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Everyone loves a good road trip. Nothing beats the feeling of exploring routes filled with historical sites and amazing scenery. If you’re in the UK and looking to plan a scenic road trip, we suggest that you tour the Causeway Coastal Route. Located in Northern Ireland, this is one of the most iconic road trips in the United Kingdom.
The Causeway Coastal Route stretches from Belfast to the historic city of Derry, taking you across some of the most incredible sites in Northern Ireland. Keep reading to learn all you need to know about creating a Causeway Coastal Route itinerary.
The Causeway Coastal Route is a tourist course in the north-east region of Northern Ireland. This road offers one of the most beautiful road trip experiences, taking you across some of nature’s best creations and several tourist attractions. Between fields, wild sandy beaches, pure nature, history and picturesque villages, you’ll have unlimited fun touring the area.
Map
The Causeway Coastal Route has many iconic locations that you need to check out during your exploration. To make sure that you’re on the right path, it’s important to use a map as a guide. Many of the stops you’ll see on the Causeway Coastal Route map appeared in the famous HBO TV series, Game of Thrones.
Tip: You can also use Google Maps as a guide to locate tourist attractions.
Start, End & Length
The Causeway Coastal Route begins in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital, and ends in Derry, the country’s second-largest city. It is 120 miles (193 km) long and runs along some of the most rugged and spectacular coastlines in Northern Ireland.
Tip: The Causeway Coastal Route is a very quiet road, so you may want to put on some music if you’re driving alone.
The drive follows the A2, also known as the Antrim Coast Road, for most of the trip. Your journey starts in Belfast, and then you follow the coast road through the nine Glens of Antrim, passing numerous beautiful villages and scenic locations. The route peaks at the Giant’s Causeway on the North Antrim coast, but you still have to head west until you arrive at Derry.
How Long Does It Take To Drive Causeway Coastal Route?
It takes only about 3 hours to drive around the Causeway Coastal Route. The route spans only about 120 mi (193 km), making it easy to complete. However, you’ll be rushing and likely won’t have enough time to explore the route’s attractions.
Tip: You can also explore the Causeway Coast on foot via a walking trail from Portstewart to Ballycastle.
How Long Do You Need For A Road Trip?
How long you need for a road trip depends on the route you intend to explore and the number of attractions in the area. You need three to five days to tour the Causeway Coastal Route and fully take in all its attractions. This ensures that you spend enough time in each location and get enough rest along the way.
Without A Car
You can explore the Causeway Coastal Route by following a tour bus. However, this may cause you to miss out on some attractions because most tour buses only stop at a few locations. For the best experience, you need to rent a car and explore the route at your own pace.
See how to plan a 5-Day Ireland Road Trip.
Causeway Coastal Route Highlights
We’ll go over the major natural and man-made attractions that you should consider adding to your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary.
5 Best Natural Attractions
We’ll start with the five best natural attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route.
1. The Giant’s Causeway
Odds are you have heard about the Giant’s Causeway before planning this road trip. If you haven’t, note that it is one of the must-visit attractions during this Northern Ireland tour. The Giant Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It comprises around 40,000 basalt columns that descend into the sea.
These stones were formed by the geological actions of an underwater volcano over 60 million years ago. However, a Northern Irish legend has it that Irish giant Finn McCool created the causeway as a bridge between Ireland and Scotland so that he could fight with a Scottish giant called Benandonner.
There is a minibus that will take visitors the half mile to the causeway from the main gate.
The best time of day to visit the Causeway is early in the morning, as you’ll be with only a few other tourists. The morning is also prime time for those who want to take pictures because the Causeway has a low level of fog.
The Giant’s Causeway Coast is home to a variety of unique and peculiar wildlife, especially seabirds such as:
- Cormorant
- Petrel
- Shaq
- Fulmar
Various rare plants are also there. The Causeway also has a visitor centre with a unique design and a number of available activities for tourists. You can either walk to the visitor centre from the car park or take a shuttle bus.
2. The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees along Bregagh Road in Antrim. It is popular for featuring in the widely popular TV series, Game of Thrones as the King’s Road. This short road has attracted tourists, photographers and painters from around the world for decades.
The road is lined with 90 beech trees, whose twisted branches form an arch over it. The beech trees have been around since the 18th century when the Stuart family planted them.
The Dark Hedges is only 30 minutes drive away from the Giant’s Causeway, so you can explore the two attractions on the same day.
Over the years, the trees have been pruned, which makes the road a little less impressive, but it remains an amazing place to see. The best time to explore the Dark Hedges is in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
Although nothing is blocking the road at the Dark Hedges, we advise you not to drive down due to the large crowd at the end. It is best to park at a hotel nearby and explore the road on foot.
3. Torr Head
Torr Head is an exceptional route that spans 14.5 mi (23 km) between Cushendun and Ballycastle. It is distinguished by sharp hairpin bends and blind spots. This route takes you uphill along a headland to experience some of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.
Toor Head rises 67 metres (220 feet) above sea level and is topped by an abandoned Coast Guard watch tower. The Coast Guard built it in the 1800s to monitor incoming ships during a war.
You can start this scenic route either from Cushendun or the western end at Ballycastle.
When you arrive at the top of the hill, you’ll see the ruins of the 6th Century Altagore Cashel and also enjoy amazing views along the wild and rugged coast. On clear days, you can even spot the coast of Scotland from about 12 mi (19.3 km) away.
4. The Gobbins
The Gobbins is another pathway worth exploring when touring the Causeway Coastal Route. The attraction, located on Islandmagee, provides a clear view of limestone cliffs and rock formations formed by the effects of sea waves over centuries.
The Gobbins pathway initially opened in 1901 and thrived for 30 years before its closure during the Second World War. Following the addition of 15 new bridges and six elevated paths, it was reopened in 2016 to allow tourists from all over the world to explore its geological phenomena in their full glory.
Tip: The Gobbins Walk is open from 08:30 to 17:00 daily, but make sure you book tickets in advance for easy access.
It takes approximately 2.5 hours to tour this beautiful location. During this tour, you’ll walk along the dramatic basalt cliffs of the world-famous Causeway Coast, cross suspension bridges, tunnels and caves.
One great thing about exploring the Gobbins is that you can visit this area in any weather. In fact, operators often say that you get to enjoy the most exciting experience during wet weather days when the tides are high. For those looking to visit during the winter or autumn, come prepared with a coat.
5. Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is one of the most beautiful and wild wonders in Northern Ireland. This is the perfect location for anyone seeking a relaxing environment. Rathlin’s dramatic cliffs, wildlife and beautiful plants attract people from all over the world, especially during May and September.
The island is located 6 miles north of the Antrim Coast road, the most northerly point of Northern Ireland. Rathlin Island offers beautiful views of Scotland and is home to around 150 people. To get to Rathlin Island, you have the option of two boat ferries from Ballycastle Marina.
Tip: Chat with friendly locals to hear exciting tales about this island.
The boat trip to the island also offers gorgeous views as you get to travel across the Straits of Moyle, the narrowest expanse of sea in the North Channel between Northern Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland.
You can explore Rathlin Island on foot or cruise around the island on a bicycle. The island also has two minibuses that can give you a tour of the area. Prepare to be awestruck by the stunning cliffs, impressive heritage-listed lighthouses and renowned bird sanctuary.
There are eight walking trails on Rathlin Island that you can explore either on your own or with the help of a tour guide. You can also hire bikes to explore Rathlin Island but make sure to book in advance.
Honourable Mentions
In addition to the five natural attractions above, here are five other beautiful sites you’d love to visit while exploring the Causeway Coastal Route.
Slemish Mountain
Slemish is a popular name among most residents of Northern Ireland. This mountain rises about 1500 feet (437 metres) above the surrounding plain, making it one of the highest points in County Antrim.
Slemish Mountain is the first known home of Saint Patrick, a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. The mountain consists of the remains of a long-extinct volcano.
