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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
74 reviews
Gortin Quarry Walk

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A gentle walk uphill

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
HotBox

Limavady

Address

Benone Beach, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7760 757 294

hello@hotboxseasauna.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

The wonder of warm. The comfort of cold. Repeat for a natural rush.
Unlock your natural happy with HotBox, the original Irish/Scandi sauna experience. Whether you choose HotBox Seaside or HotBox Countryside, this incredible experience will release…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Rathlin Island Roonivoolin Walk

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Take the route less travelled on Rathlin Island and venture south to the RSPB Roonivoolin Reserve. Amazing views of the coastline can be enjoyed as well as wildlife such as seals, Irish hare and curlew.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
28 reviews
Active Adventures NI

Address

Various Locations, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

info@activeadventuresni.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Active Adventures NI offer multiple activity options including Kayak sessions/lessons/courses/tours, SUP sessions/lessons/courses/tours, Surfing experiences/camps/lessons and of course our renowned Coasteering Experiences. We can create a bespoke…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Limavady Workhouse

Limavady

Address

Irish Green Street, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0AQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 5438

info@lcdi.co.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Opened in 1842, the Limavady Union Workhouse is reported to be one of the best preserved buildings of its type in the whole of Ireland.

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Facilities

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

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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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
352 reviews
Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle

Address

Carrickmore Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2024

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead and is approximately 1.2 kilometres in length.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
14 reviews
Charter Boats NI

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Marina, (in front of 5 Rogers Quay), Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7754 173019

info@charterboatsni.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Explore the Beauty of the Sea with Charter Boats NI! Join us at Carrickfergus Marina for private charters, guided tours, and trips to the Gobbins plus Carrickfergus to Bangor. Book online for unforgettable sea adventures!

More Info
Facilities

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

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
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
Old Church Centre Cushendun

Cushendun

Address

1 Church Lane, Bay Road, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PS

Telephone
+44 (0) 2821761 522

info@cushendunbpt.org

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

The beautifully restored Old Church Centre offers arts & heritage events, exhibitions, wedding ceremonies and venue hire. We also provide tourist information on the rich cultural heritage of the building, Cushendun and the Glens.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Ella Mor Outdoor Adventures - Causeway Coast Experiences

Limavady

Address

Limavady, Country Londonderry, BT49 0TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 7793 542 468

info@ellamor.co.uk

Type

Type:

Guided Tour

Embrace the natural beauty of the Causeway Coast and Glens in the company of qualified local guide, and owner of Ella Mor Outdoor Adventures, Heather Nicholl. Growing up exploring this magical playground, Heather loves to share her childhood…

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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)
Magheracross View Point

Bushmills

Address

Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT56 8NB

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

The purpose-built viewing platform offers panoramic views of the Causeway Coast's stunning natural environment and coastal headlands, including views of Dunluce Castle and Whiterocks Beach

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Forest Fitness NI

Carrickfergus

Address

Marshallstown Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 9DE

Telephone
+44 (0) 7799 533 248

lvaughan1978@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

Join us at Forest Fitness for an unforgettable adventure, with a range of activities from airsoft battles and bush camps to axe throwing and beyond. Discover something for everyone at our 30-acre Outdoor Activity Centre nestled in County Antrim.…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
73 reviews
Downhill Strand

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Downhill, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Downhill is a golden sandy beach stretching from Downhill Cliffs in the east towards Magilligan Point. It's overlooked by one of Northern Ireland's leading landmarks, Mussenden Temple, and benefits from classic views of the Donegal Coast and beyond.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi