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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: 265

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1040 reviews
Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus

Address

Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7BG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 1273

carrickfergus.castle@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Price £6.00 to £18.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Get ready to step back in time at Carrickfergus Castle, an incredible Norman castle nestled in the charming seaside town of Carrickfergus, County Antrim, right on the shores of Belfast Lough. For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an…

Price
Price £6.00 to £18.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

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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Portrush to Bushmills

Portrush

Address

Portrush Harbour, 63 Kerr Street, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8BP

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A linear walk on the North Antrim Coast

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

More Info
The Honourable The Irish Society

Coleraine

Address

Cutts House, 54 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 4796

office@theirishsociety.co.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

We manage Northern Ireland's finest salmon, trout, pike and coarse fishing on the Lower Bann River and tributaries. Season/day rods available on private beats, also season permits for unrestricted stretches, both game and coarse.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Xplore Outdoors

Coleraine

Address

1 The Salmon Leap, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7734 365 321

info@xploreoutdoors.co.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Xplore Outdoors offers visitors the opportunity to sample the delights of the Causeway Coast and Glens coastline and rivers by sit on top kayak.

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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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
90 reviews
Milliken Tours Ireland

Larne

Address

Rose Cottage, 58a Mulloughsandal Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2LY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 3355

seamusmilliken@yahoo.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

We are a private, family run business, offering tours along the Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens. All our tours are tailored to suit your needs, and provide good value for money. Our Tour Guides are all so they can guide you to places of interest.

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Bonamargy Friary

Ballycastle

Address

43 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Remains of Franciscan friary founded around 1500 by Rory MacQuillan. East range of cloister, gatehouse and church virtually complete except for roof. Open all year.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
349 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
The Milibern

Armoy

Address

28 Altarichard Road, Armoy, County Antrim, BT53 8XT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A scenic upland route that takes in the summit of Croaghan.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
Greenisland Golf Club

Carrickfergus

Address

156 Upper Road, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8RW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9086 2236

info@greenislandgolfclub.co.uk

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Greenisland is a challenging 9 hole mature parkland golf course situated under the imposing Knockagh Monument, and offers panoramic views from Carrickfergus to Belfast and across Belfast Lough to County Down.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Walk Talk Ireland

Cushendun

Address

Cushendun, Co Antrim, BT44 0PX

Telephone
+44 +353 74915 9366

info@walktalkireland.com

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Hello!
My name is Sean Mullan. I organise and lead the walks in Ireland. You are assured of a warm welcome, companionship and good walking if you join us.

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Croaghan Breen Forest Walk

Armoy

Address

28 Altarichard Road, Armoy, County Antrim, BT53 8XT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Upland walking route, through Breen Forest and taking in the summit of Croaghan itself.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Causeway Sea Tours

Portrush

Address

Portrush Harbour, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8DF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 440 117

info@predatorireland.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

With the move to Portrush, Predator is now offering sea tours of various sights around the North Coast of Ireland, including Giants Causeway, the Skerries, Ballintroy, and more.

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A Giant Causeway Glass-Making Experience

Bushmills

Address

60 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7752 315 476

irishglassartist@outlook.com

Price
Price £75.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Join Eleanor-Jane for a hands on glass making experience inspired by the Causeway stones. Using recycled stained glass from a local church, Eleanor- Jane gently guides you through the process allowing your creativity to shine through with each…

Dates

Price
Price £75.00 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2748 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
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

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Outdoor and Country Sports

Coleraine

Address

58 Society Street, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1LA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7032 0701

keith@outdoorandcountrysports.co.uk

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

Tackle shop selling equipment and bait. Authorised distributors for fishing licences and permits. Guides recommended. Clothing and equipment for most areas of outdoor sports and pursuits.

More Info