Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Dunluce Castle
Causeway Coastal Route

You are here: Home > Destinations > Causeway Coastal Route > Activities & Attractions along the Causeway Coast

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.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 264

, currently showing 41 to 60.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Carnmoney Hill

Newtownabbey

Address

Carmoney Hill Local Nature Reserve, Knockenagh Avenue, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 6AQ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A beautiful woodland walk, with wonderful views.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Gracehill Golf Club

Ballymoney

Address

141 Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 8PX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2075 1209

william@gracehillgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Gracehill Golf Course is a pristine 18 hole golf course within the Dark Hedges Estate. Surrounded by ancient woodland and dotted with a variety of lakes and ponds, this American-style course was designed by Frank Ainsworth.

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
Rathlin Ballyconaghan Trail

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island Harbour, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6SB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A waymarked route on National Trust Land taking in the north of the island, stunning views out to the Atlantic and Scotland

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Fiona Shannon Ceramics

Portstewart

Address

185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7HU

Telephone
+44(0) 7511 004484

fionashannonceramics@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Discover your inner artist with an inspiring pottery painting experience under the guidance of local potter Fiona Shannon on the beautiful Causeway Coast.

More Info
Magheracross View Point

Bushmills

Address

Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT56 8NB

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

The purpose-built viewing platform offers panoramic views of the Causeway Coast's stunning natural environment and coastal headlands, including views of Dunluce Castle and Whiterocks Beach

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
52 reviews
Browns Bay Beach & Ferris Bay

Islandmagee

Address

Browns Bay Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

Browns Bay is a charming rural beach nestled in a scenic sandy cove at the northern tip of Islandmagee, just off the Causeway Coastal Route. It's an ideal spot for picnicking, walking, swimming, windsurfing, or simply soaking up the natural beauty…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviews
Larne Golf Club

Islandmagee

Address

54 Ferris Bay Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9338 2228

info@larnegolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Located between the towns of Whitehead and Larne on the Causeway Coastal Route, Islandmagee offers a beautiful location for our course and clubhouse.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Ballycastle Traditional Music Trail

Ballycastle

Address

Anglers Arms, 12 North Street, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BN

Telephone
028 2076 2024

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Put yourself in the capable hands of two very skilled local trad musicians on a musical journey from the seafront up into the heart of Ballycastle. Visit the pubs where music has been kept alive through generations and at each stop experience live…

More Info
Thieves & Steel Day Tour

Larne

Address

1b Nixon Building, LEDCOM, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 3AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 0385

bookings@condorexecutive.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

As you travel, our storytellers will delight you with tales of fairies, giants and local folklore. This tour combines ethereal myths and legends with the power of castles, engines and steel walkways. It’s Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

More Info
Portrush to Bushmills

Portrush

Address

Portrush Harbour, 63 Kerr Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BP

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A linear walk on the North Antrim Coast

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Whitehead Heritage & Wellbeing Trail

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre, Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

Whitehead is a Victorian seaside town five miles north of Carrickfergus with commanding views across the mouth of Belfast Lough and the Irish Sea.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Causeway Coast Kayaking

Ballycastle

Address

Ballintoy Harbour, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7895 444 237

hello@causewaycoastkayaking.com

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Fully guided tours and experiences of the Causeway Coast by kayak, including twilight/moonlight paddles and a Game of Thrones ® location tour. All beginner friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Cutting Edge Helicopters

Eglinton

Address

City Of Derry Airport, Eglinton, County Londonderry, BT47 3GY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7181 2555

info@cuttingedgehelicopters.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Check out the beautiful scenery from a dizzying new perspective! Cutting Edge Helicopter, situated at the City of Derry Airport, offers the experience of a lifetime in with the choice of various custom charters. The stunning views from above give…

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2 reviews
Skernaghan Point Walk

Islandmagee

Address

Brown's Bay Beach, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This is a path that goes over a variety of uneven terrain including a grassy field and a rocky coastline which is steep in places. Dogs should be kept on a lead.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Magilligan Martello Tower

Limavady

Address

Magilligan Point, Point Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Tower

A well preserved Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, an important historical site in Northern Ireland, built during the Napeolonic Wars marks the entrance to Lough Foyle.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Fairhead Casán an Loch Walk

Ballycastle

Address

Fairhead Car Park, Fairhead Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6RD

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Enjoy breath-taking views from the cliff edge

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
195 reviews
Troggs Surf School

Portrush

Address

East Strand Water sports Centre, Portrush, County Antrim, BT568AF

Telephone
07719315372

troggssurfschool@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Surfing

Troggs surf school has been teaching the art of surfing since 1994. As the longest running surf school in Portrush, we have a passion to share the thrill and pleasure that is connecting with the ocean. Let's get stoked!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Honourable The Irish Society

Coleraine

Address

Cutts House, 54 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 4796

office@theirishsociety.co.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

We manage Northern Ireland's finest salmon, trout, pike and coarse fishing on the Lower Bann River and tributaries. Season/day rods available on private beats, also season permits for unrestricted stretches, both game and coarse.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Castles & Stones Day Tour

Larne

Address

1b Nixon Building, LEDCOM, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 3AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 0385

bookings@condorexecutive.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Discover our unique history, myths and personality on a day spent exploring unforgettable places in the company of local people. See it all through our eyes as a local storyteller recounts the legends that grew from this place and shaped its people.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
484 reviews
Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island

Address

Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 18 Bayview Road, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 0 282076 9299

info@rathlin-ferry.com

Type

Type:

Causeway Coastal Route

Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement