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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
199 reviews
Troggs Surf School

Portrush

Address

East Strand Water sports Centre, Portrush, County Antrim, BT568AF

Telephone
07719315372

troggssurfschool@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Surfing

Troggs surf school has been teaching the art of surfing since 1994. As the longest running surf school in Portrush, we have a passion to share the thrill and pleasure that is connecting with the ocean. Let's get stoked!

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Game of Thrones® Tour

Coleraine

Address

3 Glenara Woods, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 3TR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 1186

frances@glenara-elite-travel.co.uk

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

The Glenara Elite Travel Game of Thrones® Tour gives you the chance to see many of these showcased sites from each series of the show, as well as other diamonds of Northern Ireland's North Coast.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Royal Portrush Golf Club

Portrush

Address

Dunluce Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8JQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2311

info@royalportrushgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Founded in 1888, the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club has two Championship Courses - the renowned Dunluce Course and the smaller, but equally enjoyable Valley Course. Proud Hosts of The 148th Open in 2019.

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
Rathlin Island Cycle Hire

Rathlin Island

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 3954

john_jennifer@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Cycle Hire & Holidays

Cycle Hire to enjoy the freedom of the Island.

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Rathmore Golf Club

Portrush

Address

Bushmills Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8JG

info@rathmoregolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

The course was designed by the well known Harry Colt. With names like Fred Daly and Graeme McDowell on the clubs roll of honour it is a club on the North Coast not to be missed.

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Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Benone Strand

Limavady

Address

53 Benone Avenue, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views.

Price
Free

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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 2025to1 Jan 2026

Price
Price £15.00 Per Ticket

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

Accessibility
- Ramp / Level Access
- Ramp to main entrance
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2011 reviews
The Dark Hedges

Stranocum

Address

Bregagh Road, Stranocum, County Antrim, BT53 8PX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Thronies will recognise these as the Dark Hedges from HBO's Game of…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Free

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Freedive Northern Ireland

Portrush

Address

8 Ballyreagh Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7725408980

joy@freedivenorthernireland.com

Type

Type:

Water Sports

Welcome to Freedive NI, Northern Ireland’s first and only freediving and adventure SUP, snorkel and wild swim centre based in Portrush.

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.

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Layd Old Church

Cushendall

Address

Layde Road, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0NH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Located one mile from Cushendall are the delightful ruins of a 13th century Franciscan foundation. Chief burial place of the MacDonnell's after Bonamargy which has been built at least three times and served as a parish church.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
123 reviews
Crindle Stables

Limavady

Address

6 Carrowclare Road, Myroe, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 7738 516 106

crindlestables@outlook.com

Type

Type:

Equestrian

Crindle stables overlooks the beautiful Binevenagh Mountain. Our adrenaline filled and relaxing activities include themed fun days, bespoke experiences - nerf and unicorn, pony treks, Game of Thrones® locations beach rides and relaxing picnic treks.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Coastal Zone

Portrush

Address

Portrush Coastal Zone, 8 Bath Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 3600

PortrushCoastalZone@doeni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Nature and Wildlife

Coastal Zone is home to coastal and marine exhibitions. Indoor rock pool with live sea creatures. Discovery pools and tanks, displays and activities give visitors the chance to learn about Northern Ireland’s marine,coastal wildlife and heritage.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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)
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)
Loughareema (The Vanishing Lake)

Ballycastle

Address

Loughareema Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6WL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2024

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Lake / Reservoir

A lonely and mysterious Moorland Lake, sometimes called the 'Vanishing Lake'.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Fairhead Murlough View 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

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Larne's Jurassic Coastline - Waterloo Bay

Larne

Address

Waterloo Bay, The Promenade, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Archaeological sites

Explore Waterloo Bay in Larne, the most accessible locality for fossil hunting and geological interest anywhere on the island of Ireland.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Kinbane Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle, off Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along the Causeway Coastal Route. The area surrounding it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort.

Price
Free

More Info
Mountsandel Wood

Coleraine

Address

147 Mountsandel Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1TA

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks on the eastern bank of the River Bann, in the vicinity of Mountsandel Fort. A mesolithic site, the earliest known settlement site of man in Ireland. Choice of high level route or low level riverside route.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)