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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: 282

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Jam at the Doorstep

Armoy

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2075 1243

jamatthedoorstep@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Cookery School

I provide jam, chutney, lemon curd and bread making workshops for small parties (no more than 12). These workshops are suitable for everyone except very young children. Our Farm Shop also sells local produce.

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HotBox

Limavady

Address

Benone Beach, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7760 757 294

hello@hotboxseasauna.com

Type

Type:

Spa and Well-being

The wonder of warm. The comfort of cold. Repeat for a natural rush.
Unlock your natural happy with HotBox, the original Irish/Scandi sauna experience. Whether you choose HotBox Seaside or HotBox Countryside, this incredible experience will release…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Game of Thrones® Afternoon Tea at Ballygally Castle Hotel

Ballygally

Address

274 Coast Road, Ballygally, County Antrim, BT40 2QZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2858 1066

res@bcg.hastingshotels.com

Type

Type:

GoT Food Tours

Ballygally Castle Hotel is offering a Game of Thrones® Afternoon Tea which will delight fans of the world renowned show as well as those who love the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Causeway Fisher Fishing Trips

Carnlough

Address

c/o Carnlough Harbour, Harbour Road, Causeway Coastal Route, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7956 586 432

billy@boats4u.com

Type

Type:

Sea Fishing

Hop aboard the Causeway Fisher and enjoy a 3 hour fishing trip out of Carnlough or Glenarm (subject to tidal and weather conditions) and enjoy spectacular views of the Causeway Coast.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Carnfunnock Woodland Walk

Larne

Address

Carnfunnock Country Park, Coast Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2LH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2826 2471

carnfunnock@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

One of a whole host of great walks on offer through the picturesque surroundings of Carnfunnock Country Park.

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Coasteering NI

Ballintoy

Address

Harbour Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7422 506 079

splash@coasteeringni.co.uk

Type

Type:

Coasteering & Bouldering

Our mission is to take you on adventure like no other. Coasteering is challenging, thrilling and suitable for all ages and abilities.
We want you to test your comfort zone, feel the fear and do it anyway and have mega fun.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Moyle Way

Ballycastle

Address

The Diamond, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6AW

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A 26 mile walk mostly off road through the glens of Antrim.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Sallagh Braes Walk

Ballygally

Address

Linford Car Park, Feystown Road, Ballygally, County Antrim, BT40 2LZ

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A stunning short walk across exposed hillside, leading to and along the edge of the dramatic Sallagh Braes basalt cliffs. The Sallagh Braes is a prominent basalt scarp with a spectacular ballast amphitheatre located 3 miles west of Ballygally, close…

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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)
The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 288 86188

watson-mary@sky.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Learn all about the development of Carnlough through the centuries, including its unique industrial heritage, by visiting the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall before going on an energetic walk to Cranny Falls via Carnlough Harbour.

Price
Free

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Photography Tours NI

Coleraine

Address

23 Knocklynn Park, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1WB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7850 334 580

clementdealey@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Our Causeway Coast Photo Tour gives you the opportunity to view this world-renowned coastline while learning about landscape photography under the guidance of a professional photographer as well as delving into the history and the folklore.

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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

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Carrowmena Activity Centre

Limavady

Address

100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9EB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 3431

info@carrowmena.co.uk

Type

Type:

Activity Centre

Whether you’re young or old you will make every lasting memories with your Carrowmena Experience in the great outdoors enjoying quality time with your loved ones from jumping off the Zip Line to shooting Golds in Archery to getting wet on our Kayak…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Glenara Elite Tours & Travel

Coleraine

Address

3 Glenara Woods, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3TR

Telephone
+44 (0) 7718 805 633

frances@glenara-elite-travel.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Tour the breath taking and wondrous sites of Northern Ireland’s North Coast in one of our Luxury Coaches. Experience natural wonders of the world, like the Giant’s Causeway, to locations seen in the Game of Thrones like the Dark Hedges.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
101 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

The new 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 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
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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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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2739 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
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)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Blackhead Coastal Path Walk

Whitehead

Address

Blackhead Car Park, Old Castle Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking Route - Short (<5 miles)

A short and delightful circular walk from the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead, around the coastal path to Blackhead with its iconic lighthouse, the most easterly point of County Antrim, then back to Whitehead for refreshments and shopping.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)