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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: 260

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
99 reviews
Carrickfergus Museum

Carrickfergus

Address

Museum & Civic Centre, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8241

carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Local museum interpreting the long and distinguished history of the town and surrounding area, with artefacts of treasure excavated in Carrickfergus. There are multi-media and audio-visual presentations.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
McComb's Giant's Causeway Tour

Belfast

Address

22-32 Donegal Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 5JN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9031 5333

info@mccombscoaches.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Sightseeing

McComb's Travel offers day tours with local experienced guides to the Giant's Causeway. We include stops like Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle & Carrickfergus Castle - all on-board our brand new luxury coaches.
More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4829 reviews
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Ballintoy

Address

119a White Park Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1855

carrick-a-rede@nationaltrust.org.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

The National Trust

Carrick-a-Rede is one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions, cared for by the National Trust. Enjoy the stunning views along the Causeway Coastal Route; known for its incredible scenery and natural beauty.
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Tickets to cross the bridge include onsite car parking. Visitors not wishing to cross the bridge can pay £10 for car parking only.
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
32 reviews
Larne Museum & Arts Centre

Larne

Address

2 Victoria Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1RN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2826 2443

marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Housed in the historic former Carnegie Free Library building, Larne Museum and Arts Centre boasts permanent and temporary exhibitions reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Off site parking - Car parking is not available on site. Pay and display car parking is available opposite the building in Fairhill Car Park on Victoria Road. Other nearby pay and display car parks are situated on Agnew Street, Narrow Gauge Road and Riverdale. Nearby free car parks are situated in Exchange Road, Bridge Street, High Street, Inver Road, Narrow Gauge Road and Riverdale.
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
73 reviews
Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum

Carrickfergus

Address

2 Boneybefore, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Located less than a mile from Carrickfergus town centre, the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a traditional thatched Ulster –Scots farmhouse built in 1750s.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Old Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills

Address

2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8XH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 3218

visitors.bushmills@bushmills.com

Type

Type:

Distillery

In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today,…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
166 reviews
RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 0062

rspb.nireland@rspb.org.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Just six miles off County Antrim's north coast with must see views of Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony and a chance to explore Rathlin's unique 'upside down' lighthouse part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland Trail.

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Sauna & Sea

Portstewart

Address

Portstewart Strand, Strand Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG

Saunaandsea@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

An authentic wood-fired Finnish sauna on Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland, providing the benefits of hot & cold therapy on the beach.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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…

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Sallagh Braes Walk

Ballygally

Address

Linford Car Park, Feystown Road, Ballygally, County Antrim, BT40 2LZ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A stunning short walk across exposed hillside, leading to and along the edge of the dramatic Sallagh Braes basalt cliffs. The Sallagh Braes is a prominent basalt scarp with a spectacular ballast amphitheatre located 3 miles west of Ballygally, close…

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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.

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
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
Jet Centre

Coleraine

Address

1 Riverside Park South, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3AW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 0000

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

The Jet Centre offers a huge range of fabulous fun activities to suit everyone. This includes: 8 screen luxury cinema (with some VIP screens), bowling, kids soft play, outdoor mini golf, gem mining, licensed snack bar and an arcade. Free parking.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Faughan Valley Golf Club

Eglinton

Address

8 Carmoney Road, Eglinton, County Londonderry, BT47 3JH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7186 0707

davidforbes_faughanvalley@yahoo.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Faughan Valley Golf Club is a Par 69 course measuring 5453 yards, standard scratch 68. Built on the naturally free draining banks of the River Faughan this site provides the golfer with a demanding and yet visually enjoyable experience.

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Ballymacran Bank

Limavady

Address

Shore Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9EB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A walk along the east shore of Lough Foyle

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Glassmaking and Nature - Colours of the Causeway Coastline with Benefield Spencer Glass

Ballintoy, Ballycastle

Address

35 Lagavara Road, 35 Lagavara Road, Ballintoy, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NG

Telephone
07751224855

andreaspencerglass@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Glassmaking and Nature - Colours Created by the Causeway Coast - is a hands on glassmaking experience at Benefield Spencer Glass on the Causeway Coast.

More Info
Islandmagee Riding Centre

Islandmagee

Address

103 Browns Bay Road, Mullaghboy, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9338 2108

barbara.mccluskey1972@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Riding/Trekking Centre

Islandmagee Riding Centre is a BHS-approved, family-run equestrian centre offering lessons, trekking, kids’ events and hands on experiences, all with expert staff and a focus on horse and rider happiness.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bonamargy Friary

Ballycastle

Address

43 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Remains of Franciscan friary founded around 1500 by Rory MacQuillan. East range of cloister, gatehouse and church virtually complete except for roof. Open all year.

Price
Free

More Info