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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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Gobbins Studio Économusée - Audrey Kyle Art

Islandmagee

Address

Gobbins Studio Économusée, 147 Gobbins Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7712 464 966

audreykyleart@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Artist Audrey Kyle works from a converted barn called Gobbins Studio Économusée, nestled on top of the Gobbins Cliffs on a working family farm. She displays her original unique watercolour paintings, cards and prints in her studio/gallery and runs…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Ramble with Robert

Ballygally

Address

12 Drumnagreagh Road, Cairncastle, Ballygally, County Antrim, BT40 2RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7773 731001

rjstewart1@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Join Antrim Glens native and trained tour guide Robert Stewart, on a relaxing hike around the hills of the Antrim Glens. Expect fantastic historical insight, local stories and great craic whilst you hike and enjoy the great outdoors.

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White Park Bay

Ballintoy

Address

157 Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6NH

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A classic embayment beach of white sands & wild dunes

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Glenarm Tourism Guided Walks

Ballymena

Address

17 New Road, Glenarm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT44 0AA

Telephone
+44028 2884 1087

info@glenarmtourism.org

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Glenarm Walkers offer guided walks on the 3rd Sunday of each month (registration at 2.00pm Glenarm Visitor Centre or 2.30pm at walk location), with exception of Easter Monday when the walk begins at 11.00am Glenarm Forest.

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Float Away Portrush

Portrush

Address

Unit 1, 8 Causeway Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AJ

Telephone
02870 348795

info@floatawayportrush.co.uk

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

Floataway Portrush is a boutique, private day spa experience for the local and visitor market. It offers a totally exclusive experience in Portrush in the heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens, on the Causeway Coastal Route.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge)
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
Specialist Features
- Disabled access rooms
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Downhill Forest Mill Trail

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks with gradients

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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.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Portmuck Harbour

Islandmagee

Address

68 Portmuck Road, Portmuck, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 6666

Marina.Reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Landscape/View

Follow the winding road down to reach this hidden gem. With its picture-book perfect stone harbour and tiny beach, Portmuck Harbour is a lovely place to while away the afternoon. See the stunning North Antrim coastline receding into the distance and…

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
83 reviews
Carnlough Bay Boat Tours

Carnlough

Address

58 Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 464 044

curiositytours@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Memorable, invigorating boat trip in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Passengers have the chance to spot an array of marine life including dolphins, seals, porpoises and various seabirds.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Fairhead An Bealach Runda Walk

Ballycastle

Address

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

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Enjoy breath-taking views from the cliff edge of Fairhead

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
10 reviews
Templecorran Church and Graveyard

Ballycarry

Address

Main Street, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9BF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8220

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Discover magnificent views and Ulster Scots heritage in Templecorran graveyard, Ballycarry.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Blackhead Coastal Path Walk

Whitehead

Address

Blackhead Car Park, Old Castle Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

A short and delightful circular walk from the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead, around the coastal path to Blackhead with its iconic lighthouse, the most easterly point of County Antrim, then back to Whitehead for refreshments and shopping.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Lambs & Landscapes

Glenarm

Address

The Meadow, 67a Dickeystown Road, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0BA

hello@glenarmredsparklamb.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Immerse yourself in a tour of an award winning sheep farm in the Glens of Antrim with 12th generation shepherd Eamonn. Listen, see and learn about how the landscape is managed on this sustainable farm to produce the delicious lamb that is highly…

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Whitepark Bay

Dunseverick

Address

Whitepark Road, Dunseverick, County Antrim, BT54 6NS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

northcoast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is a refuge for quiet relaxation.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Flat Cap Adventurers

Bushmills

Address

5 Castlecat Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8QX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7450 220 146

adam@flatcapadventurers.com

Type

Type:

Rally & Off Road 4x4 schools

Flat Cap Adventurers provide 4x4 experiences for anyone to enjoy.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off site parking
Royal Portrush Golf Club

Portrush

Address

Dunluce Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8JQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2311

info@royalportrushgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses - the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller, but equally enjoyable Valley Course. Proud Hosts of The 148th Open in 2019.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Breakwater Studio Rathlin

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 3986

ybraithwaite@btinternet.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Breakwater Studio on Rathlin Island is the Studio and Home of Yvonne Braithwaite. She is generally in residence at the Studio all year round and would be pleased to welcome you should you make a visit to Rathlin.

Price
Free

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Game of Thrones® Tour

Coleraine

Address

3 Glenara Woods, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 3TR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 1186

frances@glenara-elite-travel.co.uk

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

The Glenara Elite Travel Game of Thrones® Tour gives you the chance to see many of these showcased sites from each series of the show, as well as other diamonds of Northern Ireland's North Coast.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
103 reviews
Whitehead Railway Museum

Whitehead

Address

Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9358 6200

info@steamtrainsireland.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The new Whitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time - see the large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi