The Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland is just one of the very best journey worldwide. The 130-mile path from Belfast to Londonderry (Derry) might not be the lengthiest drive in the world however what it does not have in miles it offsets in amazing locations to see. So kick back and also unwind since we are mosting likely to reveal you every one of the very best quits on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Having driven the Causeway Coastal Route 3 times, we have actually seen every one of the quits on this lovely Irish trip. When you see Northern Ireland, opportunities are you will certainly drive at the very least a section of this popular beautiful path that snakes its method around the Northern Coast.
Stops on the Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is 130 miles long and also takes 3-5 days. It begins in Belfast and also winds its method counterclockwise with the Antrim Coast finishing in Londonderry.
Make certain to take your time as there are numerous points to see and also do on the shore roadway. We recommend investing 3-5 days driving the Causeway Coastal Route. Trust me, you will certainly desire time to take pleasure in the panoramas, treking tracks, and also leading destinations.
In 2018, the Causeway Coastal path was elected the Number 1 Region worldwide by Lonely Planet. We consider that ThePlanetD seal of authorization too. Check out our city overviews on both Belfast and also Londonderry to maximize your journey.
Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
If you invest 2 days in Belfast and also someday in Derry, you have the excellent 5-day travel plan for Northern Ireland seeing every one of its amazing landscapes, Game of Thrones recording areas, and also the 9 Glens of Antrim the majority of which lie along the Causeway Coast.
The seaside embankment path really is the best Northern Ireland trip that highlights the very best the nation needs to use. We are mosting likely to highlight every one of the very best quits to assist you select which of the leading destinations you need to see while developing your very own trip travel plan.
If you have actually restricted time however still intend to see the leading destinations along the Causeway Coast, you can reserve this directed excursion from Belfast. It’s a full-day tour to the Giant’s Causeway driving with County Antrim and also the north shore of Ireland. You’ll quit at the Dark Hedges, and also the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge for pictures. You’ll after that see the incredible Basalt Columns of the celebrity destinations which is commonly called the 8th Wonder of the globe prior to heading back to Belfast with a quit for pictures at Dunluce Castle.
Belfast
Located simply 2 hrs north of Dublin, Belfast is simply a jump miss and also a dive from one of the most renowned quits on the Causeway Coast. The funding city of Northern Ireland is an excellent area to make a base or to invest a number of days checking out prior to establishing out on your Causeway Coast trip.
We remained at the Ten Square Hotel Belfast and also can very suggest it. Located straight throughout from Belfast City Hall, we liked this resort. We were within strolling range of numerous destinations and also the areas were modern-day and also posh.
There are numerous points to do in Belfast City. You can submerse in the background of its most popular ship at the Titanic Belfast Museum, find out of The Troubles of Northern Ireland as you explore Shankhill and also Falls Roads, or take pleasure in a pint while paying attention to standard songs at one of its numerous regional clubs.
There’s something for every person in Belfast. Even film aficionados will certainly enjoy adhering to the course of the Game of Thrones in the Glass of Thrones or snooping on celebrities at Titanic Studios. Book tickets ahead of time for Titanic Belfast that consists of accessibility to Ocean Exploration Centre and also the SS Nomadic. See our complete Belfast City Guide to find out more.
If you intend to see the Causeway Coast on a directed excursion from Belfast this preferred Game of Thrones Tour takes you to a number of quits on the seaside path where you’ll take pleasure in the elegance of the Antrim Coast previously striking the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. During this directed day excursion you’ll quit at locations like Carrickfergus Castle, and also the 9 Glens of Antrim prior to seeing the seaside community of Ballycastle. It’s after that time to see HBO’s Game of Thrones recording areas like Magharmorne Quarry which is the place of Castle Black and also the Dark Hedges to see King’s Road.
On our escape of Belfast, we quit at Belfast Castle for a last sight ignoring the city from its lovely castle. It is a little bit out of the town hall, so we waited up until we hit the trail to see it and also it was the excellent beginning to a journey around the Antrim Coast.
Located in Cavehill Country Park, Belfast castle stands high over Belfast on a hillside within the premises of Cave Hill Country Park. It is complimentary to get in and also inside you can explore its areas and also order a snack at the coffee shop. There are lots of strolling tracks around the castle and also you can stroll right to Cave Hill Country Park,
When you see Ireland, a journey to Belfast is a must. If you have a brief time, you need to reserve a Black Taxi Tour to see the murals of Belfast and also the areas of Falls and also Shankill Road that were the epicentre of The Troubles. And see just how the Peace Wall is maintaining the tranquility today.
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle lies on the Northern Shore of Belfast Lough. There are numerous castles to select from on the Causeway Coastal Route, and also this is an excellent choice considering that it will certainly be your initial quit as soon as you leave Belfast. Carrickfergus Castle has actually been meaning greater than 800 years and also is an instance of among the ideal maintained middle ages frameworks in Ireland.
It’s shocking it is still standing as it has actually stood intrusions from the English, French, and also Scottish militaries. It likewise played a calculated duty in World War II. This castle is so stunning that it is a prominent wedding event location.
Address: Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG, UK
The Gobbins Cliff Walk
The following quit on our Causeway Coastal Route is the Gobbins Cliffwalk. Adrenaline addicts will certainly enjoy adhering to The Gobbins Cliff Path which is a network of pathways and also bridges that hugs a significant lava high cliff. Take in the phenomenal sights of the Irish sea as you go across bridges and also get in sunken caverns as you hold on to large high cliff deals with.
Address: The Gobbins Visitor Centre, 68 Middle Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL
Slemish hill
A mild detour off the primary Causeway Coastal Route will certainly take you to an enforcing hill where tale has it that Saint Patrick Tended Sheep. Located in County Antrim, Slemish Mountain is where Saint Patrick himself invested 6 years functioning as a guard after his capture.
If you occur to be seeing the Antrim Coast on Saint Patrick’s Day, you can sign up with a trip up the hill where it is claimed that St. Patrick relied on petition providing him the nerve to leave. Even if you aren’t there on Saint Patrick’s Day, a walk to the leading deals lovely sights of the Antrim Coast.
Glenarm Castle
You can’t truly see much of Glenarm Castle as it is still an exclusive house. The McDonnell household has actually possessed the castles considering that 1636. But vacationers can see the Walled Garden at Glenarm Castle to appreciate its lovely landscape.
The walled yard was initially developed to provide fresh vegetables and fruit to the castle and also area. Today, you can take pleasure in a go through the yards or go out to its woodland treking route complied with by a quit at the dining establishment for a piece of fresh cake or a light lunch. Glenarm Castle Garden deserves a quit as it has actually been residence to the Earls of Antrim for greater than 400 years.
There is a trendy car gallery showcasing the household’s settings of transport throughout the years and also an additional gallery that is consisted of in your go to making it a wonderful quit when traveling slit.
6 Castle St, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0BD, UK
Glenariff Forest Park
Located in the popular Glens of Antrim, Glenariff Forest Park is commonly thought about one of the most lovely of the 9 Glens of Antrim. Get out right into nature to stroll to its amazing falls, tranquil swimming pools, and also high canyons.
Carnlough, from the Irish Carnlach, definition ‘place of cairns’, is a town in County Antrim with a stunning harbour on the coasts of Carnlough Bay. The location supplies numerous chances to venture out on the sea and also freshwater for some taking in the sights or angling.
The Londonderry Arms Hotel positioned in the town was constructed in 1848 as a training inn by Frances Anne Vane Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry, wonderful grandma of Winston Churchill. If you intend to invest the evening, this is an excellent option.
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 is not to be missed out on. Each time we’ve driven this roadway, it’s been a wild flight with winding views and also harsh weather condition, however it’s deserved it.
This drive doesn’t see a great deal of website traffic due to its slim winding roadway however it is a journey you won’t neglect. We needed to pull back a high slim hillside to include a big tractor coming our method. From the parking area, you can raise to a destroyed ft where you’ll take pleasure in sights backwards and forwards the Antrim Coast.
Located in between Cushendun and also Ballycastle, this path takes you as close as you can reach Scotland and also on a clear day, you can see clear over the water to Scotland at just 12 miles away! You’ll likewise have the ability to spy Fair Head, The Antrim Coast, and also Rathlin Island where you can take a ferryboat to the only lived in overseas island in Northern Ireland.
Address: Ballycastle BT54 6RQ, UK
Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a little town situated along the embankment seaside path that goes back to the 17th century. It is below that you can capture the ferryboat to Rathlin Island. There is a lovely 1.2 kilometres long sandy coastline to take a walk and also there are lots of dining establishments to order lunch at throughout your journey around the Causeway Coast.
Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is a prominent outing that can be seen using ferryboat. The island is just 6 miles long and also one mile broad with a populace of just 140 individuals. What it does not have in the human populace, it offsets in seabirds. There are greater than 250,000 seabirds that go back to reproduce on the island yearly from puffins to kittiwakes and also razorbills.
Legend has it that Robert the Bruce took haven in a cavern on Rathlin Island after he was driven from Scotland by King Edward I of England.
Dark Hedges
The world-famous Dark Hedges lie on Bregagh Road and also are one of the most photographed place in Northern Ireland. It was made a lot more popular when HBO’s Game of Thrones stood out over to this roadway to movie a scene in period 1 where it was made use of as the King’s Road.
It isn’t specifically situated on the primary Causeway Coastal Route, however since it is simply a brief detour, we’re including it. This striking scene with 90 Beech timber line this roadway developing a cover of turning branches expenses is not to be missed out on.
The Stuart household grew the trees in the 18th century to invite visitors as they approached their Georgian estate. Today the trees have actually become among one of the most remarkable sights and also among one of the most preferred visitor destinations in Northern Ireland.
Read everything about it at The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and also What you Need to Know
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a must-see quit on your drive along the Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary. The landscape alone is just one of Northern Ireland’s finest. While we existed, we found a huge basking shark feeding in the waters listed below so ensure to watch out for wild animals.
The initial rope bridge at Carrick a Rede was once made use of by bold anglers going across the hazardous rope hanging over the sea. Today the brand-new and also better Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge connects the island of Carrickarede to the landmass in a much much less hazardous fashion. Albeit going across the rope bridge is still a little hairraising. It might not be as perilous as it as soon as was, however it is still extremely exhilarating.
Visitors that pass through the 30-meter (90 feet) deep rope bridge are awarded with amazing sights of the North Coast.
Ballintoy Harbour
Ballintoy Harbour is a stunning angling town situated simply a brief drive from the Carrick a Rede rope bridge. The waves are effective below developing a breathtaking scene. This harbor is so stunning that the harbour stood in as the Iron Islands in the Game of Thrones. It was made use of for the scene where Theon Greyjoy went back to his boyhood residence of Pyke on the Iron Islands (Lordsport Harbour) and also fulfills his sis Yara.
Ballintoy originates from the “Baile an Tuaigh” definition “the northern townland” and also it certainly really feels this way. It is north, sturdy, and also wild. In community, you’ll discover a selection of tiny stores and also 2 churches.
We liked quiting at Ballintoy Harbour since excursion buses cannot come down. The slim winding roadway makes it an excellent quit far from the groups. Read a lot more: A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is one of the most phenomenal view in all of Northern Ireland and also is a geological marvel on the Causeway Coastal Route. If there is one destination on the Causeway Coast that you have to see, this is it! This UNESCO World Heritage Site will certainly blow you away as you respect 40,000 hexagonal rock columns that are flawlessly piled close to each various other leading bent on the sea. Read a lot more: The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway – Do You Believe?
You can reserve day excursions to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast if you aren’t doing a self drive around the Causeway Coastal Route. This very ranked excursion takes you to see popular views along the Antrim shore prior to getting to the Giant’s Causeway. Places you’ll see en path to the Giant’s Causeway are Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and also the Dark Hedges. Learn concerning the background from real-time discourse aboard.
Legend has it that the Irish Giant, Finn McCool, developed a large rock embankment to go across the sea to eliminate the Scottish Giant, Bennandoner. It is simple to think the tale as it is just one of one of the most uncommon destinations we’ve ever before seen. It appears a large developed a patio area of excellent rocks developing an embankment bent on sea.
Science informs us that the Giant’s Causeway was really developed by a volcanic eruption 60 million years back. As the warm lava streamed to the sea, the trendy water transformed them right into lava cliffs flawlessly piled upon each other. There are a number of treking tracks around the high cliff side and also along the shore to see the phenomenal view.
It’s a very easy stroll to the Giant’s Causeway from the parking area, however shuttle bus are provided for those with movement concerns. Inside the site visitor facility is a present store, expository facility, coffee shop, and also coffeehouse. We recommend remaining at the Causeway Hotel to have all of it to on your own at sunup and also sundown.
You can reserve complete day excursions to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast to see highlights of the Northern Coast consisting of the Causeway Coast and also Visitor Centre, and also Dark Hedges.
Bushmills
Located simply a couple of mins from Giant’s Causeway is the wonderful community of Bushmills. Located on the River Bush, Bushmills was fittingly called after the mills on the river. It go back to the 17th century and also has a high focus of heritage-listed structures. It really does seem like you’ve went back in time.
This is likewise a prominent base for individuals to see the Giant’s Causeway. While we suggest remaining at the Causeway Hotel, Bushmills Hotel is an additional superb option. It is a lot more high end than the Causeway Hotel with a superb dining establishment situated in the heart of community.
Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills Distillery is simply 5 mins from the Giant’s Causeway and also is an excellent quit on the Causeway Coast. It’s Northern Ireland’s best distillery and also Ireland’s Oldest functioning distillery. King James I really approved the initial distilling permit to Bushmills in 1608. You can take a distillery excursion to see just how Irish Whiskey is generated.
Even if you don’t intend to take a trip, you can get in the site visitor facility to take pleasure in a little bit of its premises to see several of the distilleries and also you can acquire costs scotch at its primary store. Dave likes their 16-year-old.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is a deserted middle ages castle situated exactly on the north Antrim Coast on north shore. The castle was constructed in the 13th Century and also was lived in up until the late 1600s. You likewise may identify this castle from the internal sleeve of the Led Zeppelin cd, “Houses of the Holy.”
When driving to Dunluce Castle from the Giant’s Causeway, take a quit at the bend in the roadway for the excellent postcard sight of the stunning damages.
Tours can also be reserved to the Causeway Coast from Dublin. This very ranked excursion is the excellent outing for individuals with restricted time however that still intend to take pleasure in several of the top Northern Ireland locations when they see Ireland. Visit the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, The Giant’s Causeway and also invest a long time in Belfast on a directed excursion from Dublin.
Magheracross Viewpoint
New to the Causeway Coast is the Maghercross Viewpoint strolling course. We didn’t also understand this was below however we determined to draw over right into the car park. It is just one of the very best sights on the whole Causeway Coast and also you truly have to quit to take pleasure in a stroll along its courses leading bent on 2 searches. One looks in the direction of Dunluce Castle while the various other ignores Whiterocks coastline. It is below that the popular Wishing Arch rock development too. The huge sea high cliffs that equal the Cliffs of Moher.
Portrush and also Whiterocks Beach
Portrush is an additional must-stop on the Causeway Coastal Route. The standard seaside hotel has a charming old community to discover that has lots of resorts, dining establishments, and also bars. Portrush is popular for its 3 sandy coastlines, the West Strand, East Strand, and also White Rocks Beach, and also flaunts the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club. If you like playing golf, this is the area to do it, Royal Portrush Golf Club is the only golf club exterior Great Britain that has actually organized The Open Championship.
Just a little additional below the Maghercross is the acclaimed Whiterocks Beach which is not just a should for those driving along the Causeway Coast, however it is likewise a favored with citizens also! The coastline extends from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle with high sedimentary rock high cliffs sticking out up from the sand.
Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple lies in the lovely environments of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. The holy place is substantially set down on a 120 ft. high cliff top, high over the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western shore of Northern Ireland. It is run by the National Trust and also when you go through its premises from the spoiled estate to the high cliff, you’ll be dealt with to amazing in both instructions.
Mussenden Temple is yet an additional high hunt situated on the shore that was made use of as a recording place for HBO’s Game of Thrones. Built in the 18th Century by Earl Bishop, the holy place and also 120-foot tower is an excellent place where to watch out to sea. When strolling along the coastline at Benone Strand, you’ll be dealt with to a postcard sight.
Benon Strand
Another lovely coastline beyond of the Mussenden Temple is Benon Strand. To get to the coastline from the parking area, you require to take the passage under the train tracks of The Derry Colerain Railway that takes a trip in between Derry~Londonderry and also Coleraine. Benone Strand is thought about among Ireland’s most lovely and also untainted coastlines and also a stroll along this lengthy sandy stretch is a must.
Gortmore Scenic Viewpoint
If you haven’t had adequate amazing sights on your embankment seaside path travel plan, adhere to The Bishop’s Road from Downhill to Derry, for this detour off the Causeway Coastal Route. On a clear day, you can see right to Donegal and also the islands of Islay and also Jura off the west shore of Scotland.
We invested excessive time at the coastline on our last journey below and also were itching to reach Derry, so we missed this sight, however you can get on it at Benon Strand for an additional spectacular shore roadway drive.
Derry (Londonderry)
Derry is our end factor of the Causeway Coastal path travel plan and also is a superb city to invest at the very least one complete day. Stay at The Hotel Maldran Derry and also park your vehicle as you discover the historical destinations of this dynamic city.
Derry is the only continuing to be entirely walled city in Ireland and also among the finest instances of Walled Cities in Europe. Built in between 1613 and also 1618, the wall surfaces were built as a protection versus English and also Scottish intrusions. You can walk the 1.5 kilometres of maintained wall surfaces absorbing all the views.
Make certain to see the community of Free Derry to find out everything about The Troubles that swallowed up Northern Ireland in civil agitation. A led excursion is very advised to see the Murals of Derry,
Derry is simple to navigate and also if you remain in the town hall, you can conveniently stroll to all the leading destinations of this dynamic city. A strolling excursion of the metropolitan area is a superb method to learn more about the background, society, and also national politics of Northern Ireland.
How to Get to the Causeway Coastal Route
The embankment shore roadway begins in Belfast and also snakes its method around the north of the nation on a beautiful shore roadway with County Antrim. It travels through the 9 glens of Antrim, The Giant’s Causeway and also
How to Get To Belfast
We drove to Belfast from Dublin as it is just a two-hour drive in between the cities. There are also day excursions that will certainly take you from Dublin need to you just have a brief quantity of time.
You can likewise reach Belfast by bus and also train. There is a straight train that links Dublin from Dublin Connolly and also comes to Belfast Central. International vacationers will fly right into Belfast International Airport where you can lease an automobile to start your Causeway Coastal Route travel plan at the flight terminal.
If you are flying from Europe or anywhere within the United Kingdom, you will certainly land at George Best Belfast City Airport which lies simply 5 mins from Belfast City Centre.
How to Get Around the Coast Road
The ideal method to navigate the Causeway Coastal Route is the lease an automobile hire and also appreciate your very own trip. You can after that discover every one of the leading destinations at your very own rate.
You can likewise reserve day excursions on Get Your Guide. There are lots of quits on the Causeway Coastal Route that you can reserve from Belfast.
We as soon as discover the Causeway Coastal Route with Paddywagon Tours and also had a blast.
Where is the Causeway Coast
The bulk of the embankment seaside path lies in County Antrim. County Antrim is just one of 6 areas in Northern Ireland. Within County Antrim, you’ll discover the Glens of Antrim, The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Portrush, and also Belfast.
Our journeys along the Causeway Coastal Route have actually remained in collaboration with Northern Ireland. For even more info on County Antrim, Causeway seaside destinations, and also info on the Antrim shore, see their internet site.
