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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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Greenisland Golf Club

Carrickfergus

Address

156 Upper Road, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8RW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9086 2236

info@greenislandgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Greenisland is a challenging 9 hole mature parkland golf course situated under the imposing Knockagh Monument, and offers panoramic views from Carrickfergus to Belfast and across Belfast Lough to County Down.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Hezlett House

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

mussendentemple@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Hezlett’s picturesque thatched cottage exterior hides a fascinating early timber frame dating from 1690, making it one of the oldest vernacular domestic buildings in Northern Ireland.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Rathlin Kinramer Trail

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A waymarked route around Kinramer 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)
Lough Foyle Trail

Ballykelly

Address

Station Road, Ballykelly, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 9HU

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

The eastern shore of Lough Foyle between Ballykelly and Roe Estuary offers a flat coastal walk along the sea wall. This linear route has a number of access points allowing visitors to walk the entire 8km route, or walk shorter sections should you…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
101 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 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

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- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Carrowmena Activity Centre

Limavady

Address

100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9EB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 3431

info@carrowmena.co.uk

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Whether you’re young or old you will make every lasting memories with your Carrowmena Experience in the great outdoors enjoying quality time with your loved ones from jumping off the Zip Line to shooting Golds in Archery to getting wet on our Kayak…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
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.

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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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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

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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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Discover Powerboating

Carrickfergus

Address

Wavelength Training, 3 Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BJ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9162 4781

info@wavelengthtraining.co.uk

Type

Type:

Tailor-made Tours

Discover powerboating with one of our Qualified and Experienced Instructors. Your session will last approximately an hour, during which you will get to drive one of our Rigid Inflatable Boats. All of our boats are fully insured and coded to…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024

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Carnfunnock Shore Walk

Larne

Address

Carnfunnock Country Park, Coast Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2LH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2826 2471

carnfunnock@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

One of a whole host of great walks on offer through the picturesque surroundings of Carnfunnock Country Park.

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Cloud Surfer Ireland

Limavady

Address

59 Drummond Manor, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0UQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7518 680 389

philbarron@cloudsurferireland.com

Type

Type:

Hang-Gliding & Paragliding

Welcome to Cloud Surfer Ireland, the only Air Experience Tandem Paragliding School in Ireland.

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Cushendun

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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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Heritage Railway Path

Portballintrae

Address

Bushfoot Road, Portballintrae, County Antrim, BT57 8WB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Coastal walk

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
Dunteige Shoot

Ballymena

Address

38 Loughdoo Road, Dunteige, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT44 0ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 7919 493 840

info@dunteigeshoot.com

Type

Type:

Adventure Sports

Dunteige Shoot is located in the Glens of Antrim, we offer Driven Duck and Partridge shooting, walked up and dog training days.Please contact us to discuss availability all shoot day packages can by tailored to suit each group of Guns.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
North Coast Sailing

Ballycastle

Address

Portnagree House, 14 Bayview Road, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, BT54 6BT

tony@northcoastsailing.co.uk

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

North Coast Sailing offers skippered sailing charters from Northern Ireland's north coast, exploring surrounding waters, taking in some of the best islands and scenery the world has to offer. Your skipper is Tony Dunlop who is an MCA qualified .

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kebble and Kinramer Nature Reserves

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 9963

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island and is thought to come from the Irish word ‘Reachlan’ meaning ‘rocky reef’.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)