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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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Ballintoy to Bushmills

Ballintoy

Address

Ballintoy Harbour Car Park, 49 Harbour Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6NB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A moderate linear walk linking Ballintoy and Bushmills

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Binevenagh Lake

Limavady

Address

Binevenagh Lake, Limavady, Londonderry, BT49 0QY

Telephone
+44 (0) 200 300 7860

dcalangling@dcalni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

This artificial lake commands a cliff-top situation set in a forest area overlooking the picturesque Benone Strand. The fishery can be very exposed in inclement weather and anglers should be appropriately dressed.

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Gobbins Studio Économusée - Audrey Kyle Art

Islandmagee

Address

Gobbins Studio Économusée, 147 Gobbins Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TX

Telephone
+44 (0) 7712 464 966

audreykyleart@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Craft Workshops and Courses

Artist Audrey Kyle works from a converted barn called Gobbins Studio Économusée, nestled on top of the Gobbins Cliffs on a working family farm. She displays her original unique watercolour paintings, cards and prints in her studio/gallery and runs…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Cutting Edge Helicopters - Game of Thrones® Air Tours

Eglinton

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7181 2555

info@cuttingedgehelicopters.com

Type

Type:

GoT Guided Tours

Games of Thrones® thrilling Air Tour Adventure. Enjoy stunning aerial views and the picturesque scenery of the Causeway coast used as film locations by HBO in the award winning series Game of Thrones® plus Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle and more.

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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

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Lambs & Landscapes

Glenarm

Address

The Meadow, 67a Dickeystown Road, Glenarm, County Antrim, BT44 0BA

hello@glenarmredsparklamb.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Learning Experiences

Immerse yourself in a tour of an award winning sheep farm in the Glens of Antrim with 12th generation shepherd Eamonn. Listen, see and learn about how the landscape is managed on this sustainable farm to produce the delicious lamb that is highly…

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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.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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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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

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Magilligan Point

Limavady

Address

Magilligan Point, Point Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LL

Telephone
0287776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Magilligan Point guards the mouth of Lough Foyle and is home to Lough Foyle Ferry and Martello Tower. This short beach walk through a National Nature Reserve provides opportunities for visitors to explore the beach or spot birdlife and sealife.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Layd Church

Cushendall

Address

Shore Road, Cushendall, County Antrim, BT44 0NG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Monument and coastal scenery

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Hillwalk Ireland

Ballycastle

Address

Glenariff, Ballycastle, Giant's Causeway, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, BT54 6BP

Telephone
+44 +35391763994

info@hillwalktours.com

Type

Type:

Walking Holiday

Self-guided walking tours along the famous North Antrim coastline with spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.

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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.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Rathlin Ballyconaghan Trail

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island Harbour, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6SB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A waymarked route on National Trust Land taking in the north of the island, stunning views out to the Atlantic and Scotland

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Cushendun Short 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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Ballycastle Golf Club

Ballycastle

Address

2 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2536

info@ballycastlegolfclub.com

Type

Type:

Links Golf Course

Situated in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' on the North Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland and only 20 minutes from the famous Royal Portrush Championship Links this is a course that should be included in every golfers trip. Bring your camera.

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Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on site
Private Charter Tours with Abhainn Cruises

Ballycastle

Address

Bayview Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 7845 370231

abhainncruises@btinternet.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Taste the sea salt and feel the wind. What better way to explore an island with a sea-faring tradition spanning thousands of years? Create life-long memories, see World Heritage sites, and discover hidden gems along our stunning coastline.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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156 reviews
Gleno Waterfall Walk

Gleno

Address

Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE

Telephone
+44(0)28 9064 7787

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

This walk has many steps. The steps meander up and down the sides of this moist valley to enable the walker to get good views of the waterfall. Dogs should be kept under the control of the owner.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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