The Final Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary, Northern Eire

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) 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 chill out 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 highway journey. Once 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 the Antrim Coast ending in Londonderry.

Be certain 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, mountaineering trails, and prime sights.

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. Take a look at our metropolis guides on each Belfast and Londonderry to profit from your journey.

Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary

For those who spend 2 days in Belfast and at some point in Derry, you might have the right 5-day itinerary for Northern Eire seeing all of its spectacular landscapes, Sport of Thrones filming places, and the 9 Glens of Antrim most of that are situated alongside the Causeway Coast.

The coastal causeway route actually is the last word Northern Eire highway journey that highlights the most effective the nation has to supply. We’re going to spotlight the entire greatest stops that can assist you select which of the highest sights it’s best to see whereas creating your personal highway journey itinerary.

If in case you have restricted time however nonetheless wish to go to the highest sights alongside the Causeway Coast, you can guide this guided tour from Belfast. It’s a full-day tour to the Big’s Causeway driving by 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 leap 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 highway journey.

We stayed on the Ten Sq. Resort Belfast and might extremely advocate it. Positioned instantly throughout from Belfast Metropolis Corridor, we cherished 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, be taught 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 among 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. E-book tickets prematurely for Titanic Belfast that features entry to Ocean Exploration Centre and the SS Nomadic. See our full Belfast Metropolis Information for extra info.

If you wish to go to the Causeway Coast on a guided tour from Belfast this common 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 Big’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 places like Magharmorne Quarry which is the situation of Fortress Black and the Darkish Hedges to see King’s Highway.

On our means out of Belfast, we stopped at Belfast Fortress for a last view overlooking town from its lovely fort. 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 fort stands excessive above Belfast on a hill throughout the grounds of Cave Hill Nation Park. It’s free to enter and inside you possibly can tour its rooms and seize a chew 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. If in case you have a short while, it’s 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 holding the peace immediately.

Carrickfergus Fortress

Carrickfergus Fortress is situated 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 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 greatest preserved medieval constructions in Eire.

It’s shocking 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 fort is so picturesque that it’s a common marriage ceremony venue.

• Deal with: 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.

• Deal with: 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 possibly can 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 if you happen to aren’t there on Saint Patrick’s Day, a hike to the highest presents lovely views of the Antrim Coast.

Glenarm Fortress

You possibly can’t actually see a lot of Glenarm Fortress 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 Fortress to get pleasure from its lovely panorama.

The walled backyard was initially created to provide contemporary fruit and greens to the fort and group. Right now, you possibly can get pleasure from a stroll by the gardens or head out to its forest mountaineering path adopted by a cease on the restaurant for a slice of contemporary 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 highway 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-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, that means ‘place of cairns’, is a village in County Antrim with a picturesque harbour on the shores of Carnlough Bay. The world presents many alternatives to get out on the ocean and freshwater for some sightseeing or fishing.

The Londonderry Arms Resort 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 experience by winding surroundings and tough climate, nevertheless it’s been price it.

This drive doesn’t see lots of visitors due to its slender winding highway 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 means. From the automobile park, you possibly can 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 will get to Scotland and on a transparent day, you possibly can see clear over the water to Scotland at solely 12 miles away! You’ll additionally have the ability to spy Truthful Head, The Antrim Coast, and Rathlin Island the place you possibly can take a ferry to the one inhabited offshore island in Northern Eire.

• Deal with: 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 that you could catch the ferry to Rathlin Island. There’s a lovely 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 by way of ferry. The island is simply six miles lengthy and one mile broad 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 situated 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 situated on the primary Causeway Coastal Route, however as a result of it’s only a brief detour, we’re including it. This hanging scene with 90 Beech bushes lining this highway creating a cover of twisting branches overhead is to not be missed.

The Stuart household planted the bushes within the eighteenth century to welcome friends as they approached their Georgian mansion. Right now the bushes have grown into probably the most spectacular views and probably the most common 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 one among Northern Eire’s best. Whereas we had 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. Right now 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 toes) deep rope bridge are rewarded with unimaginable views of the North Coast.

Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy Harbour is a picturesque fishing village situated 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” 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 retailers and two church buildings.

We cherished stopping at Ballintoy Harbour as a result of tour buses can not get down. The slender 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 surprise on the Causeway Coastal Route. If there may be one attraction on the Causeway Coast that it’s essential to see, that is it! This UNESCO World Heritage Web site will blow you away as you’re 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 Big’s Causeway – Do You Imagine?

You possibly can guide day excursions to the Big’s Causeway from Belfast if you happen to 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. Be taught in regards to the historical past from stay commentary on board.

Legend has it that the Irish Big, Finn McCool, constructed an enormous stone causeway to cross the ocean to combat the Scottish Big, Bennandoner. It’s straightforward to imagine the legend because it is likely one of the most uncommon sights we’ve ever seen. It appears to be like as if an enormous constructed a patio of good stones making a causeway out to sea.

Science tells us that the Big’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 mountaineering trails across the cliff edge and alongside the coast to view the extraordinary sight.

It’s a simple stroll right down to the Big’s Causeway from the automobile park, however shuttles are supplied for these with mobility points. Contained in the customer heart is a present store, interpretive heart, cafe, and occasional store. We recommend staying on the Causeway Resort 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 actually 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 advocate staying on the Causeway Resort, Bushmills Resort is one other wonderful selection. It’s extra upscale than the Causeway Resort with a wonderful restaurant situated within the coronary heart of city.

Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills Distillery is simply 5 minutes from the Big’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 if you happen to don’t wish to take a tour, you possibly can enter the customer heart to get pleasure from a little bit of its grounds to see among the distilleries and you should buy premium whiskey at its most important store. Dave loves their 16-year-old.

Dunluce Fortress

Dunluce Fortress is an deserted medieval fort situated 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 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 get pleasure from among the prime Northern Eire locations once they go to Eire. Go to the Darkish Hedges, Dunluce Fortress, 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 drag over into the car parking zone. It is likely one of the greatest views on all the Causeway Coast and you actually should cease to get pleasure from a stroll alongside its paths main out to 2 lookouts. One appears to be like 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 inns, 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. 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’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 situated within the lovely 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 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 Sport 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 seashore at  Benone Strand, you’ll be handled to a postcard view.

Benon Strand

One other lovely seashore on the opposite facet of the Mussenden Temple is Benon Strand. To achieve the seashore from the automobile park, you’ll want 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 one among Eire’s most lovely 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 possibly can 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 had been itching to get to Derry, so we skipped this view, however you possibly can 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 wonderful metropolis to spend no less than one full day. Keep at The Resort 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 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 certain to go to the neighborhood of Free Derry to be taught all about The Troubles that engulfed Northern Eire in civil unrest. A guided tour is very advisable to see the Murals of Derry,

Derry is simple to get round and if you happen to keep within the metropolis heart, you possibly can simply stroll to all the highest sights of this vibrant metropolis. A strolling tour of the metropolis is a wonderful strategy to be taught in regards to the historical past, tradition, and politics of Northern Eire.

Tips on how 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 County Antrim. It passes by the 9 glens of Antrim, The Big’s Causeway and

Tips on how to 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.

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 possibly can lease a automobile to start your Causeway Coastal Route itinerary on the airport.

If you’re flying from Europe or wherever inside the UK, you’ll land at George Greatest Belfast Metropolis Airport which is situated simply 5 minutes from Belfast Metropolis Centre.

Tips on how to Get Across the Coast Highway

The easiest way to get across the Causeway Coastal Route is the lease a automobile rent and luxuriate in your personal highway journey. You possibly can then discover the entire prime sights at your personal tempo.

You can even guide day excursions on Get Your Information. There are many stops on the Causeway Coastal Route that you could 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 situated in County Antrim. County Antrim is one among 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 info on County Antrim, Causeway coastal sights, and data on the Antrim coast, go to their web site.