The glorious Causeway Coastal Route hugs the dramatic eastern and northern coastline of Northern Ireland. Its stunning cliff walk views across the Irish Sea to Scotland and over the Atlantic Ocean to Donegal are beyond comparison. Starting in Belfast and continuing all the way to Derry-Londonderry this drive of a lifetime, is the perfect route around which to plan a cheeky mid-week jolly or weekend getaway.
Along the Antrim coast
Before you properly get going you might want to check in at the Ballygally Castle Hotel (4*) on the east County Antrim coast. They have been welcoming guests to these parts since the 1960s and they still know how to make you feel at home. If you’re after something a little more indulgent, you might consider moving a little inland and availing of the spas and swimming pools (yes plural) at Galgorm (4*) north of Ballymena, a little inland, – you’ll deserve it after all the travelling around.
Get your short break on the Causeway Coast off to an educational start with a bit of local history at the 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle, one of the finest examples of a Norman castle in Ireland.
For those who like to get some thrills with their fresh air, we’d recommend the suspension bridges and tunnels of the exhilarating cliff path at The Gobbins.
Park up in the picturesque 17th-century village of Glenarm for an afternoon visit to the superb walled garden in Glenarm Castle before treating yourself to their delicious cream tea.
Game of Thrones® followers should seek out Steenson’s Économusée in the village and watch the artisan jewellers at work – they are famous for the pieces they crafted specially for the hit series.
Another jewel in the Antrim crown is the idyllic waterfall trail in Glenariff Forest Park. This place offers several different routes and each is utterly enchanting.
If it’s close to lunch or it’s getting time for dinner, then a stop at Harry’s in Cushendall or Mary McBride’s little gem of a pub in scenic Cushendun is on the cards.
Base yourself in Ballycastle or Bushmills
Stay the night at the lovely Salthouse Eco-lodges (4*) in Ballycastle and treat yourself to some time in the spa before getting up early for the ferry from Ballycastle over to Rathlin Island. The tiny spot is renowned for its spectacular scenery, wildlife and as a wonderful sanctuary for puffins. The island’s Seabird Centre, at the so-called upside down lighthouse, will tell you all about them.
Back on the mainland, you’ll need nerves of steel to get across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
It’s a long way down so when you get back, from the other side that is, you’ll be glad to know that the world’s oldest whiskey distillery at Old Bushmills Distillery is only up the road. After you’ve sampled their uisce beatha take a stroll around the town and drink in its rich heritage. Those looking to base themselves here for their short break might consider the quirky Bushmills Inn Hotel (4*). Good food, cosy rooms and lots of little fire-lit nooks and crannies give you a sense of being in your own shebeen.
There are also some great restaurants here, including Tartine at The Distillers Arms. This was originally home to the famous distillery’s owners and today it is a top-class modern brasserie with more awards than old soldier.
Where it all begins – the Giant’s Causeway
Of course, don’t come all this way without visiting the spectacular site that gives the route its name. The Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder. It is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in myth and legend and its 40,000 perfectly formed rocks are sure to leave an impression.
If you fancy sleeping beside the stones, the local Causeway Hotel (3*) has been here for nearly as long and they sure know how to look after you.
There's beautiful beaches, surfing, ice cream parlours, fine dining and more in lovely Portrush, a sea side resort that comes alive in summer and offers a spectacular retreat in winter. Enjoy a meal at 55 Degrees North overlooking the golden East Strand beach.
If you have the time, and more importantly the energy, think about taking a boat trip along the coast with Causeway Sea Tours or Aquaholics Dive Centre and Sea Safari. As well as all the sights already mentioned, you’ll take in Ramore Head, the Skerries and wonderful Dunluce Castle.
There is inspiration everywhere you look along the Causeway Coastal Route and this is only a sea-bitten taste of it. You’ll also find plenty of short break inspiration by looking through our other blogs, articles and directories for where to stay, what to see and what to do all along the Causeway Coastal Route.
The Ballygally Castle Hotel faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay. The Castle dates back to 1625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland.
Galgorm is one Ireland's premier Resorts, set in 450 acres of lush parkland near Northern Ireland’s most renowned scenic attractions it is the perfect location to truly relax & unwind.
For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and the dolphins dancing off the coastline. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy this 2.5-hour walking tour through tunnels and bridges with the waves crashing at your feet.
Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning planting displays year round. Don't miss the annual tulip festival which takes place every May.
The Steensons are delighted to welcome visitors to their jewellery workshop and gallery. A fascinating and rare opportunity to purchase jewellery whilst watching highly skilled craftspeople at work.
Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.
Situated in the heart of the Nine Glens of Antrim serving the finest sustainable local seafood and beef that Northern Ireland has to offer and a range of exceptional wines in a relaxing setting.
Mary's is a traditional Irish pub with lots of history and stories to be told. Come along and enjoy a homemade meal and a pint of Guinness. Our menu offers something for everyone whether it's our steak and Guinness pie or our delicious Cock and Bull.
Our eco-lodges are fully fitted with everything you could need for a relaxing visit sleeping up to 6 guests; the perfect way to Discover your Coastal Calm with loved ones
Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.
Just six miles off County Antrim's north coast with must see views of Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony and a chance to explore Rathlin's unique 'upside down' lighthouse part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland Trail.
Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for ever, for everyone.
In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today, Bushmills is home to the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world.
The Bushmills Inn is a luxury Hotel with an AA Rosette restaurant in the heart of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. One of Ireland’s most well known luxurious hotels, The Bushmills Inn boasts open turf fires, gas lights and hidden nooks & crannies.
Tartine aims to provide an experience. The ambiance of the surroundings, experienced staff and quality seasonal food makes for an exceptional night out.
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
A stay in the award-winning Causeway Hotel provides an experience that nowhere in the world can offer. A stone's throw away from the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a place where magical memories are honed.
55 Degrees North is a Modern Family run restaurant established in 2005, set in the heart of coastal Portrush with breathtaking views overlooking the Skerries Islands, East Strand and Scotland. There is also a Bistro and Coffee Shop downstairs.
With the move to Portrush, Predator is now offering sea tours of various sights around the North Coast of Ireland, including Giants Causeway, the Skerries, Ballintroy, and more.
Dive into a new and exciting world with Aquaholics. Hop aboard the Aquaholics dive vessel for a unique, world-class experience along the coastline to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Here you’ll be briefed, kitted-up and then jumping overboard for an exciting scuba dive in the stunningly clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean below the rope bridge.
Dunluce Castle is located dramatically close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea, along the North County Antrim coast.
