The Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Eire is without doubt one of the finest street journeys on this planet. The 130-mile route from Belfast to Londonderry (Derry) will 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 calm down as a result of we’re going to present you the entire finest stops on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Having pushed the Causeway Coastal Route 3 times, we’ve got seen the entire stops on this stunning Irish street journey. Once 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 method 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 method counterclockwise by means of the Antrim Coast ending in Londonderry.
Make certain 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 sights.
In 2018, the Causeway Coastal route was voted the #1 Area on this planet by Lonely Planet. We give that ThePlanetD seal of approval as nicely. Try our metropolis guides on each Belfast and Londonderry to take advantage of your journey.
Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
Should you spend 2 days in Belfast and sooner or later in Derry, you’ve 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 street journey that highlights the most effective the nation has to supply. We’re going to spotlight the entire finest stops that will help you select which of the highest sights you need to see whereas creating your individual street journey itinerary.
You probably have restricted time however nonetheless wish to go to the highest sights alongside the Causeway Coast, you can ebook 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 photographs. You’ll then go to the superb Basalt Columns of the star sights which is commonly described because the eighth Marvel of the world earlier than heading again to Belfast with a cease for photographs at Dunluce Fortress.
Belfast
Positioned simply two hours north of Dublin, Belfast is only a hop skip and a soar from essentially 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 street journey.
We stayed on the Ten Sq. Lodge Belfast and may extremely suggest it. Positioned instantly throughout from Belfast Metropolis Corridor, we beloved this resort. We have been inside strolling distance of many sights and the rooms have been trendy and stylish.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Belfast Metropolis. You may 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 get pleasure from a pint whereas listening to conventional music at one in every 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 widespread Sport of Thrones Tour takes you to a number of stops on the coastal route the place you’ll get pleasure from 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 Fortress, 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 situation of Fortress Black and the Darkish Hedges to see King’s Street.
On our method out of Belfast, we stopped at Belfast Fortress for a last view overlooking town from its stunning fort. 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 fort stands excessive above Belfast on a hill throughout 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 fort and you’ll stroll all the best way to Cave Hill Nation Park,
Once you go to Eire, a visit to Belfast is a should. You probably have a short while, you need to ebook a Black Taxi Tour to see the murals of Belfast and the neighborhoods of Falls and Shankill Street that have been the epicentre of The Troubles. And see how the Peace Wall is protecting the peace right now.
Carrickfergus Fortress
Carrickfergus Fortress is positioned on the Northern Shore of Belfast Lough. There are lots of castles to select from on the Causeway Coastal Route, and it is a good possibility since it is going to be your first cease as soon as you permit Belfast. Carrickfergus Fortress has been standing for greater than 800 years and is an instance of one of many finest 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 Warfare II. This fort is so picturesque that it’s a widespread marriage ceremony venue.
- Handle: Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG, UK
The Gobbins Cliff Stroll
The following 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 Street, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3SL
Slemish mountain
A slight detour off the principle 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.
Should you occur to be visiting the Antrim Coast on Saint Patrick’s Day, you’ll be able to 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 presents stunning views of the Antrim Coast.
Glenarm Fortress
You may’t actually see a lot of Glenarm Fortress as it’s nonetheless a personal residence. The McDonnell household has owned the castles since 1636. However vacationers can go to the Walled Backyard at Glenarm Fortress to get pleasure from its stunning panorama.
The walled backyard was initially created to produce recent fruit and greens to the fort and group. At this time, you’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 Fortress Backyard is price 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 Fortress St, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0BD, UK
Glenariff Forest Park
Positioned within the well-known Glens of Antrim, Glenariff Forest Park is commonly thought of essentially 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, which means ‘place of cairns’, is a village in County Antrim with a picturesque harbour on the shores of Carnlough Bay. The realm presents many alternatives to get out on the ocean and freshwater for some sightseeing or fishing.
The Londonderry Arms Lodge located within the village was in-built 1848 as a training inn by Frances Anne Vane Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry, nice grandmother of Winston Churchill. If you wish to spend the evening, it is a sensible choice.
- Instructions: Glenariffe Rd, Ballymena BT44 0QX, UK
Torr Head Scenic Route
The Torr Head Scenic Route is a detour from the principle Causeway Coastal Route, however it’s not to be missed. Every time we’ve pushed this street, it’s been a wild experience by means of winding surroundings and tough climate, nevertheless it’s been price it.
This drive doesn’t see a whole lot of site 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 method. From the automobile park, you’ll be able to hike as much as a ruined fort the place you’ll get pleasure from views up and down the Antrim Coast.
Positioned between Cushendun and Ballycastle, this route takes you as shut as you may 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 of spy Honest 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 positioned alongside the causeway coastal route that dates again to the seventeenth century. It’s right here you could 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 just six miles lengthy and one mile large 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 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 positioned on Bregagh Street and are essentially the most photographed location in Northern Eire. It was made much more well-known when HBO’s Sport of Thrones popped over to this street to movie a scene in season 1 the place it was used because the King’s Street.
