The Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Eire is likely one of the greatest street journeys on the planet. The 130-mile route from Belfast to Londonderry (Derry) might 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 loosen up as a result of we’re going to present you the entire greatest stops on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Having pushed the Causeway Coastal Route 3 times, we now have seen the entire stops on this lovely Irish street journey. While you go to Northern Eire, chances are high you’ll drive at the very least a portion of this well-known scenic route that snakes its manner 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 manner counterclockwise by means of the Antrim Coast ending in Londonderry.
Be sure to take your time as there are such a lot of issues to see and do on the coast street. We recommend spending 3-5 days driving the Causeway Coastal Route. Belief me, you want time to benefit from the scenic views, climbing trails, and high points of interest.
In 2018, the Causeway Coastal route was voted the Number one Area on the planet by Lonely Planet. We give that ThePlanetD seal of approval as nicely. Try our metropolis guides on each Belfast and Londonderry to benefit from your journey.
Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
When you spend 2 days in Belfast and at some point in Derry, you may have the right 5-day itinerary for Northern Eire seeing all of its spectacular landscapes, Recreation of Thrones filming areas, and the 9 Glens of Antrim most of that are situated alongside the Causeway Coast.
The coastal causeway route actually is the final word Northern Eire street journey that highlights one of the best the nation has to supply. We’re going to spotlight the entire greatest stops that will help you select which of the highest points of interest you need to see whereas creating your personal street journey itinerary.
You probably have restricted time however nonetheless wish to go to the highest points of interest alongside the Causeway Coast, you’ll be able to e-book this guided tour from Belfast. It’s a full-day tour to the Large’s Causeway driving by means of County Antrim and the northern coast of Eire. You’ll cease on the Darkish Hedges, and the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge for pictures. You’ll then go to the wonderful Basalt Columns of the star points of interest which is usually described because the eighth Marvel of the world earlier than heading again to Belfast with a cease for pictures at Dunluce Fort.
Belfast
Positioned 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 Eire is a good place to make a base or to spend a few days exploring earlier than setting out in your Causeway Coast street journey.
We stayed on the Ten Sq. Lodge Belfast and might extremely advocate it. Positioned instantly throughout from Belfast Metropolis Corridor, we cherished this lodge. We have been inside strolling distance of many points of interest and the rooms have been trendy and stylish.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Belfast Metropolis. You possibly can immerse within the historical past of its most well-known ship on the Titanic Belfast Museum, study of The Troubles of Northern Eire as you tour Shankhill and Falls Roads, or take pleasure in a pint whereas listening to conventional music at certainly one of its many native pubs.
There’s one thing for everybody in Belfast. Even film buffs will love following the trail of the Recreation of Thrones within the Glass of Thrones or spying on stars at Titanic Studios. Ebook tickets prematurely for Titanic Belfast that features entry to Ocean Exploration Centre and the SS Nomadic. See our full Belfast Metropolis Information for extra data.
If you wish to go to the Causeway Coast on a guided tour from Belfast this fashionable Recreation 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 Large’s Causeway. Throughout this guided day tour you’ll cease at locations like Carrickfergus Fort, and the 9 Glens of Antrim earlier than seeing the coastal city of Ballycastle. It’s then time to see HBO’s Recreation of Thrones filming areas like Magharmorne Quarry which is the placement of Fort Black and the Darkish Hedges to see King’s Highway.
On our manner out of Belfast, we stopped at Belfast Fort for a remaining view overlooking town from its lovely citadel. It’s a bit out of town middle, so we waited till we hit the street to see it and it was the right begin to a visit across the Antrim Coast.
Positioned in Cavehill Nation Park, Belfast citadel stands excessive above Belfast on a hill inside the grounds of Cave Hill Nation Park. It’s free to enter and inside you’ll be able to tour its rooms and seize a chunk to eat on the cafe. There are many strolling trails across the citadel and you’ll stroll all the best way to Cave Hill Nation Park,
While you go to Eire, a visit to Belfast is a should. You probably have a short while, you need to e-book a Black Taxi Tour to see the murals of Belfast and the neighborhoods of Falls and Shankill Highway that have been the epicentre of The Troubles. And see how the Peace Wall is protecting the peace as we speak.
Carrickfergus Fort
Carrickfergus Fort is situated on the Northern Shore of Belfast Lough. There are various castles to select from on the Causeway Coastal Route, and this can be a good possibility since will probably be your first cease as soon as you allow Belfast. Carrickfergus Fort has been standing for greater than 800 years and is an instance of one of many greatest preserved medieval buildings in Eire.
It’s stunning it’s nonetheless standing because it has stood invasions from the English, French, and Scottish armies. It additionally performed a strategic position in World Battle II. This citadel is so picturesque that it’s a fashionable marriage ceremony venue.
- Handle: Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG, UK
The Gobbins Cliff Stroll
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.
- Handle: The Gobbins Customer Centre, 68 Center Highway, 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. Positioned in County Antrim, Slemish Mountain is the place Saint Patrick himself spent 6 years working as a shepherd after his seize.
When you occur to be visiting the Antrim Coast on Saint Patrick’s Day, you’ll be able to be a 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 the event you aren’t there on Saint Patrick’s Day, a hike to the highest gives lovely views of the Antrim Coast.
Glenarm Fort
You possibly can’t actually see a lot of Glenarm Fort as it’s nonetheless a non-public residence. The McDonnell household has owned the castles since 1636. However vacationers can go to the Walled Backyard at Glenarm Fort to take pleasure in its lovely panorama.
The walled backyard was initially created to provide recent fruit and greens to the citadel and group. At the moment, you’ll be able to take pleasure in a stroll by means of 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 light-weight lunch. Glenarm Fort Backyard is value a cease because it has been residence to the Earls of Antrim for greater than 400 years.
There’s 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 street rip.
- 6 Fort St, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0BD, UK
Glenariff Forest Park
Positioned within the well-known Glens of Antrim, Glenariff Forest Park is usually thought-about probably the most lovely 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 world gives many alternatives to get out on the ocean and freshwater for some sightseeing or fishing.
The Londonderry Arms Lodge 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 night time, this can be a sensible choice.
- Instructions: 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 isn’t to be missed. Every time we’ve pushed this street, it’s been a wild trip by means of winding surroundings and tough climate, but it surely’s been value it.
This drive doesn’t see loads of visitors due to its slender winding street however it’s a journey you received’t overlook. We needed to again down a steep slender hill to make room for a big tractor coming our manner. 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.
Positioned between Cushendun and Ballycastle, this route takes you as shut as you will 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 be capable to spy Truthful 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 Eire.
- Handle: Ballycastle BT54 6RQ, UK
Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a small village situated alongside the causeway coastal route that dates again to the seventeenth century. It’s right here which you can catch the ferry to Rathlin Island. There’s a lovely 1.2 km lengthy sandy seaside 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 by way of ferry. The island is simply six miles lengthy and one mile vast with a inhabitants of solely 140 individuals. 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 every year 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.
Darkish Hedges
The world-famous Darkish Hedges are situated on Bregagh Highway and are probably the most photographed location in Northern Eire. It was made much more well-known when HBO’s Recreation of Thrones popped over to this street to movie a scene in season 1 the place it was used because the King’s Highway.
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 street creating a cover of twisting branches overhead is to not be missed.
The Stuart household planted the bushes within the eighteenth century to welcome visitors as they approached their Georgian mansion. At the moment the bushes have grown into one of the spectacular views and one of the fashionable vacationer points of interest in Northern Eire.
Learn all about it at The Darkish Hedges of Northern Eire – Tricks to Go to and What you Must 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 certainly one of Northern Eire’s best. Whereas we have been there, we noticed an unlimited basking shark feeding within the waters beneath so make certain to maintain a watch out for wildlife.
The primary rope bridge at Carrick a Rede was as soon as solely utilized by daring fishermen crossing the harmful rope dangling over the ocean. At the moment 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 might not be as precarious because it as soon as was, however it’s nonetheless very thrilling.
Guests who traverse the 30-meter (90 ft) deep rope bridge are rewarded with unbelievable 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 Recreation of Thrones. It was used for the scene the place Theon Greyjoy returned to his boyhood residence 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 positively feels that manner. It’s northern, rugged, and wild. On the town, you’ll discover an array of small retailers and two church buildings.
We cherished stopping at Ballintoy Harbour as a result of tour buses can’t get down. The slender winding street makes it an ideal cease away from the crowds. Learn extra: A Recreation of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire
Large’s Causeway
Large’s Causeway is probably the most extraordinary sight in all of Northern Eire and is a geological marvel on the Causeway Coastal Route. If there may be one attraction on the Causeway Coast that you need to see, that is it! This UNESCO World Heritage Website will blow you away as you might be awed by 40,000 hexagonal stone columns which might be completely stacked beside one another main out to the ocean. Learn extra: The Legend of the Large’s Causeway – Do You Consider?
You possibly can e-book day excursions to the Large’s Causeway from Belfast in the event 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 Large’s Causeway. Locations you’ll see en path to the Large’s Causeway are Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Darkish Hedges. Study concerning the historical past from dwell commentary on board.
Legend has it that the Irish Large, Finn McCool, constructed an enormous stone causeway to cross the ocean to combat the Scottish Large, Bennandoner. It’s simple to imagine the legend because it is likely one of the most uncommon points of interest we’ve ever seen. It seems to be as if an enormous constructed a patio of good stones making a causeway out to sea.
Science tells us that the Large’s Causeway was really 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 all the way down to the Large’s Causeway from the automotive park, however shuttles are supplied for these with mobility points. Contained in the customer middle is a present store, interpretive middle, cafe, and low store. We recommend staying on the Causeway Lodge to have all of it to your self at dawn and sundown.
You possibly can e-book full day excursions to the Large’s Causeway from Belfast to see highlights of the Northern Coast together with the Causeway Coast and Customer Centre, and Darkish Hedges.
Bushmills
Positioned only a few minutes from Large’s Causeway is the stunning city of Bushmills. Positioned 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 actually does really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time.
That is additionally a well-liked base for individuals to go to the Large’s Causeway. Whereas we advocate staying on the Causeway Lodge, Bushmills Lodge is one other wonderful selection. It’s extra upscale than the Causeway Lodge with a wonderful restaurant situated within the coronary heart of city.
Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills Distillery is simply 5 minutes from the Large’s Causeway and is a good cease on the Causeway Coast. It’s Northern Eire’s premiere distillery and Eire’s Oldest working distillery. King James I really granted the primary distilling license to Bushmills in 1608. You possibly can take a distillery tour to see how Irish Whiskey is produced.
Even in the event you don’t wish to take a tour, you’ll be able to enter the customer middle 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 Fort
Dunluce Fort is an deserted medieval citadel situated proper on the north Antrim Coast on northern coast. The citadel was constructed within the thirteenth Century and was inhabited till the late 1600s. You additionally would possibly acknowledge this citadel from the interior sleeve of the Led Zeppelin album, “Homes of the Holy.”
When driving to Dunluce Fort from the Large’s Causeway, take a cease on the bend within the street for the right postcard view of the picturesque ruins.
Excursions may even be booked to the Causeway Coast from Dublin. This extremely rated tour is the right day journey for individuals with restricted time however who nonetheless wish to take pleasure in a few of the high Northern Eire locations once they go to Eire. Go to the Darkish Hedges, Dunluce Fort, The Large’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 drag over into the car parking zone. It is likely one of the greatest views on the whole 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 Fort whereas the opposite overlooks Whiterocks seaside. It’s right here that the well-known Wishing Arch rock formation as nicely. The large sea cliffs that rival the Cliffs of Moher.
Portrush and Whiterocks Seaside
Portrush is one other must-stop on the Causeway Coastal Route. The normal seaside resort has a beautiful previous city to discover that has loads of resorts, eating places, and bars. Portrush is known for its three sandy seashores, the West Strand, East Strand, and White Rocks Seaside, and boasts the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Membership. When you like {golfing}, that is the place to do it, Royal Portrush Golf Membership is the one golf membership outdoors Nice Britain that has hosted The Open Championship.
