Few places anywhere match the Causeway Coastal Route for sheer, rugged beauty. Stretching between the cities of Belfast and Derry~Londonderry, the route earns its reputation not just at the bookends but in everything in between: showstopping natural scenery, charming seaside villages tucked into craggy coves, wide sandy beaches giving way to quiet glens, and ancient castles standing watch from the headlands.
The Causeway Coast's most iconic spots need little introduction, but this span of coastline rewards slow travel in the truest sense: exploring hidden corners you won't find in the travel guides, lingering over lunch to watch the waves roll in, or simply taking time to embrace the moment in the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings.
To enjoy this itinerary you can either base yourself in one spot and explore outwards, or meander gently along the coast point-to-point at your own pace. Either way, this is slow travel at its finest.
Travel To The Coast At Your Own Pace
Heading north from Belfast, the first choice is a good one to have: the exhilarating clifftop walk-on-water experience of The Gobbins, or the history, heritage and beauty of Glenarm Castle & Gardens - where the Ocean View Pods make a strong case for an overnight stay. Alternatively, why choose? Take your time and enjoy both.
Following the coastal road northbound through the Glens of Antrim, you'll pass through Ballycastle, a popular seaside town that's packed with great cafés and eateries including Ursa Minor Bakehouse and the North Coast Smokehouse.
Ballycastle is also where you can jump aboard the Rathlin Ferry. Harboured at the marina, the ferry journey takes around half an hour and Rathlin Island is a perfect spot for the curious: rare seabirds, dramatic cliffs and a quirky 'upside down' lighthouse are among the highlights, while the elegant 18th-century Manor House guesthouse is an excellent reason to extend your stay into an overnight.
Back on the mainland, Ballintoy Harbour is famous as one of the many key Game of Thrones filming locations that populate the Causeway Coast, but even if you're not a superfan the harbour and coastal walk from Ballintoy to Whitepark Bay is well worth your time.
Explore Iconic Attractions
The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle are among north Antrim's most celebrated sights, and they're best experienced with someone who knows them well. A guided clifftop tour from operators like Away a Wee Walk turns the Causeway into a two-and-a-half-hour journey through the history of the iconic basalt formations, hosted by an expert local guide.
Nearby, the Old Bushmills Distillery - the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world - offers a slightly different kind of unhurried pleasure, with daily tours that show you the process of whiskeymaking that's been in place since 1608 and is still in use today.
From here, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne are a short drive further along the coastline. Wandering the grounds of the ruined 18th-century Downhill mansion is rewarding enough, but nothing quite prepares you for the sight of Mussenden Temple, perched on the clifftop above Downhill Strand. Round off the visit at Harry's Shack, right on the edge of Portstewart Strand, where local seafood and sea views make time disappear.
Experience Nature Up Close
The Causeway Coast and surrounding area is packed with outdoor activities and experiences, and there's easily enough here to fill several days whether you prefer action and adventure or simply taking it easy.
For animal lovers, Watertop Farm near Ballycastle offers a tranquil stay for campers and caravanners on a working farm with friendly animals and sheepdogs, while Crindle Stables runs horseback treks along the coast on Downhill Beach.
If you'd prefer to get in the water, Portrush Surf School will teach you how to surf the rolling Atlantic waves, or there's a range of boat tours and excursions from the likes of Carnlough Bay Boat Tours, or the full-throttle sea safari experience aboard Abháinn Cruises' 12-seater RHIB boats.
The North Coast By Train
The Causeway Coast is connected to the city of Derry~Londonderry via train, with stops in Portrush, Coleraine and Castlerock. The route is renowned for its stunning scenery, particularly as it passes under Mussenden Temple through the dramatic Downhill Railway Tunnel, with actor and travel writer Michael Palin describing it as "one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world".
Coleraine itself is well worth a stop, and the town is packed with history: including Mountsandel Fort - an Anglo-Norman earthen fortress - and is home to some of the earliest known human settlements on the entire island of Ireland, dating back to around 7,900 BC. Lir Seafood, located next to Coleraine Marina, is highly regarded as a must-visit spot for foodies, serving sustainably sourced local seafood.
Wander Through The Walled City
The route ends in Derry~Londonderry, a cosmopolitan and creative city that's known for its thriving arts scene, live music from pubs like Peadar O'Donnell's, wide range of top bars and restaurants as well as for its 17th century walls - some of the best-preserved examples in all of Europe.
Guided tours from Derrie Danders and Martin McCrossan City Tours prove that the best way to explore the city is through the eyes of a local, while foodies will enjoy a taste of Derry~Londonderry - quite literally - with the Foodie City Cycle tour. For a different perspective entirely, Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours explores the storied banks of the River Foyle by water - a fitting way to absorb the city at a slower pace.
