The Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Eire is likely one of the greatest highway journeys on the planet. The 130-mile route from Belfast to Londonderry (Derry) is probably not 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 thrice, we’ve seen all the stops on this stunning Irish highway journey. Whenever you go to Northern Eire, likelihood is you’ll drive no less than 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 by means of the Antrim Coast ending in Londonderry.
Be sure that 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. Belief me, you will have time to benefit from the scenic views, mountain climbing trails, and prime sights.
In 2018, the Causeway Coastal route was voted the No 1 Area on the planet by Lonely Planet. We give that ThePlanetD seal of approval as effectively. Try our metropolis guides on each Belfast and Londonderry to take advantage of your journey.
Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
For those who spend 2 days in Belfast and at some point in Derry, you have got the right 5-day itinerary for Northern Eire seeing all of its spectacular landscapes, Sport of Thrones filming areas, and the 9 Glens of Antrim most of that are positioned alongside the Causeway Coast.
The coastal causeway route really is the final word Northern Eire highway journey that highlights one of the best the nation has to supply. We’re going to spotlight all the greatest stops that will help you select which of the highest sights it is best to see whereas creating your individual highway journey itinerary.
In case you have restricted time however nonetheless wish to go to the highest sights alongside the Causeway Coast, you may guide this guided tour from Belfast. It’s a full-day tour to the Big’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 photographs. You’ll then go to the superb Basalt Columns of the star sights which is usually described because the eighth Marvel of the world earlier than heading again to Belfast with a cease for photographs at Dunluce Fort.
Belfast
Positioned simply two hours north of Dublin, Belfast is only a hop skip and a leap from probably the most iconic stops on the Causeway Coast. The capital metropolis of Northern Eire is a superb 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 Sq. Lodge Belfast and may extremely suggest it. Positioned straight throughout from Belfast Metropolis Corridor, we liked this resort. We had been inside strolling distance of many sights and the rooms had been fashionable 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 Sport of Thrones within the Glass of Thrones or spying on stars at Titanic Studios. Guide 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 standard Sport 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 Big’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 Sport 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 means out of Belfast, we stopped at Belfast Fort for a last view overlooking town from its stunning fortress. It’s 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.
Positioned in Cavehill Nation Park, Belfast fortress stands excessive above Belfast on a hill throughout the grounds of Cave Hill Nation Park. It’s free to enter and inside you may tour its rooms and seize a chew to eat on the cafe. There are many strolling trails across the fortress and you may stroll all the way in which to Cave Hill Nation Park,
Whenever you go to Eire, a visit to Belfast is a should. In case you have a short while, it is best to guide a Black Taxi Tour to see the murals of Belfast and the neighborhoods of Falls and Shankill Highway that had been the epicentre of The Troubles. And see how the Peace Wall is maintaining the peace as we speak.
Carrickfergus Fort
Carrickfergus Fort is positioned on the Northern Shore of Belfast Lough. There are numerous 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 permit 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 function in World Struggle II. This fortress is so picturesque that it’s a standard wedding ceremony venue.
- Tackle: 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.
- Tackle: 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.
For those who occur to be visiting the Antrim Coast on Saint Patrick’s Day, you may be part of a pilgrimage up the mountain the place it’s mentioned 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 affords stunning 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 stunning panorama.
The walled backyard was initially created to produce recent fruit and greens to the fortress and neighborhood. Right this moment, you may take pleasure in a stroll by means of the gardens or head out to its forest mountain climbing path adopted by a cease on the restaurant for a slice of recent cake or a light-weight lunch. Glenarm Fort Backyard is price a cease because it has been dwelling to the Earls of Antrim for greater than 400 years.
There’s a cool auto museum showcasing the household’s modes of transportation through the years and one other museum that’s included in your go to making it a pleasant cease on the highway 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 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, that means ‘place of cairns’, is a village in County Antrim with a picturesque harbour on the shores of Carnlough Bay. The realm affords 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 good selection.
