Causeway Coastal Route
Explore the Causeway Coastal Route - Northern Ireland’s iconic coastal drive - packed with unforgettable day trips, overnight stays, and world-famous attractions.From Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, discover dramatic coastlines, castles, hidden beaches, historic towns, and local food and drink experiences. Whether you're planning a short getaway or a longer road trip, this guide helps you find the best places to visit, stay, eat and explore along the way.
Plan Your Journey Along the Causeway Coastal Route
Stretching from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Whether you're planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer road adventure, this legendary route offers spectacular sights, welcoming towns, and countless opportunities to explore Northern Ireland’s giant spirit.
Top Attractions: Castles, Cliffs & Coastal Views
Make your first stop Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best persevered medieval structures in Ireland, and a magnificent Norman stronghold at the gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route. Make sure to stop-off along the way at the breathtaking cliff-face walkway with suspension bridges and sea caves, The Gobbins, where your spirit will soar - and your senses heighten - on exhilarating suspension bridges, caves, steps and tunnels.
Then head straight for the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which legend says is the remains of a causeway built by an Irish giant to fight a Scottish giant. Or maybe the iconic hexagonal basalt columns are volcanic. Either way the place is epic. And don't miss one of the route’s jewels – Dunluce Castle. Perched dramatically on cliffs, rich with history and inspiration, it inspired C.S. Lewis’s Narnia and will inspire you too.
As stunning experiences go, make sure you include the romantically wild Downhill Demesne. Beyond its ruined mansion perched on a cliff, you’ll find the iconic clifftop temple with panoramic ocean views, Mussenden Temple. Here, the line of dramatic basalt cliffs at Binevenagh dominates your surroundings with panoramas across Lough Foyle to Donegal. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow one of the hiking trails to the summit.
For sheer beauty, and a taste of small island life, Rathlin Island is the experience for you. Take the short ferry journey over to embrace the spirit-enhancing and rugged tranquillity of our only inhabited island, and watch out for the puffins!
Best Day Trips & Short Stops
Carnfunnock Country Park is an excellent family-friendly spot with loads to do, including trails, activities, and a chance to solve the mysterious hedge maze. Slemish mountain, is an extinct volcano where, according to legend, Saint Patrick tended sheep after being captured and taken to Ireland. Stop off at the atmospheric Bonamargy Friary ruins, steeped in local folklore and containing the remains of legendary chieftain Sorley Boy McDonnell. And incorporate a stop at the stunningly remote Magilligan Point, a remote stretch of coastline, ideal for walkers and birdwatchers, guarding the entrance to Lough Foyle.
Where to Stay on the Causeway Coastal Route
Accommodation options range from historic castle hotels and cosy B&Bs to luxury eco‑retreats and family‑friendly self‑catering options, all offering scenic coastal views and warm Northern Irish hospitality.
You can stay at the iconic Ballygally Castle (4-star), perched beside the sea with views stretching to Scotland, or unwind in the romantic elegance of The Salthouse (4-star) near Ballycastle. Boutique stays like Bushmills Inn (4-star) offer fine dining and charm, while award‑winning guesthouses such as Blackrock House (5-star) in Portrush overlook sandy beaches and headlands.
For those wanting to wake up footsteps from the Giant’s Causeway, The Causeway Hotel (3-star) delivers classic sea‑view accommodation steeped in local history. Other standout options include Clint-town B&Bs like Cul‑Erg House & Kitchen (4-star) in Portstewart and peaceful retreats outside Derry~Londonderry such as Ursula Walsh’s Station B&B or the luxurious Bishop’s Gate Hotel (5-star). These diverse stays mean whether you're planning a short break or weekend getaway, you’ll find the perfect place to rest, reconnect, and explore.
Food & Drink Along the Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is a feast for the senses, and that includes your taste buds. From award-winning seafood restaurants with views over the Atlantic to cosy cafés and traditional pubs serving hearty local fare, this route offers rich and varied dining experiences. Sample fresh-caught fish, artisan produce, and seasonal specialities as you journey through coastal towns and rural villages. Whether you're planning a short stop or an overnight stay, you'll find restaurants, bars and eateries that add unforgettable flavour to your Northern Ireland adventure.
Discover Game of Thrones® Filming Locations
For Thronies, there's lots to see and do along the Causeway Coastal Route including some of the series' most iconic filming locations. Explore the spectacular coast road to Cushendall, capital of the Glens, which offers must-see views on the route, including the pretty-as-a-picture Cushendun village, in which Melisandre’s shadow lurked in the depths of Cushendun Caves. Stop at the legendary Dark Hedges, which Game of Thrones® fans know as the King's Road. Snap a selfie, and admire a piece of this natural paradise, planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors. In Ballintoy Harbour there may be a sense that you've been there before, and that'll be down to exterior Iron Islands shots which were captured here. Visit Game of Thrones® for more Thronie inspired information on things to see and do, including the official HBO endorsed studio tour.
Explore from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry
Start your journey in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital of culture and cuisine. Head north through coastal towns, glens, and geological wonders before arriving in Derry~Londonderry, Ireland’s only remaining walled city, bursting with rich history. It’s also a fun city, reknowned for its nightlife and live music scene, so if you have energy left or need a boost to get going, head there. Each stop reveals a different side of the coast, from Game of Thrones® sites to heritage towns, and from hidden beaches to towering cliffs.
Download the Causeway Route Map & Travel Tips
Plan ahead for a seamless journey. Download your free Causeway Coastal Route map packed with top attractions, travel times, accommodation options, and food and drink recommendations. And as always, we recommend checking ahead with providers before visiting and book in advance where possible.