It isn’t precisely positioned on the principle Causeway Coastal Route, however as a result of it’s only a brief 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 company as they approached their Georgian mansion. At this time the bushes have grown into one of the vital spectacular views and one of the vital widespread vacationer sights 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 one in every of Northern Eire’s most interesting. Whereas we have been there, we noticed an infinite basking shark feeding within the waters beneath so ensure 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 harmful rope dangling over the ocean. At this time 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 slightly hairraising. It will 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 unimaginable 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 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 method. It’s northern, rugged, and wild. On the town, you’ll discover an array of small outlets and two church buildings.
We beloved stopping at Ballintoy Harbour as a result of tour buses can not get down. The slender winding street makes it an ideal cease away from the crowds. Learn extra: A Sport of Thrones Tour of Northern Eire
Large’s Causeway
Large’s Causeway is essentially 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 can be completely stacked beside one another main out to the ocean. Learn extra: The Legend of the Large’s Causeway – Do You Imagine?
You may ebook day excursions to the Large’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 Large’s Causeway. Locations you’ll see en path to the Large’s Causeway are Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Darkish Hedges. Be taught concerning the historical past from reside commentary on board.
Legend has it that the Irish Large, Finn McCool, constructed an enormous stone causeway to cross the ocean to battle the Scottish Large, Bennandoner. It’s simple to imagine the legend because it is without doubt one of the most uncommon sights we’ve ever seen. It appears 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 new 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 simple stroll right down to the Large’s Causeway from the automobile 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 may ebook 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 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 Large’s Causeway. Whereas we suggest staying on the Causeway Lodge, Bushmills Lodge is one other wonderful alternative. 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 Large’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 really granted the primary distilling license to Bushmills in 1608. You may take a distillery tour to see how Irish Whiskey is produced.
Even in case you don’t wish to take a tour, you’ll be able to enter the customer middle to get pleasure from a little bit of its grounds to see a number of the distilleries and you should buy premium whiskey at its foremost store. Dave loves their 16-year-old.
Dunluce Fortress
Dunluce Fortress is an deserted medieval fort positioned proper on the north Antrim Coast on northern coast. The fort was constructed within the thirteenth Century and was inhabited till the late 1600s. You additionally would possibly acknowledge this fort from the internal sleeve of the Led Zeppelin album, “Homes of the Holy.”
When driving to Dunluce Fortress 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 folks with restricted time however who nonetheless wish to get pleasure from a number of the high Northern Eire locations after they go to Eire. Go to the Darkish Hedges, Dunluce Fortress, 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 parking zone. It is without doubt one of the finest views on the whole Causeway Coast and you actually should cease to get pleasure from a stroll alongside its paths main out to 2 lookouts. One appears in direction of Dunluce Fortress whereas the opposite overlooks Whiterocks seashore. 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 standard seaside resort has a beautiful previous city to discover that has loads of lodges, 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. Should 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 it’s also a favourite with locals too! The seashore stretches from Curran Strand to Dunluce Fortress 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 high, excessive above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Eire. It’s run by the Nationwide Belief and while 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 automobile park, it’s essential to take the tunnel beneath the practice tracks of The Derry Colerain Railway that travels between Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine. Benone Strand is taken into account one in every of Eire’s most stunning and unspoiled seashores and a stroll alongside this lengthy sandy stretch is a should.
Gortmore Scenic Viewpoint
Should you haven’t had sufficient spectacular views in your causeway coastal route itinerary, comply with The Bishop’s Street 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 seashore 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 an additional gorgeous coast street drive.
Derry (Londonderry)
Derry is our finish level of the Causeway Coastal route itinerary and is a superb metropolis to spend at the very least one full day. Keep at The Lodge Maldran Derry and park your automobile as you discover the historic sights of this vibrant metropolis.
Derry is the one remaining fully walled metropolis in Eire and one of many most interesting 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 may stroll across the 1.5 km of preserved partitions taking in all of the sights.
Make certain 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 helpful to see the Murals of Derry,
Derry is simple to get round and in case you keep within the metropolis middle, you’ll be able to simply stroll to all the highest sights of this vibrant metropolis. A strolling tour of the metropolis is a superb option to study concerning the historical past, tradition, and politics of Northern Eire.
How you can Get to the Causeway Coastal Route
The causeway coast street begins in Belfast and snakes its method 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
How you can Get To Belfast
We drove to Belfast from Dublin as it is just a two-hour drive between the cities. There are even day excursions that may 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 practice. There’s a direct practice 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 hire a automobile 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 Greatest Belfast Metropolis Airport which is positioned simply 5 minutes from Belfast Metropolis Centre.
How you can Get Across the Coast Street
One of the simplest ways to get across the Causeway Coastal Route is the hire a automobile rent and revel in your individual street journey. You may then discover the entire high sights at your individual tempo.
It’s also possible to ebook day excursions on Get Your Information. There are many stops on the Causeway Coastal Route you could ebook 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
Nearly all of the causeway coastal route is positioned in County Antrim. County Antrim is one in every 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 sights, and data on the Antrim coast, go to their web site.
