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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: 258

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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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
229 reviews
Glenarm Castle & Garden

Glenarm

Address

Castle Demesne, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0BD

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2884 1203

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

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning…
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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
14 reviews
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
Benone Golf Course, Benone Holiday & Leisure Park

Limavady

Address

53 Benone Avenue, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7775 0555

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Also available on site, café (seasonal),practice range (seasonal), tennis, putting green outdoor splash pools (seasonal). Visitors welcome any day. Positioned in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty adjacent to Benone Strand

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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

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
131 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)
Kintra Boat Tours - Great Lighthouses of Rathlin Island

Ballycastle

Address

Bayview Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 7848473652

kintraboats@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Experience a guided boat tour of the historic lighthouses of Rathlin on the Causeway Coast of Ireland whilst taking in one of Ireland's most spectacular wildlife habitats with breath taking scenery.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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Binevenagh Mountain Walk

Limavady

Address

Leighery Road , Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0LL

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This short walk along forest road and through coniferous forest with a steep section leading to the cliffs of Binevenagh offers panoramic views over Lough Foyle, the Roe Valley, Inishowen and to the west coast of Scotland.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
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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Whitehead Centre

Whitehead

Address

19 Kings Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 8077

wca@whitehead-ni.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Whitehead Centre provides a tourism hub for information about what is going on locally and how to make the most of your time in our vibrant and beautiful town. Guided tours also available to book.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
849 reviews
Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy

Address

Harbour Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

Telephone
07803 505084

Ballycastle.marina@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Causeway Coastal Route

Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a ‘raised beach’, it is located alongside the B15 Coast Road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine and five miles west of Ballycastle.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

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Glenariff Forest Park, Rainbow Trail

Glenariff

Address

Glenariff Forest Park, 98 Glenariffe Road, Glenariff, County Antrim, BT44 0QX

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This is an optional detour along the very popular Waterfall Walk through Glenariff Forest Park.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
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

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Victoriana Flower School

Larne

Address

51 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 3JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2519

kim@victorianafloral.co.uk

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Learn the art of flower arranging with exquisite florist Kim Davies at Victoriana Flower School, located just outside Whitehead, on the Causeway Coastal route. A wide range of courses are available for all levels of participants and interests.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Antrim Hills Way Hike

Glenarm

Address

Glenarm Car Park, The Cloney, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0AB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Across scenic hill-tops

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)