There is a car park at the base, from which you can climb the mountain. The walk to the summit of the mountain takes approximately 30 minutes if the weather is good and from the top, you get to enjoy excellent views of the Antrim and Scottish coasts to the east.
The best time to explore Slemish is on a dry and calm day in the spring or autumn.
Benone
Benone is located on A2 Seacoast Road, approximately 11 miles from Coleraine. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting people from different parts of the world.
At Benone, visitors get to enjoy an exciting mix of coastal scenery with the beautiful backdrop of Binevenagh Mountain. This area is also home to Benone Strand, a gorgeous blue flag beach that has no rocks. The beach stretches over 7 miles (11 km), with sand dunes on one side and coastline on the other.
Travel the boardwalk from the beach and you’ll find yourself at Benone Holiday & Leisure Park, where you can enjoy a range of activities, such as tennis, golf, crazy golf and a driving range. Visitors can also spend time playing table tennis, pool and indoor game machines.
See the list of the best secluded beaches in the UK.
Fair Head
On the northeastern corner of County Antrim lies Fair Head, the tallest cliff face in Northern Ireland. Fair Head is one of the most overlooked detours on the Causeway Coastal Route, yet it offers spectacular views for endless miles along the rugged rock.
This impressive cliff rises 600 feet above sea level and you can spot it all the way from Ballycastle and many other points along the Northern Ireland Causeway Coast.
Although much of the land at Fair Head is under private ownership, the National Trust owns and manages Murlough Bay and surrounding areas, which you can explore. Fair Head’s well-preserved natural beauty is one of its best qualities and you also get to see wild goats roaming around the rocks beneath the cliffs.
Parts of the Fairy Head walk are close to the cliff edge so be very careful during windy weather.
Tiveragh – The Fairy Hill
Tiveragh is a unique-shaped hill near Cushendall, a village and townland along County Antrim road. This hill, which looks like a camel’s hump, is the remains of a volcanic plug. However, in mythology, people consider it the gateway to Tir na nOg, a place with faeries, leprechauns, elves and pixies.
Tiveragh, also known as ‘the fairy hill’, has different terrain textures on both sides. One side of the hill is pasture land for sheep, while the other side is rough ground. Tiveragh offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for hikers and tourists who come to explore the summit of the hill.
Murlough Bay
Murlough Bay is a bay on the north coast of Northern Ireland between Fair Head and Torr Head. This is one area that you should consider adding to your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary if time permits.
The sandy bay provides you with beautiful views of sloping hills that lead out to the sea. You can explore the bay on foot or by car, taking in the stunning scenery and perhaps even spotting some of the local wildlife, such as seals and dolphins.
You can access Murlough Bay through the Torr Scenic Road. From the car park above, you can walk down until you arrive at the bay.
Murlough is the burial place of Irish patriot and poet Sir Roger Casement.
5 Best Human-Made Attractions
Here are the five best human-made attractions you can add to your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary.
1. Ballintoy
Ballintoy is a small village on the Causeway Coastal Route between Ballycastle and the Giant’s Causeway. The village, originally built around a single street, is home to two hundred people.
One of the top things to look forward to in this village is the exploration of Ballintoy Harbour. You can access this small fishing harbour via a spectacular, steep, winding road down Knocksaughey Hill.
The coastline of Ballintoy offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Giant’s Causeway. Relax in the company of colourful boats and birds, explore the rocks with the kids or walk along the cliff path.
Ballintoy Harbour was the Game of Thrones site for Lordsport, the port of Pyke.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ballintoy is also steeped in history and culture. The village is home to several historic landmarks, including the 18th-century Ballintoy Church and the nearby Dunseverick Castle ruins.
Read our 7-day road trip in Wales.
2. Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is a stone building located on the Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. The Temple was built in 1785 by the Earl Bishop, Frederick Augustus Hervey to serve as a library. Frederick Augustus got the inspiration for the architecture of this temple from the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome.
Mussenden Temple welcomes thousands of visitors every year from across the United Kingdom and beyond. The National Trust manages the site of the temple, so you may find the latest information about ticket prices on its website.
The opening hours of Mussenden Temple vary depending on the season.
The cliff-top temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and lots of fresh air. On a clear day, you also get to enjoy a spectacular view of Magilligan Point and the mouth of the Foyle.
Similar to Ballintoy Harbour, Mussenden Temple features in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones, where it served as the Dragonstone exterior.
3. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede is one of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland. A walk across this rope bridge is probably the most unique thing you can do while exploring the Antrim Coast Road.
The first Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was built in 1755 to aid salmon fishing. Over the years, as the area welcomed more visitors, there have been adjustments to the rope bridge to ensure safety.
Tip: The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is quite exposed, so remember to bring warm clothing, especially during the winter.
The current rope bridge is 7.6 m (25 ft) above the waters, making it a scary walk for anyone who’s afraid of heights. However, once you successfully make it across, you’ll be wowed by the incredible views across Rathlin Island and Scotland.
The journey from one end of the bridge to another takes between 20 and 30 seconds, but you can spend as much time as you want to enjoy the views.
4. Bushmills Distillery
A visit to the Bushmills Distillery should top your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary if you’re a whisky lover. Bushmills Distillery, which is located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is the world’s oldest licenced working distillery.
Admission to this distillery is only £9 for adults, and it is even cheaper for children and seniors. The admission price grants you access to the distillery, and you also get to enjoy a guided tour around the site. Bushmills Distillery produces whisky using water from Saint Columb’s Rill, a tributary of the River Bush.
During the tour, you’ll get to learn about the distilling process and see the barrels and casks in which the amber nectar ages. The tour ends with you tasting some of the best Irish whisky. You may choose to trade your whisky for a soft drink.
Bushmills opened its second distillery the ‘Causeway Distillery’ in 2023.
5. Dunluce Castle
Dunluce, one of the most picturesque Irish castles, lies on the sheer cliffs east of Portrush along the Coastal Causeway route. This castle has been around since the 1500s, making it one of the oldest in the country.
Dunluce offers unique insight into the workings of ancient Ireland, and there are several hidden historical secrets awaiting exploration within the castle. The castle also has a visitor centre where you can enjoy a multimedia presentation before beginning your exploration.
Richard Og de Burgh, a powerful Irish noble of the 1400s, originally built this castle. However, several family clans have lived there since. The various owners over the years have preserved the site, ensuring that we have what remains today.
Look here to learn how to plan a road trip.
Honourable Mentions
If you intend to spend several days on your road trip, consider adding these five amazing tourist attractions to your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary.
Carrickfergus Castle
In the town of Carrickfergus, in County Antrim, lies Carrickfergus Castle. This beautiful castle has seen over 800 years of military occupation and today is under the control of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Northern Ireland, and it is a popular tourist attraction for people from all around the world. Visitors can explore the tour on their own or seek guided tours from the Carrickfergus and District Historical Society.
Carrickfergus Castle served as an armoury and garrison during World War I.
Derry
Derry, also known as Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland. It is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland, and it lies on the west bank of the Foyle River. County Derry houses several historical sites, walks and a beautiful stretch of stunning coastline.
Some of the best things to do in Derry include:
- Take a walk along the walls.
- Cross the Peace Bridge.
- Experience the Bloody Sunday Monument, an event dedicated to mourning the massacre of protesters by British paratroopers.
- Visit St Columb’s Cathedral, one of Derry’s oldest buildings.
Chaine Memorial Tower
The Chaine Memorial Tower, also known as ‘The Pencil’, is a cylindrical stone lighthouse on the north Antrim Coast. This tower was built in 1887 as a memorial for James Chaine, the developer of Larne Harbour.
The Chaine Memorial Tower is a replica of an Irish Round Tower, and it stands at 27 m (88.5 ft) and 7.5 m (24.6 ft) wide at its base. The tower offers a great opportunity for dusk and dawn photographs.
