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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
30 reviews
Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood Walk

Whitehead

Address

Slaughterford Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9TG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A delightful short walk through recently planted woodland

More Info
Ballycastle Marina

Ballycastle

Address

14 Bayview Road, Portnagree House Harbour & Marina Visitor Centre, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 8525

ballycastle.marina@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Marinas

The superb 74 berth Blue Flag marina is situated within the inner basin of Ballycastle Harbour and provides visiting vessels with sheltered pontoon berthing for vessels up to 20 metres. Blue Flag Award Winner.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
502 reviews
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

downhilldemesne@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. Awe inspiring views, colourful gardens and woodland walks.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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)
Économusée Artisan Chocolate Making Experiences at The Chocolate Manor

Castlerock

Address

3 Main Street, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RA

Telephone
+44( 0) 791 933 2843

talktous@thechocolatemanor.com

Type

Type:

Economusee

Chocolate is lovely to eat but it’s also great fun to make too! Chocolate Manor offer a range of scheduled and private workshops so that you can experience the joy and wonder of creating your own chocolate treats. They have experiences just for…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

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Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
68 reviews
Ballygally Beach

Ballygally

Address

Coast Road, Ballygally, County Antrim, BT40 2QZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

Parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Escape to Ballygally Beach, just 10km north of Larne on the Causeway Coastal Route. Enjoy a scenic walk, fun sandcastle building, or a refreshing swim at this family-friendly seaside destination.

Price
Free

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Rathlin Trail

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Coastal walk with splendid land and seascapes. Highlights on this walk include Knockans RSPB Reserve, Kinramer ASSI and Kebble National Nature Reserve

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Bushfoot Golf Club

Bushmills

Address

50 Bushfoot Road, Portballintrae, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8RR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1317

bushfootgolfclub@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Nine hole course with double tees adjoining a tranquil seaside village and offering prime sea views. This very tight course, mixing links and parkland elements, demands the peak of accuracy.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Valkyrie Craft Boatmakers

Castlerock

Address

28 Ballyhacket Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4SQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7722 018 457

info@valkyriecraft.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

John from Valkyrie Craft is a practising builder of traditional canoes, kayaks and other associated skin-on frame boats.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
104 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

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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Carnmoney Hill

Newtownabbey

Address

Carmoney Hill Local Nature Reserve, Knockenagh Avenue, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 6AQ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A beautiful woodland walk, with wonderful views.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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The Giant of Drums experience with Bellahill Culture & Cuisine

Ballycarry

Address

2 Bellahill Road, Ballycarry, County Antrim, BT38 9LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2303

w.b.thompson61@outlook.com

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Let your heart beat to the sound of the Lambeg Drum as you become immersed in its large role within Northern Irish culture.
An interactive history and music lesson all in one, you’ll be treated to a live performance from one of Northern Ireland's…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to1 Jan 2027

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

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

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Whitepark Bay

Dunseverick

Address

Whitepark Road, Dunseverick, County Antrim, BT54 6NS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

northcoast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is a refuge for quiet relaxation.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
156 reviews
Knockagh Monument

Greenisland

Address

Monument Road, Greenisland, County Antrim, BT38 8QG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

County Antrim War Memorial erected and dedicated to the fallen from the County of Antrim who fell during the Great World War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945), dramatically overlooking Belfast Lough and surrounding countryside.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Swifts Forge Blacksmithing Class

Islandmagee

Address

171 Low Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7485 605612

info@swiftsforge.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Swifts Forge in Islandmagee offers a range of blacksmithing classes to create something special, with different courses running throughout the year. Christmas vouchers given priority in Feb-May

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Xplore Outdoors

Coleraine

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 7734 365 321

info@xploreoutdoors.co.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Xplore Outdoors offers visitors the opportunity to sample the delights of the Causeway Coast and Glens coastline and rivers by sit on top kayak.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Lough Foyle Trail

Ballykelly

Address

Station Road, Ballykelly, County Londonderry, BT49 9HU

Telephone
0287776 0650

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…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
St Aidan's Church and Holy Well

Magilligan

Address

Off Duncrun Road, Magilligan, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0JD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

An inscribed stone cross at Duncrun marks the site of St Patrick's Monastery and the Roman Catholic church there is dedicated to St Aidan (C6) whose tomb stands near the old church ruins.

Dates

Price
Free

More Info