- 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 highway, it’s been a wild trip by means of winding surroundings and tough climate, nevertheless it’s been price it.
This drive doesn’t see a number of visitors due to its slim winding highway however it’s a journey you gained’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 may 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 may see clear over the water to Scotland at solely 12 miles away! You’ll additionally be capable to spy Honest Head, The Antrim Coast, and Rathlin Island the place you may take a ferry to the one inhabited offshore island in Northern Eire.
- Tackle: Ballycastle BT54 6RQ, UK
Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a small village positioned alongside the causeway coastal route that dates again to the seventeenth century. It’s right here that you may catch the ferry to Rathlin Island. There’s a stunning 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 simply six miles lengthy and one mile huge 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.
Darkish Hedges
The world-famous Darkish Hedges are positioned on Bregagh Highway and are probably the most photographed location in Northern Eire. It was made much more well-known when HBO’s Sport of Thrones popped over to this highway to movie a scene in season 1 the place it was used because the King’s Highway.
It isn’t precisely positioned on the primary Causeway Coastal Route, however as a result of it’s only a brief detour, we’re including it. This placing scene with 90 Beech timber lining this highway creating a cover of twisting branches overhead is to not be missed.
The Stuart household planted the timber within the eighteenth century to welcome friends as they approached their Georgian mansion. Right this moment the timber have grown into some of the spectacular views and some of the standard vacationer sights in Northern Eire.
Learn all about it at The Darkish Hedges of Northern Eire – Tricks to Go to and What you Have 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 certainly one of Northern Eire’s best. Whereas we had been there, we noticed an infinite basking shark feeding within the waters under so ensure that to maintain an eye fixed out for wildlife.
The primary rope bridge at Carrick a Rede was as soon as solely utilized by daring fishermen crossing the damaging rope dangling over the ocean. Right this 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 bit of hairraising. It is probably not as precarious because it as soon as was, however it’s nonetheless very thrilling.
Guests who traverse the 30-meter (90 toes) deep rope bridge are rewarded with unbelievable views of the North Coast.
Ballintoy Harbour
Ballintoy Harbour is a picturesque fishing village positioned only a brief 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 Sport of Thrones. It was used for the scene the place Theon Greyjoy returned to his boyhood dwelling of Pyke on the Iron Islands (Lordsport Harbour) and meets his sister Yara.
Ballintoy comes from the “Baile an Tuaigh” that means “the northern townland” and it positively feels that means. It’s northern, rugged, and wild. On the town, you’ll discover an array of small outlets and two church buildings.
We liked 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. Learn extra: A Sport of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire
Big’s Causeway
Big’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’s one attraction on the Causeway Coast that you should see, that is it! This UNESCO World Heritage Web site 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 Big’s Causeway – Do You Consider?
You possibly can guide day excursions to the Big’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 Big’s Causeway. Locations you’ll see en path to the Big’s Causeway are Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Darkish Hedges. Study in regards to the historical past from dwell commentary on board.
Legend has it that the Irish Big, Finn McCool, constructed an enormous stone causeway to cross the ocean to battle the Scottish Big, Bennandoner. It’s straightforward to consider the legend because it is likely one of the most uncommon sights we’ve ever seen. It seems to be as if an enormous constructed a patio of excellent stones making a causeway out to sea.
Science tells us that the Big’s Causeway was truly created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years in the past. As the new lava flowed to the ocean, the cool water turned them into basalt cliffs completely stacked upon each other. There are a number of mountain 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 Big’s Causeway from the automotive park, however shuttles are supplied for these with mobility points. Contained in the customer heart is a present store, interpretive heart, 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 guide full day excursions to the Big’s Causeway from Belfast to see highlights of the Northern Coast together with the Causeway Coast and Customer Centre, and Darkish Hedges.
Bushmills
Positioned just some minutes from Big’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 really does really feel such as you’ve stepped again in time.
That is additionally a well-liked base for folks to go to the Big’s Causeway. Whereas we suggest staying on the Causeway Lodge, Bushmills Lodge is one other wonderful selection. It’s extra upscale than the Causeway Lodge with a wonderful restaurant positioned within the coronary heart of city.
Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills Distillery is simply 5 minutes from the Big’s Causeway and is a superb cease on the Causeway Coast. It’s Northern Eire’s premiere distillery and Eire’s Oldest working distillery. King James I truly 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 case you don’t wish to take a tour, you may enter the customer heart to take pleasure in a little bit of its grounds to see among the distilleries and you should purchase premium whiskey at its important store. Dave loves their 16-year-old.
Dunluce Fort
Dunluce Fort is an deserted medieval fortress positioned 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 inside sleeve of the Led Zeppelin album, “Homes of the Holy.”
When driving to Dunluce Fort from the Big’s Causeway, take a cease on the bend within the highway 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 folks with restricted time however who nonetheless wish to take pleasure in among the prime Northern Eire locations once they go to Eire. Go to the Darkish Hedges, Dunluce Fort, The Big’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 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 seashore. It’s right here that the well-known Wishing Arch rock formation as effectively. The huge sea cliffs that rival the Cliffs of Moher.
Portrush and Whiterocks Seaside
Portrush is one other must-stop on the Causeway Coastal Route. The standard seaside resort has a stunning outdated city to discover that has loads of accommodations, eating places, and bars. Portrush is legendary for its three sandy seashores, the West Strand, East Strand, and White Rocks Seaside, and boasts the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Membership. For those who 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 it is usually a favourite with locals too! The seashore stretches from Curran Strand to Dunluce Fort with excessive limestone cliffs jutting up from the sand.
Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is positioned 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 Eire. It’s run by the Nationwide Belief and whenever 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 positioned on the coast that was used as a filming location for HBO’s Sport of Thrones. Constructed within the 18th Century by Earl Bishop, the temple and 120-foot tower is a superb 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
One other stunning seashore on the opposite facet of the Mussenden Temple is Benon Strand. To succeed in the seashore from the automotive park, it is advisable 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 certainly one of Eire’s most stunning and unspoiled seashores and a stroll alongside this lengthy sandy stretch is a should.
Gortmore Scenic Viewpoint
For those who 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 may see all the way in which 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 may 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 no less than one full day. Keep at The Lodge Maldran Derry and park your automotive as you discover the historic sights of this vibrant metropolis.
Derry is the one remaining utterly walled metropolis in Eire and one of many best examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Constructed between 1613 and 1618, the partitions had been constructed as a protection towards English and Scottish invasions. You possibly can stroll across the 1.5 km of preserved partitions taking in all of the sights.
Be sure that 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 really useful to see the Murals of Derry,
Derry is straightforward to get round and in case you keep within the metropolis heart, you may simply stroll to all the highest sights of this vibrant metropolis. A strolling tour of the metropolis is a superb approach to study in regards to the historical past, tradition, and politics of Northern Eire.
Easy methods 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 by means of County Antrim. It passes by means of the 9 glens of Antrim, The Big’s Causeway and
Easy methods 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 can take you from Dublin do you have to solely have a brief period of time.
It’s also possible to 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 may hire a automotive to start your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary on the airport.
If you’re flying from Europe or anyplace inside the UK, you’ll land at George Greatest Belfast Metropolis Airport which is positioned simply 5 minutes from Belfast Metropolis Centre.
Easy methods to Get Across the Coast Highway
One of the best ways to get across the Causeway Coastal Route is the hire a automotive rent and revel in your individual highway journey. You possibly can then discover all the prime sights at your individual tempo.
It’s also possible to guide day excursions on Get Your Information. There are many stops on the Causeway Coastal Route that you may guide 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 positioned 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 Big’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 sights, and data on the Antrim coast, go to their web site.
