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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: 282

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviews
Straidkilly Walk

Carnlough

Address

Straidkilly Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 4094

info@ulsterwildlife.org

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Mainly a hazel woodland walk, with areas of grassy clearings full of meadow flowers, best seen in spring when woodland flower species are in bloom.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Walk Talk Ireland

Cushendun

Address

Cushendun, Co Antrim, BT44 0PX

Telephone
+44 +353 74915 9366

info@walktalkireland.com

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Hello!
My name is Sean Mullan. I organise and lead the walks in Ireland. You are assured of a warm welcome, companionship and good walking if you join us.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
22 reviews
Carrickfergus Golf Club

Carrickfergus

Address

35 North Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 3713

office@carrickfergusgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

With its imaginative use of water and sand the par of 68 is not matched that easily. The course offers a interesting mix of testing and approachable holes.

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)
Clifftop Experience (Away A Wee Walk)

Belfast

Address

Away A Wee Walk, 20 Ben Eden Green, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 4GU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1855

eimear@awayaweewalk.com

Price
Price £39.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

The best way to avoid the crowds and get under the skin of a place is to explore it with a local friend, which is what walking the Causeway Coast with Eimear Flanagan feels like. These are ‘her’ cliffs, and she is delighted to share it with visitors.

Price
Price £39.00 Activity

More Info
Kinbane Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle, off Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along the Causeway Coastal Route. The area surrounding it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort.

Price
Free

More Info
North & West Coast Links

Moycullen

Address

9 An Fuaran, Moycullen, County Galway, BT56 8JQ

Telephone
+353 91868642

Sales@northandwestcoastlinks.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

North and West Coast Links represent 10 Championship Links Courses in the North and West of Ireland on a cooperative basis. We also offer a full booking service which includes tee times, accommodation & transport for all of Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Downhill Forest

Downhill

Address

Downhill Forest, Mussenden Road, Downhill, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

There are two waymarked paths in the forest; one is just over a kilometre long while the other is two kilometres in length. The Ulster Way also runs through part of the forest.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Fairhead

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
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.
Special Offers
- Gracehill Golf Stay & Play
  From £80 per person based on 2 people sharing
  It sounds like a delightful plan! The combination of golf at Gracehill Golf Club, a stay at The Hedges Hotel, and a visit to the iconic Dark Hedges makes for a perfect getaway. Count me in for a relaxing day on the course followed by some exploration of the beautiful surroundings.
  To book email - ivor@gracehillgolfclub.com
  Visit www.thehedgeshotel.co.uk for more information.
  More offers like this - Golf Stay & Play
More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Xplore Outdoors Kayak Trips

Coleraine

Address

1 The Salmon Leap, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7734365321

info@xploreoutdoors.co.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Guided river and coastal sit on top kayaking trips. Explore venues such as Ballintoy, Dunseverick and the Lower River Bann.

More Info
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
Heritage Railway Path

Portballintrae

Address

Bushfoot Road, Portballintrae, County Antrim, BT57 8WB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Coastal walk

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
178 reviews
Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway

Bushmills

Address

Giant's Causeway Station, Runkerry Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 2844

infogcbr@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Railway

A truly heritage experience travelling on a steam locomotive along a magnificent coastal stretch of line between Bushmills and the World Heritage Site at the Giant's Causeway.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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

More Info
Fairhead Murlough View 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

More Info
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

More Info
City Sightseeing Derry - Giant's Causeway Tour

Derry/Londonderry

Address

8c Ballougry Road, Derry/Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 9XJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7151 1690

info@citysightseeingderry.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Tours suspended. City sightseeing tours Derry are an award winning company. We are world host approved ambassadors of Derry city and are a World Host approved business. This year our team were awarded the Trip Advisors Certificate of excellence.

More Info
Rough Fort (Rath)

Limavady

Address

Moneyrannel Road, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Rough Fort, on the Limavady to Ballykelly road, is a remarkable earthwork construction over 1000 years old. Known as a Rath, it was originally used as a defended farmstead into which livestock could be driven in the times of emergency.

Price
Free

More Info
Gobbins Crafts Économusée

Islandmagee

Address

184 Gobbins Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9338 2577

heather@gobbinscrafts.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and courses

Gobbins Crafts Workshop in Islandmagee offers classes in jewellery making. Create a unique piece of silver jewellery to remember your visit to Northern Ireland or to mark an important life event.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking