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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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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
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Cushendun

Cushendun

Address

Cushendun Car Park, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PS

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Cushendun is a beautiful seaside village on the North Coast alive with small shops and pubs. A series of scenic paths wind through the village, beach front, harbour, and Glendun river.

More Info
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 & West Coast Links

Moycullen

Address

9 An Fuaran, Moycullen, County Galway, BT56 8JQ

Telephone
+353 91868642

Sales@northandwestcoastlinks.com

Type

Type:

Golf Tour Operators

North and West Coast Links represent 10 Championship Links Courses in the North and West of Ireland on a cooperative basis. We also offer a full booking service which includes tee times, accommodation & transport for all of Ireland.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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
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

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Margey & Bjourson Art Studio & Gallery

Portrush

Address

99 Mark Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7841 593 762

adrianmargey@googlemail.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Visitors to the area can explore this unique studio & gallery space featuring the work of artists Adrian Margey and Evana Bjourson. Open to the public each Saturday throughout the year. Extended opening hours operate during the summer season.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2766 reviews
Dunluce Castle

Bushmills

Address

87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8UY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1938

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Price £6.00 to £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Historic Site

Dunluce Castle is located dramatically close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea, along the North County Antrim coast.

Price
Price £6.00 to £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Sauna & Sea

Portstewart

Address

Portstewart Strand, Strand Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG

Saunaandsea@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

An authentic wood-fired Finnish sauna on Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland, providing the benefits of hot & cold therapy on the beach.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
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
Cushendun Long Walk

Cushendun

Address

Cushendun Car Park, Cushendun, County Antrim, BT44 0PS

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Cushendun is a beautiful seaside village on the North Coast alive with small shops and pubs. A series of scenic paths wind through the village, beach front, harbour, and Glendun river.

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White River Charters

Coleraine

Address

River Bann (Lower), The Cutts, Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Telephone
+44 (0)74 5592 2622

crew@whiterivercharters.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

White River Charters offers a choice of relaxing river cruises on the River Bann in the Causeway Coast and Glens on board a vintage vessel. Explore the river at a slow and gentle pace, enjoy scenery, views of the wildlife and hear about the local…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
86 reviews
Whiterocks

Portrush

Address

Whiterocks Car Park, Dunluce Road A2, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Whiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for international visitors. The beach frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car 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)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
237 reviews
Portstewart Strand and Barmouth

Portstewart

Address

Portstewart Strand, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7083 6396

portstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies the golden sands and domineering sand dunes of Portrush Strand Beach. This area of natural beauty and of scientific interest is owned and managed by the National Trust.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Gortmore to Hell's Hole

Address

Gortmore Viewpoint, Bishop's Road, County Londonderry, BT49 0LJ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A lovely walk along the cliff top overlooking Benone Beach, Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal

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Castlecat Studio Gallery

Bushmills

Address

76 Castlecat Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2074 1682

jamesmcnulty48@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Art Gallery

Castlecat Studio Gallery is based in a small, tastefully converted stable of a former farmhouse in the hamlet of Castlecat, near Bushmills.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Elements Studio Art and Crafts

Downhill, Castlerock

Address

Downhill Beachhouse, 12a Mussenden Road, Downhill, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44(0)7884290169

info@elementsstudio.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Artist McCall Gilfillan of Elements Studio provides experiences in her stunning beachfront location, ideal for creative exploration.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking