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Causeway Coastal Route

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Activities & Attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route

A whole host of attractions and activities await travelers along the Causeway Coastal Route. Maybe you’d like to get wet while coasteering under cliffs and over rocks. Perhaps you’d prefer to wet your whistle with some fine whiskey at Old Bushmills Distillery. Or why not explore local myths and legends with a trip to the Giant’s Causeway?

Whatever your passion, you’re sure to find an incredible selection of activities, restaurants and accommodation along this world-famous coastal route, as well as friendly locals to share the experience with. They’ll only be too happy to show you how we do it in Northern Ireland.

Experiences fit for giants

The imposing Carrickfergus Castle is an early stop off if you’re starting the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast. This medieval construction has had a rich and colourful role in the history of Northern Ireland and its story is integral to the story of its people.

Further along the route is the world famous The Gobbins Cliff Path. When railway engineer, Berkeley Deane Wise, constructed this cliff walk in 1902, it was declared “a perfect marvel of engineering”...“with no parallel in Europe”. Located on the scenic Islandmagee peninsula, The Gobbins is not for the faint-hearted. You will face dramatic and challenging paths that include spectacular suspension bridges, caves, steps and tunnels. In other words, it is an unforgettable experience!

Become king or queen of the North

Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, the Game of Thrones® Tour , by Giant Tours Ireland, offers you a great way to see some of the most spectacular parts of Northern Ireland. Many of Northern Ireland’s remote locations featured as filming locations for the HBO hit TV series, and on an intimate tour like this, you’ll be setting foot in the real life ‘Westeros’.

Thronies will want to experience an aerial tour of the 'Seven Kingdoms', catch a boat from 'Lordsport Harbour' and enjoy themed afternoon tea in Ballygally Castle Hotel. Or why not pack up the car and do the Game of Thrones® self-drive tour, exploring the various filming locations at your own leisure? The official app will help you navigate your way around each of the ‘10 doors’ and other filming locations from the show.

Cross that bridge when you come to it... if you’re brave enough!

Having been inspired by all the stories of bravery and valour, you will no doubt have the courage to cross the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge...or will you? It’s much sturdier now than when it was originally built by salmon fishermen over 350 years ago, yet this experience never fails to stir up all the senses.

With a strong breeze from the Atlantic Ocean blowing through your hair, the sound of the waves crashing and swirling 30 metres below your feet and the smell of the sea filling your nostrils, it’s exceptionally exhilarating. An unforgettable opportunity to get back to nature and test your nerves of steel.

If you prefer to view the bridge from an alternative perspective, you can always see what it looks like from the water with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours.

Embrace a Giant Spirit

Further along the Causeway Coastal Route is Northern Ireland’s most famous site. Legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway was created when legendary Irish giant, Fionn MacCool, constructed a bridge to Scotland to take on his arch foe Bennandonner. In reality, the famous causeway is the result of a volcanic eruption which left behind this strangely perfect hexagonal patchwork that reaches out into the sea.

The most straight-forward way of experiencing the Giant’s Causeway is to begin your visit at the Visitor Centre and then stroll down to the intriguing stones to search out distinctive formations such as the Camel, Wishing Chair, Granny and Organ.

Away-A-Wee Walk provide guided walking day tours along the stunning Giant’s Causeway cliffs, taking lesser-known paths off the beaten track. If you’re used to trekking across country, this might be the perfect option for you, giving a different perspective of the causeway and avoiding crowds at the same time.

Whatever way you choose to explore it, the Giant’s Causeway, the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland, is well worth the visit.

Giant appetites also catered for

On Wendy Gallagher’s Causeway Coast Foodie Tours you can explore and eat as you go. Wash down everything from eel and goat with local craft ales, whiskey, gin, cider or coffee and ingest the views with your eyes.

Along with fresh Atlantic air comes even fresher Atlantic breezes and we will admit, there are days when you will feel the chill on the Causeway Coast. Just as well that one of Ireland’s finest and most famous whiskeys has been produced in the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery for over 400 years. Take a tour and find out all about the maker’s traditional methods before enjoying a kindly drop in their cosy bar.

Embrace your adventurous spirit

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or trying something new, we highly recommend that you indulge in a little coasteering along this dramatic coast. Coasteering NI know the best spots to take you and these guys guarantee a day full of thrills, spills, laughter, and adrenaline.

If you prefer to spend your time in the water, Aquaholics Diving & Sea Tours in Portstewart will bring you through the teeming and unspoiled underwater world of Northern Ireland. They offer a full range of scuba diving courses along the Causeway Coast - a first class experience.

Or if you’re keen to keep your feet dry, then you might prefer to take a day trip over to the rugged beauty of Rathlin Island. This is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, though it’s often so quiet you wouldn’t really know. There are scenic walking trails that bring you to seal colonies and you can visit the popular RSPB Seabird Centre situated at the distinctive West Lighthouse, known as Ireland's only 'upside down' lighthouse!

Inspiring spirits from the past

Back on the coast road is the stunning Dunluce Castle. Built around 1500 by a local family, the castle sparked the imagination of writer C.S. Lewis who reimagined it as the Cair Pereval, home to the rulers of Narnia. Though it has been a ruin for many years, it remains as inspiring as ever and is likely one of the most Instagrammed castles on the planet.

Equally dramatic is the Mussenden Temple which perches some forty metres above the Atlantic Ocean and offers spectacular views west over Downhill Strand towards County Donegal and back east towards Castlerock beach Portstewart and Portrush.

With all that going on, where else would you prefer to be?

