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Dunluce Castle
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: 259

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Ballykenver Farm Shop and Kitchen

Armoy

Address

77 Ballykenver Road, Armoy, County Antrim, BT53 8RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 7880 593 492

amandahanna@btconnect.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

Join Amanda at her farmhouse kitchen table for a feel-good food experience. Indulge in a delicious selection of homemade treats including some local specialities as Amanda demonstrates how to make one of her delicious preserves.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2758 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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Portmuck Walk

Islandmagee

Address

Portmuck Harbour, 68 Portmuck Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TP

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Tranquil harbour and dramatic coastal walk

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Hezlett House

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

mussendentemple@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Hezlett’s picturesque thatched cottage exterior hides a fascinating early timber frame dating from 1690, making it one of the oldest vernacular domestic buildings in Northern Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
490 reviews
Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island

Address

Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 18 Bayview Road, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 0 282076 9299

info@rathlin-ferry.com

Type

Type:

Causeway Coastal Route

Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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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Driving Range & Golf Academy, Roe Valley Resort

Limavady

Address

40 Drumrane Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9LB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0105

GolfShop@RoeParkResort.com

Type

Type:

Driving Range

The Roe Valley Driving Range & Academy is the only 18 bay driving range in the North Coast complete with indoor bays with automated tee system technology including allowing you to focus on your stance and grip for every shot.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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)
Ballymacran Bank

Limavady

Address

Shore Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9EB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A walk along the east shore of Lough Foyle

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Broighter Gold Économusée

Limavady

Address

Broglasco House, 80 Broighter Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 7912 076 607

info@broightergold.com

Type

Type:

Food & Drink

Have you ever wondered how Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil make their award-winning Liquid Gold? Now you can see their process from growing, harvesting a bottling. You will have a tour of their farm, pressing room and you can try the oils before you buy.

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Picture This: Swann's Bridge

Limavady

Address

Seacoast Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9EF

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

Picturesque riverbank area overlooking the River Roe beneath Binevenagh Mountain – a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Price
Free

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Portballintrae Causeway Loop

Portballintrae

Address

Car Park at Beach Road, Portballintrae, County Antrim, BT57 8RT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A moderate walk running from Portballintrae to the Giant's Causeway, taking in beach, cliff and rock formations.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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Cutting Edge Helicopters

Eglinton

Address

City Of Derry Airport, Eglinton, County Londonderry, BT47 3GY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7181 2555

info@cuttingedgehelicopters.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Check out the beautiful scenery from a dizzying new perspective! Cutting Edge Helicopter, situated at the City of Derry Airport, offers the experience of a lifetime in with the choice of various custom charters. The stunning views from above give…

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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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Loughshore Trail

Newtownabbey

Address

Hazelbank Park, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT37 9JQ

Telephone
0300 123 4568

Info@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Set off along the shores of Belfast Lough and enjoy the sea air as you navigate the picturesque walking route which takes you all the way to Hazelbank, Gideons Green and even into Belfast.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Whiteabbey Green Car Park: Open 24 hours Hazelbank Park: Summer: May to September, 06:00 -23:00 Winter: October to April 06:00 - 20:00
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Causeway Coast Sailing

Ballycastle

Address

42 Straid Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6HF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7759 228111

chris@causewaycoastsailing.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Day sailing in Northern Ireland. Return sails to Rathlin Island from Ballycastle marina.

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Phils Family Amusements & Bingo Hall

Portrush

Address

64-72 Main Street, Portrush, Portrush, Co Antrim, BT56 8BN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2201

info@telcotrading.co.uk

Type

Type:

Indoor Play Area

For lovers of video games, slot machines and bingo, no trip to Portrush is complete without visiting Phil’s Amusements. Discover how the whole family can ‘save tickets for big prizes’.

More Info