Carnfunnock Country Park
Situated on the spectacular Antrim Coast Road, Carnfunnock Country Park has over 191 hectares of mixed woodland and a colourful walled garden. The caravan park has 31 hard-standing touring pitches surrounded by mature trees.
Carnfunnock Country Park is a fun location for both adults and kids. It has an activity centre, a 9-hole golf course and a playground where children can run around. The park, with its fun activities and wooden sculptures, is open all year.
Carnfunnock Country Park offers a safe environment for children to learn about the natural world.
Cushendall
Cushendall is a village in the Causeway Coast and Glens District. With a sandy beach backed by the rolling green hills of the Glens of Antrim, it’s a very tranquil place to visit if you have time on your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary.
Some of the fun things to do at Cushendall include:
- Visit the beach and Glenariff Forest.
- Make a stop at the Cushendun Cave.
- Take beautiful photos at the Red Bay Castle.
Planning Your Trip Along The Causeway Coastal Route
Planning your trip along the Causeway Coastal Route can be complicated, especially because there’s a lot to see and do. Here we’ll go over everything you need to know about planning this trip and how many days you need.
Things To Know
To get the most out of your Causeway Coastal Route trip, select the best time to explore the area. The best time to visit the Causeway Coast is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is still mild. However, the area welcomes many visitors around this time, so most tourist attractions may be crowded. Consider touring the area in May or September for a more serene experience.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you must respect local culture and traditions. Wear appropriate clothing when visiting religious sites and avoid becoming hostile with the locals. Also, come with some cash that you can use for petty transactions.
Defining Key Points
Defining the key points on your Causeway Coastal Route Map helps you stay organised and ensures that you cover as much ground as possible. The following tips will prove useful when selecting key areas to visit:
- Check out the various tourist attractions in the area and make a list of the ones you’d like to visit.
- Decide how much time you want to spend at each location. This can range from a few hours to a whole day, depending on how many days you intend to spend along the Causeway Coast.
- Prioritise your favourite places. Put them at the top of your list as the must-visit locations, while others come after.
- Use a Causeway Coastal Route map to determine the best route to various locations so you don’t spend too much time on the road.
How Many Days For The Causeway Coastal Route?
Your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary depends on how many days you have to spend on the trip.
2-Day Causeway Itinerary
Here’s a two-day Causeway Coastal Route itinerary, starting from Belfast.
Day 1: Explore Belfast To Cushendall
- First stop: The Gobbins
- Second stop: Cranny Falls
- Third stop: Glenariff Forest Park
Tip: Cushendall is a good halfway point from which you can continue your journey tomorrow. Look for a hotel or B&B where you can spend the night.
Day 2: Cushendall To Portrush
- First stop: Cushendun Caves
- Second stop: Glenarm Castle
- Third stop: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Fourth stop: White Park Bay
- Fifth stop: Giant’s Causeway
- Sixth stop: Dunluce Castle
5-Day Causeway Itinerary
If you’re spending five days on the road, you have more time to explore the scenic route more thoroughly and visit more attractions.
Day 1: Belfast To Cushendall
- First stop: Carrickfergus Castle
- Second stop: Belfast Lough
- Fourth stop: Cranny Falls
- Fifth stop: Glenariff Forest Park
Day 2: Cushendall To Ballycastle
- First stop: Glenariff Nature Reserve
- Second stop: Glenarm Castle
- Third stop: Murlough Bay
- Fourth stop: Fair Head
- Fifth stop: Carrick-a-Rede Island
Day 3: Ballycastle To Portstewart
- First stop: Ballintoy Harbour
- Second stop: Dunseverick Castle
- Third stop: Dunluce Castle
- Fourth stop: Portballintrae
Day 4: Portstewart To Derry
- First stop: Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple
- Second stop: Castlerock Beach
- Third stop: Binevenagh Mountain
- Fourth stop: Roe Valley Country Park
Day 5: Derry
- First stop: The Peace Bridge
- Second stop: Guildhall
- Third stop: Tower Museum
- Final stop: The Walls of Derry
8-Day Causeway Itinerary
With 8 days in a tank, you have various options to see and do.
Day 1: Belfast To Carrickfergus
- First stop: Titanic Belfast
- Second stop: Belfast Castle
- Third stop: Belfast City Hall
Day 2: Carrickfergus To Cushendall
- First stop: Glenarm Castle
- Second stop: The Gobbins
- Third stop: Whitehead Railway Museum
- Fourth stop: Gleno Waterfall
Day 3: Cushendall To Ballycastle
- First stop: Glenariff Nature Reserve
- Second stop: Red Bay Castle
- Third stop: Torr Head
- Fourth stop: Murlough Bay
- Fifth stop: Fair Head
Day 4: Ballycastle To Bushmills
- First stop: Carrick-a-Rede Island
- Second stop: Ballintoy Harbour
- Third stop: Dunseverick Castle
- Fourth stop: Giant’s Causeway
- Fifth stop: Old Bushmills Distillery
Day 5: Bushmills To Portstewart
- First stop: Dunluce Castle
- Second stop: Mussenden Temple
- Third stop: Portballintrae
- Fourth stop: Castlerock Beach
Day 6: Portstewart To Limavady
- First stop: Downhill Demesne
- Second stop: Binevenagh Mountain
- Third stop: Benone Strand
Day 7: Limavady To Derry
- First stop: Ballyronan Marina
- Second stop: Sperrins Gateway
- Third stop: Dungiven Castle
Day 8: Derry
- First stop: The Peace Bridge
- Second stop: Guildhall
- Third stop: Tower Museum
- Final stop: The Walls of Derry
Where To Stay Along The Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route road trip starts in Belfast or Derry, so we suggest you arrive in the city a day earlier and spend the night there. As you travel across the route, you can book B&Bs or hotels in various areas that you intend to explore. Some tourist attractions even offer accommodations. An example is the Ballygally Castle Hotel. We recommend that you book accommodation in advance, especially if you intend to visit during the summer months when the area welcomes a lot of tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is The Causeway Coastal Route?
The Causeway Coastal Route is 120 miles (193 km) long. It is regarded as one of the world’s greatest coastal journeys because it takes you across the wild and dramatic coast of Northern Ireland. You’ll get to see various rugged cliffs, old castles, whiskey distilleries and sandy beaches as you travel from Belfast to Derry or in reverse.
Where Does The Causeway Coastal Route Start And Finish?
The Causeway Coastal Route starts in Belfast and finishes in Derry. The drive follows the A2 for most of the trip, taking you across various scenic locations and beautiful villages. You’ll also get to see numerous attractions along the way, but the most famous is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is about halfway before the start and finish points.
What Beaches Are On The Causeway Coastal Route?
The beaches on the Causeway Coastal Route include Whiterocks Beach, Castlerock Beach, Ballycastle Beach, Waterfoot Beach, Cushendall Beach, East Strand Beach and Benone Strand Beach. These spectacular beaches offer a natural playground for families and picturesque backdrops for photo lovers. Whether you’re looking to swim, kayak, surf or paddle board, you’ll find a suitable beach along the Causeway Coast.
Can You Walk The Causeway Coastal Route?
Yes, you can walk the Causeway Coastal Route. There is a walking trail that takes you from Portstewart to Ballycastle, covering a distance of 32 mi (52 km). We recommend that you spend three days or more exploring the attractions along the route while walking. The Causeway Coast is perfect for solo hikers, but you can also travel with friends.
Which Coastal Drive Is The Best In Northern Ireland?
The best coastal drive in Northern Ireland is the Causeway Coastal Route. This 120-mile route runs from Belfast to Derry, taking you across numerous natural and human-made attractions. The Causeway Coast drive has very few areas of congestion, and there are many opportunities for you to park your car and go for a wander along the rugged coastline.
Conclusion
If you have read this Causeway Coastal Route guide to this point, you should have all the details you need to plan a successful trip. The Causeway Coast is packed with various attractions that are suitable for people of all ages, making it the perfect coastal trip for families. So, get ready to explore the best Northern Ireland has to offer.
