial to see the Murals of Derry,
Derry is simple to get round and in case you keep within the metropolis heart, you’ll be able to simply stroll to all the highest sights of this vibrant metropolis. A strolling tour of the metropolis is a superb solution to be taught concerning the historical past, tradition, and politics of Northern Ireland.
How to Get to the Causeway Coastal Route
The causeway coast highway begins in Belfast and snakes its means across the north of the nation on a scenic coast highway via County Antrim. It passes via the 9 glens of Antrim, The Giant’s Causeway and
How to Get To Belfast
We drove to Belfast from Dublin as it is just a two-hour drive between the cities. There are even day excursions that may take you from Dublin do you have to solely have a brief period of time.
You may also get to Belfast by bus and prepare. There is a direct prepare that connects Dublin from Dublin Connolly and arrives at Belfast Central. International vacationers will fly into Belfast International Airport the place you’ll be able to lease a automotive to start your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary on the airport.
If you’re flying from Europe or wherever inside the United Kingdom, you’ll land at George Best Belfast City Airport which is situated simply 5 minutes from Belfast City Centre.
How to Get Around the Coast Road
The greatest solution to get across the Causeway Coastal Route is the lease a automotive rent and revel in your individual highway journey. You can then discover all the prime sights at your individual tempo.
You may also guide day excursions on Get Your Guide. There are loads of stops on the Causeway Coastal Route which you could guide from Belfast.
We as soon as discover the Causeway Coastal Route with Paddywagon Tours and had a good time.
Where is the Causeway Coast
The majority of the causeway coastal route is situated in County Antrim. County Antrim is one among six counties in Northern Ireland. Within County Antrim, you’ll discover the Glens of Antrim, The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Portrush, and Belfast.
Our journeys alongside the Causeway Coastal Route have been in partnership with Northern Ireland. For extra info on County Antrim, Causeway coastal sights, and data on the Antrim coast, go to their web site.