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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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Curry's Fun Park Portrush

Portrush

Address

16 Eglinton Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8DX

Type

Type:

Adventure Park / Playground

Curry’s Fun Park Portrush is Northern Ireland’s largest indoor funpark. Famous for its family friendly attractions. From the thrills n' spills of The Cyclone and The Beast, to the traditional ghost train and carousel, no trip to the North Coast is…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviews
Larne Town Parks

Larne

Address

Glenarm Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Public Park

Town Park and Chaine Park are delightful parks located on the Causeway Coastal route in Larne offering dramatic coastal views out to Scotland, pleasurable walks, unique heritage features and entertainment for all the family.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1 reviews
Layde Walk

Glenarm

Address

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

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A short walk through the streets of Glenarm village.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Swifts Forge Leather Making Class

Whitehead

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 78280 07579

info@swiftsforge.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Come along to Whitehead’s charming Victorian workshop for intimate leather-making and blacksmithing classes, where expert artisans guide you in crafting wallets, bags and unique golf accessories in a hands-on setting.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Gracehill Golf Club

Ballymoney

Address

141 Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 8PX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2075 1209

william@gracehillgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Gracehill Golf Course is a pristine 18 hole golf course within the Dark Hedges Estate. Surrounded by ancient woodland and dotted with a variety of lakes and ponds, this American-style course was designed by Frank Ainsworth.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

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Catering
- Restaurant on site
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
30 reviews
Gortmore View Point

Limavady

Address

Bishop's Road, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

Gortmore's superb Viewpoint situated on the Bishop's Road on the Binevenagh Loop, as part of the Causeway Coastal Route overlooks Magilligan Point, Benone beach and Binevenagh mountain and hosts a imposing statue of the Celtic God of the Sea.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Coleraine

Address

Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Choice of walks within Somerset Forest on the edge of Coleraine

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
North Coast Smokehouse Économusée

Ballycastle

Address

3/61 Leyland Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7835 403340

info@northcoastsmokehouse.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

We specialise in producing smoked foods naturally, in the picturesque coastal town of Ballycastle. Learn about the traditional craft of smoking food, how it links us to our past and how it has been adapted for the modern world.

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Downhill Forest Pond Trail

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks with gradients.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
141 reviews
Gobbins Sea Safari with Abhainn Cruises

Carrickfergus

Address

Quayside, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7845 370231

abhainncruises@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Create life-long memories and discover hidden gems along the coast, cruising from Carrickfergus Castle all the way to the Gobbins. A bespoke private charter tour immersing you into stunning coastal scenery, history and nature, for a truly authentic…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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)
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviews
Straidkilly Nature Reserve

Carnlough

Address

Straidkilly Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 4094

info@ulsterwildlife.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Small and secluded Ulster Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, located on an inland route between Glenarm and Carnlough, on the hill slope above the Coast Road with interesting flora and fauna alongside panoramic views across the Irish Sea to Scotland.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
157 reviews
Gleno Waterfall

Gleno

Address

Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

The National Trust

One of our lesser known ‘hidden treasures’, Gleno is a magnificent 30 foot waterfall nestling in The Glens of Antrim and owned by the National Trust.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
116 reviews
Castlerock Beach

Castlerock

Address

Sea Road, Castlerock Stand, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. The beach is a recipient of the Blue Flag Award in 2025.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement - Restrictions apply 1st June to 15th September
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

More Info