Just a bit additional down from the Maghercross is the award-winning Whiterocks Seaside which isn’t solely a should for these driving alongside the Causeway Coast, however additionally it is a favourite with locals too! The seaside stretches from Curran Strand to Dunluce Fort with excessive limestone cliffs jutting up from the sand.
Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is situated within the lovely environment of Downhill Demesne close to Castlerock in County Londonderry. The temple is dramatically perched on a 120 ft. cliff high, excessive above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Eire. It’s run by the Nationwide Belief and if you stroll by means of 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 Recreation of Thrones. Constructed 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 seaside at Benone Strand, you’ll be handled to a postcard view.
Benon Strand
One other lovely seaside on the opposite facet of the Mussenden Temple is Benon Strand. To succeed in the seaside from the automotive park, you should 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 certainly one of Eire’s most lovely and unspoiled seashores and a stroll alongside this lengthy sandy stretch is a should.
Gortmore Scenic Viewpoint
When you haven’t had sufficient spectacular views in your causeway coastal route itinerary, comply with The Bishop’s Highway 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 seaside on our final journey right here and have been itching to get to Derry, so we skipped this view, however you’ll be able to hop on it at Benon Strand for one more beautiful coast street drive.
Derry (Londonderry)
Derry is our finish level of the Causeway Coastal route itinerary and is a wonderful metropolis to spend at the very least one full day. Keep at The Lodge Maldran Derry and park your automotive as you discover the historic points of interest of this vibrant metropolis.
Derry is the one remaining fully walled metropolis in Eire and one of many best examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Constructed between 1613 and 1618, the partitions have been constructed as a protection in opposition to English and Scottish invasions. You possibly can stroll across the 1.5 km of preserved partitions taking in all of the sights.
Be sure to go to the neighborhood of Free Derry to study all about The Troubles that engulfed Northern Eire in civil unrest. A guided tour is extremely advisable to see the Murals of Derry,
Derry is simple to get round and in the event you keep within the metropolis middle, you’ll be able to simply stroll to all the highest points of interest of this vibrant metropolis. A strolling tour of the metropolis is a wonderful method to study concerning the historical past, tradition, and politics of Northern Eire.
Tips on how to Get to the Causeway Coastal Route
The causeway coast street begins in Belfast and snakes its manner across the north of the nation on a scenic coast street by means of County Antrim. It passes by means of the 9 glens of Antrim, The Large’s Causeway and
Tips on how to Get To Belfast
We drove to Belfast from Dublin as it’s only a two-hour drive between the cities. There are even day excursions that may take you from Dublin must you solely have a brief period of time.
You can even get to Belfast by bus and prepare. There’s a direct prepare that connects Dublin from Dublin Connolly and arrives at Belfast Central. Worldwide vacationers will fly into Belfast Worldwide Airport the place you’ll be able to lease a automotive to start your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary on the airport.
In case you are flying from Europe or anyplace inside the UK, you’ll land at George Finest Belfast Metropolis Airport which is situated simply 5 minutes from Belfast Metropolis Centre.
Tips on how to Get Across the Coast Highway
One of the simplest ways to get across the Causeway Coastal Route is the lease a automotive rent and revel in your personal street journey. You possibly can then discover the entire high points of interest at your personal tempo.
You can even e-book day excursions on Get Your Information. There are many stops on the Causeway Coastal Route which you can e-book from Belfast.
We as soon as discover the Causeway Coastal Route with Paddywagon Excursions and had a good time.
The place is the Causeway Coast
The vast majority of the causeway coastal route is situated in County Antrim. County Antrim is certainly one of six counties in Northern Eire. Inside County Antrim, you’ll discover the Glens of Antrim, The Large’s Causeway, Bushmills, Portrush, and Belfast.
Our journeys alongside the Causeway Coastal Route have been in partnership with Northern Eire. For extra data on County Antrim, Causeway coastal points of interest, and knowledge on the Antrim coast, go to their web site.