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, we strongly advise checking in advance before you travel to your intended destination to ensure its open and book tickets if applicable.

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Number of results: 264

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
Bentra Golf Course

Whitehead

Address

Slaughterford Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9TG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 8996

bentra@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

A well-matured 9 hole course, Bentra is designed with the experienced golfer and novice in mind. Wide fairways with some particularly long holes ensure a steady round at most times. Perfect for an attractive and inexpensive day's golf.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
The Guard Room Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Town Hall Complex, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DN

Telephone
+ 44 (0) 28 9335 8241

carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Step back in time at The Guard Room in Carrickfergus Town Hall, immersing visitors in the early 20th-century quarters of the Antrim Artillery militia with interactive exhibits and historical narratives spanning 800 years.

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Cheeky Chimps

Coleraine

Address

Northbrook Industrial Estate, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 2JB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 70343005

cheekychimpscoleraine@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

Let your kids enjoy a fun filled adventure at Cheeky Chimps Coleraine.

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Kintra Boat Tours - Great Lighthouses of Rathlin Island

Ballycastle

Address

Bayview Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 7848473652

kintraboats@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Experience a guided boat tour of the historic lighthouses of Rathlin on the Causeway Coast of Ireland whilst taking in one of Ireland's most spectacular wildlife habitats with breath taking scenery.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
The Salthouse Spa

Ballycastle

Address

39 Dunamallaght Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6PF

Telephone
02820510000

info@thesalthousehotel.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Escape from everyday life with treatments that reduce stress and promote well-being at The Salthouse Hotel Spa

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Rathlin Kebble Cliff Walk

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A waymarked route around Kebble South, taking in the south of the island with stunning views of dramatic sea cliffs and of Ballycastle beyond.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Cushendun Short Walk

Cushendun

Address

Cushendun Car Park, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PS

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Cushendun is a beautiful seaside village on the North Coast alive with small shops and pubs. A series of scenic paths wind through the village, beach front, harbour, and Glendun river.

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White River Charters

Coleraine

Address

River Bann (Lower), The Cutts, Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Telephone
+44 (0)74 5592 2622

crew@whiterivercharters.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

White River Charters offers a choice of relaxing river cruises on the River Bann in the Causeway Coast and Glens on board a vintage vessel. Explore the river at a slow and gentle pace, enjoy scenery, views of the wildlife and hear about the local…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Larne Promenade

Larne

Address

Tower Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Enjoy a lovely walk along a one mile long stretch of Promenade running from Larne Leisure Centre, parallel with the Causeway Coastal route. Pass by Waterloo Bay, view lots of bird life and dramatic scenery or walk to Town Parks and the Coast Road.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Game of Thrones® Afternoon Tea at Ballygally Castle Hotel

Ballygally

Address

274 Coast Road, Ballygally, County Antrim, BT40 2QZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 1066

res@bcg.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

GoT Food Tours

Ballygally Castle Hotel is offering a Game of Thrones® Afternoon Tea which will delight fans of the world-renowned show as well as those who love the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Économusée Artisan Chocolate Making Experiences at The Chocolate Manor

Castlerock

Address

3 Main Street, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RA

Telephone
+44( 0) 791 933 2843

talktous@thechocolatemanor.com

Type

Type:

Economusee

Chocolate is lovely to eat but it’s also great fun to make too! Chocolate Manor offer a range of scheduled and private workshops so that you can experience the joy and wonder of creating your own chocolate treats. They have experiences just for…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Rathlin Island Cycle Hire

Rathlin Island

Address

Soerneog View, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 3954

john_jennifer@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire & Holidays

Cycle Hire to enjoy the freedom of the Island.

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Trout Tours NI

Larne

Address

23 Cumbrae Heights, Ballycraigy, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974 854 219

info@trouttoursni.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Trout Tours NI are based in the seaport and market town of Larne, County Antrim. We have a passion for trout fishing and aim to provide the best fishing tours available in Northern Ireland.

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Castlerock Golf Club

Castlerock

Address

65 Circular Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4TJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8314

info@castlerockgc.co.uk

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Castlerock Golf Club is situated in the seaside resort of Castlerock, which lies approximately 5 miles west of the town of Coleraine on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. Castlerock is a fabulous links course set among rolling sand dunes.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Valkyrie Craft Boatmakers

Castlerock

Address

28 Ballyhacket Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4SQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7722 018 457

info@valkyriecraft.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

John from Valkyrie Craft is a practising builder of traditional canoes, kayaks and other associated skin-on frame boats.

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Somerset Forest

Coleraine

Address

Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Choice of walks within Somerset Forest on the edge of Coleraine

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Mountsandel Wood

Coleraine

Address

147 Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1TA

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks on the eastern bank of the River Bann, in the vicinity of Mountsandel Fort. A mesolithic site, the earliest known settlement site of man in Ireland. Choice of high level route or low level riverside route.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
500 reviews
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. Awe inspiring views, colourful gardens and woodland walks.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Causeway Coast and Glens Golf Pass

Coleraine

Address

20 Loughan Road, Fish Loughan, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1UB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7032 6707

info@thegolfpa.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

Play one round at the famous Royal Portrush, one of the great courses of the world. In addition, there is a choice of playing one round at three of the following courses: Ballycastle, Galgorm Castle, Gracehill, Roe Park.

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Portballintrae Causeway Loop

Portballintrae

Address

Car Park at Beach Road, Portballintrae, County Antrim, BT57 8RT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A moderate walk running from Portballintrae to the Giant's Causeway, taking in beach, cliff and rock formations.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)