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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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Broighter Gold Économusée

Limavady

Address

Broglasco House, 80 Broighter Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7912 076 607

info@broightergold.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Have you ever wondered how Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil make their award-winning Liquid Gold? Now you can see their process from growing, harvesting a bottling. You will have a tour of their farm, pressing room and you can try the oils before you buy.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 288 86188

watson-mary@sky.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Learn all about the development of Carnlough through the centuries, including its unique industrial heritage, by visiting the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall before going on an energetic walk to Cranny Falls via Carnlough Harbour.

Price
Free

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Margey & Bjourson Art Studio & Gallery

Portrush

Address

99 Mark Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7841 593 762

adrianmargey@googlemail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Visitors to the area can explore this unique studio & gallery space featuring the work of artists Adrian Margey and Evana Bjourson. Open to the public each Saturday throughout the year. Extended opening hours operate during the summer season.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Fairhead Loch Dubh 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 of Fairhead

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Ballyreagh Golf Club

Portrush

Address

2 Glen Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2028

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Situated on the much-admired Causeway Coast. Basking in the lovely setting of Portrush seaside, an enchanting course in an excellent setting.

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The Arcadia

Portrush

Address

East Strand, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8JE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7525 496 968

moira.harvey@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

The Arcardia includes children's feature paddling pools, play frame and sand area. Fantastic views of East Strand and Whiterocks.

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WaveRides Paddleboarding

Carrickfergus

Address

3 Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7428 771 991

robert.richardson1212@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Learn stand up paddle boarding in the picturesque old harbour at Carrickfergus Castle, on the main Causeway Coastal route with the castle as your impressive backdrop.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Castlecat Studio Gallery

Bushmills

Address

76 Castlecat Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2074 1682

jamesmcnulty48@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Castlecat Studio Gallery is based in a small, tastefully converted stable of a former farmhouse in the hamlet of Castlecat, near Bushmills.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Downhill Forest Pond Trail

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks with gradients.

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Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne

Address

Bishop's Gate Entrance, Mussenden Road, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Stunning landscaped estate with fabulous views of Ireland’s North Coast

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1985 reviews
The Dark Hedges

Stranocum

Address

Bregagh Road, Stranocum, County Antrim, BT53 8PX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Thronies will recognise these as the Dark Hedges from HBO's Game of…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Free

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Causeway Coast Sailing

Ballycastle

Address

42 Straid Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6HF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7759 228111

chris@causewaycoastsailing.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Day sailing in Northern Ireland. Return sails to Rathlin Island from Ballycastle marina.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4 reviews
Carrickfergus Urban Farm & Garden Centre

Carrickfergus

Address

Elizabeth Avenue, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7UY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 4294

angela@kilcreggan.org.uk

Type

Type:

Open Farm

Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre at Kilcreggan is a free popular attraction for local families and visitors. Visitors can handle and feed a variety of animals, enjoy our picnic areas, explore the bug hut and play area plus relax in our…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
25 reviews
Carnlough Harbour

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2884 1285

GlenarmMarina@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Carnlough's sheltered historic harbour, with small fishing boats, is the focal point of this picturesque village, located on the Causeway Coastal Route. It's a well known Game of Thrones® film location, recognisable as the Free City of Braavos Canal.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Ballymacran Bank

Limavady

Address

Shore Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9EB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A walk along the east shore of Lough Foyle

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Croaghan Breen Forest Walk

Armoy

Address

28 Altarichard Road, Armoy, County Antrim, BT53 8XT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Upland walking route, through Breen Forest and taking in the summit of Croaghan itself.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Larne's Jurassic Coastline - Waterloo Bay

Larne

Address

Waterloo Bay, The Promenade, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Explore Waterloo Bay in Larne, the most accessible locality for fossil hunting and geological interest anywhere on the island of Ireland.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Treatment Room at The Lodge Hotel

Coleraine

Address

The Treatment Room, The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 5488

info@thelodgehotel.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

The Treatment Room at the Lodge hotel is a place for anyone and everyone to come and enjoy some relaxing 'me' time. Our goal is to make you feel relaxed and pampered with out rushing you with the best treatments we can provide.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
Broughgammon Farm - Économusée Artisans

Ballycastle

Address

50 Straid Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7976 270 465

info@broughgammon.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Broughgammon is an award-winning, forward-thinking family farm, artisan butchery, shop and cafe. Practicing Regenerative Farming, specialising in Cabrito (kid-goat meat), Free Range Rose Veal and Seasonal Wild Game and homegrown veg.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Dunseverick Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Causeway Coast and Glens, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT57 8SY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Dunseverick Castle is situated in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, near the small village of Dunseverick and the Giant's Causeway.

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