Causeway Coast
Why we love the Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast and Glens region is rich in natural wow-factor, from the strange hexagonal rocks of Giant’s Causeway, to the fossil-strewn beach of White Park Bay, and the gnarled island of Carrick-a-Rede, whose wind-whipped rope bridge is thrilling to cross.
The 130-mile (212km) Causeway Coastal Route is regularly voted among the world’s top road trips. It extends even further along the shore, to the cities of Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, the medieval Carrickfergus Castle, and the extraordinary Gobbins cliff walk. Every day brings new adventures, whether you’re sipping Irish whiskey in an ancient distillery or exploring hidden sea caves by kayak.
So what are you waiting for? Here’s how to plan the perfect Causeway Coast trip.
Tread in giant footsteps
Was it created by an underwater volcano, or a giant named Finn McCool? Whatever you believe, the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway is a remarkable spot, with over 40,000 stone hexagons rising up from the sea. You can sit on the natural throne of the ‘Wishing Chair’, follow the National Trust’s scenic walking trails, and hear myths and legends at the visitor centre.
Follow an epic trail
Causeway Coast is criss-crossed with hiking and cycling routes, from waterfall walks through Glenariff Forest Park to scenic bike routes through the Glens of Antrim. For exhilarating MTB descents, head to Ballycastle Forest, while Rathlin Island’s trails lead to wild puffin colonies. For a two-day ramble, follow the 32-mile (52km) Causeway Coast Way.
Dive into the unknown
Make a splash! Paddleboarding, surfing, dolphin watching, sailing… it’s all possible on the Causeway Coast. Wild swimmers will love the clear waters of Ballygally Beach, or why not try freediving, scuba diving and snorkelling around the Skerries Islands? On dry land, the cliffs are perfect for rock climbing and abseiling, while Cloud Surfer Ireland offers tandem paragliding flights.
Take the high road
If you love road trips, you’ve come to the right place. The Causeway Coastal Route offers 130 miles (212km) of bracing Atlantic views, beautiful beaches and lively harbour towns. It’s a drive to be savoured, with countless places to stretch your legs along the way – such as Carnfunnock Country Park, Dunluce Castle, and the sea-spritzed walkways of The Gobbins cliff path.
Learn a new skill
Feeling crafty? From painting workshops to pottery classes, the Causeway Coast is full of ways to get creative, plus studios and galleries showcasing its local talents. Maybe you’ll try a basket-weaving class, a jewellery-making workshop, or a photography tour of the beaches and cliffs? Or, polish your sporting skills on the golf course - there are almost 20 clubs to choose from.
Savour fresh flavours
With so many great places to eat on the Causeway Coast, you’ll never go hungry. Tuck into foraging trips, gourmet festivals, and an abundance of pubs, bistros and markets. Themed tours put local whiskey, seafood and sweet treats in the spotlight. Fish for your breakfast on a Catch and Sea trip with Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, or learn the art of truffle-making at Castlerock’s Chocolate Manor.
Causeway Coast
Wild waters and mythical landscapes, this stretch of the Atlantic coastline is home to Northern Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, and the stunning 130-mile (212km) Causeway Coastal Route.
Step into the world of dragons and battles on a Game of Thrones filming locations tour or be enchanted by the romantic ruins of Dunluce Castle and medieval Carrickfergus Castle.
Admire the dramatic coastline on a walking tour or by boat, hike along the 32-mile (52km) Causeway Coast Way, or feel the thrill while crossing the wind-whipped Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Enjoy a taste for spirits at Old Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed working distillery.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Steeped in legend, the Giant’s Causeway was either formed by volcanic action 60 million years ago, or built by giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, a legendary warrior in Irish mythology.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, having been given the title in 1986.
- An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Causeway Coast is home to rare flora and fauna of great conservation importance.
- Game of Thrones filming location, The Dark Hedges, is an actual avenue of imposing beech trees planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century.
- The stunning clifftop landscapes offer some of the best bird watching and marine wildlife spotting in Europe, including dolphins, puffins and porpoises.
- One of the most extensive sand dune systems in the British Isles can be found at the tip of Magilligan Point.
Things to do on the Causeway Coast
Featured things to do
Marvellous makers
Love local art? The Causeway Coast’s painters, sculptors, ceramicists and weavers open their studios for the annual Craft Trail in March. It’s the perfect time to buy a one-off souvenir.
Learn more about the Craft Trail
Wildlife wonders
Whether for sea kayaking trips or coasteering adventures, the water is irresistible in summer. Look out for dolphins too — now is the best time to see playful pods in the wild.
Learn more about kayaking on the Causeway Coast
Raise a glass
Toast your adventure on a ‘grain-to-glass’ whiskey tour of Bushmills – the world’s oldest distillery. You’ll venture behind the scenes to sip its legendary tipples, all 400 years in the making.
Learn more about Bushmills
Screen stars
Winter is coming! In Game of Thrones, Dunluce Castle doubles as Pyke Castle of House Greyjoy, while the Dark Hedges is the Kingsroad. Touring them is especially magical at this time of year.
Learn more about Game of Thrones toursPlaces to stay on the Causeway Coast
Campsites
For the utmost freedom, hire a campervan. You can tour the coast to your heart’s content, and take your pick from its excellent campsites.
Ballycastle
With its long sandy beach, central location and ferry to Rathlin Island, Ballycastle is a great base with a wide choice of hotels and B&Bs.
The cities
Tight on time? Belfast and Derry-Londonderry are just an hour’s drive from the Giant’s Causeway, so why not combine the coast with a city break?
Explore nearby
Getting to the Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast is a road tripper’s dream, where every twist and turn reveals new breathtaking viewpoints or geological wonders. It also has plentiful EV charging points, which is great news for electric car drivers. As for public transport, the entire region is well-served by bus, while the Giants Causeway and Bushmills Railway spans the two-mile route between these popular sights.
By bus
Don’t fancy driving? Hop on a Translink/Ulsterbus service for easy access to the main sights, including the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Bushmills Distillery.
By train
Catch the train from Derry-Londonderry to Coleraine or Portrush. It runs right along Benone beach, with views of nature-rich dunes and towering sea cliffs.
By bike
Cycling the Causeway Coast reveals its elemental beauty: the refreshing sea breeze, the rainbow of wildflowers, and plenty of ice creams and picnics.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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