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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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Cushendall Golf Club

Cushendall

Address

21 Shore Road, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0NG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2177 1318

info@cushendallgolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Founded in 1937, the club nestles at the foot of stunning Glenballyeamon in the celebrated Glens of Antrim. This picturesque nine hole course is bounded by the quaint village of Cushendall and the waves of Red Bay.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
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…

More Info
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
14 reviews
Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Wood Walk

Carrickfergus

Address

Oakfield Drive, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7BY

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A charming wooded glen and recently planted woodland

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Victoriana Flower School

Larne

Address

51 Ballypollard Road, Magheramorne, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 3JF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 2519

kim@victorianafloral.co.uk

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Learn the art of flower arranging with exquisite florist Kim Davies at Victoriana Flower School, located just outside Whitehead, on the Causeway Coastal route. A wide range of courses are available for all levels of participants and interests.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Swifts Forge

Islandmagee

Address

171 Low Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7485 605612

info@swiftsforge.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Swifts Forge in Islandmagee offers a range of blacksmithing classes to create something special, with different courses running throughout the year. Christmas vouchers given priority in Feb-May

More Info
Facilities

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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Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne

Address

Bishop's Gate Entrance, Mussenden Road, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Stunning landscaped estate with fabulous views of Ireland’s North Coast

More Info
Fairhead Loch Dubh 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
Downhill Forest Mill Trail

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RR

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Forest walks with gradients

More Info
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
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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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)
Fairhead An Bealach Runda Walk

Ballycastle

Address

Fairhead Car Park, Fairhead Road, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, BT54 6RD

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Enjoy breath-taking views from the cliff edge of Fairhead

More Info
Roe Park Resort Golf Club

Limavady

Address

Roe Park Resort, 10 Lisnakilly Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 9FB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0105

golf@RoeParkResort.com

Type

Type:

Golf Resort

The 18 hole parkland layout takes full advantage of its beautiful setting with Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula providing a dramatic backdrop. Popular with amateurs and seasoned players, the course is both challenging and enjoyable.

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
The Courthouse Creative Hub

Bushmills

Address

75 Main Street, Coleraine, Bushmills, Antrim, BT57 8QB

Telephone
+44 (0)28 2073 2606

info@thecourthousebushmills.com

Type

Type:

Event Venue

Located in the heart of historic Bushmills, the former Petty Sessions Court, dating back to 1834, has been sensitively restored as a modern creative shared space for local crafters, creatives artists, chefs, artisan producers guides and storytellers.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
22 reviews
Chaffeur Car Services

Carrickfergus

Address

100 Woodburn Road, West Division, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 7899

info@chauffeurcarservices.com

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Belfast City tours of the Titanic centre Peace wall, Queens, Albert clock, Stormont and Carrickfergus Castle. Also indulge yourself in a full 8hr day of the North coast of Antrim and see Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.

More Info
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