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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: 265

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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.

More Info
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)
Trout Tours NI

Larne

Address

23 Cumbrae Heights, Ballycraigy, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974 854 219

info@trouttoursni.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Trout Tours NI are based in the seaport and market town of Larne, County Antrim. We have a passion for trout fishing and aim to provide the best fishing tours available in Northern Ireland.

More Info
Islandmagee Riding Centre

Islandmagee

Address

103 Browns Bay Road, Mullaghboy, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3TL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9338 2108

Kmcmurran@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Riding/Trekking Centre

Islandmagee Riding Centre is a BHS-approved, family-run equestrian centre offering lessons, trekking, kids’ events and hands on experiences, all with expert staff and a focus on horse and rider happiness.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Portmuck Harbour

Islandmagee

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9336 6666

Marina.Reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Landscape/View

Follow the winding road down to reach this hidden gem. With its picture-book perfect stone harbour and tiny beach, Portmuck Harbour is a lovely place to while away the afternoon. See the stunning North Antrim coastline receding into the distance and…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviews
Gortmore View Point

Limavady

Address

Bishop's Road, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

Gortmore's superb Viewpoint situated on the Bishop's Road on the Binevenagh Loop, as part of the Causeway Coastal Route overlooks Magilligan Point, Benone beach and Binevenagh mountain and hosts a imposing statue of the Celtic God of the Sea.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Magheracross View Point

Bushmills

Address

Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT56 8NB

Type

Type:

Viewpoint

The purpose-built viewing platform offers panoramic views of the Causeway Coast's stunning natural environment and coastal headlands, including views of Dunluce Castle and Whiterocks Beach

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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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
111 reviews
Carrickfergus Marine Gardens & Promenade

Carrickfergus

Address

Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Public Park

Beautiful parkland on the waterfront of Carrickfergus within sight of the Castle featuring a children's playground (currently closed for refurbishment), special memorial area, gardens and picnic area.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Car parking - Marine Gardens and Promenade has free designated accessible parking on site for cars, coaches and minibuses located at Carrickfergus Castle Car Park. A smaller free car park is also available next to the play park entrance.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
39 reviews
Ballintoy Boat Tours

Ballintoy

Address

Ballintoy Harbour, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LX

Telephone
+44 (0)7886 232 718

ballintoyboattours@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Boat Tours

Experience North Coast by Sea

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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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Coleraine Town Hall

Coleraine

Address

The Diamond, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1DE

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Coleraine Town Hall presides over the central shopping piazza in Coleraine. Designed by Thomas Turner, the Town Hall, which is of major historical significance, was built in 1859 by McLaughlin & Harvey for £4,147(over £7m today).

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Causeway Coast Kayaking

Ballycastle

Address

Ballintoy Harbour, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 7895 444 237

hello@causewaycoastkayaking.com

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Fully guided tours and experiences of the Causeway Coast by kayak, including twilight/moonlight paddles and a Game of Thrones ® location tour. All beginner friendly.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Portstewart Strand - Sand Dune & Estuary Trail

Portstewart

Address

Strand Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Popular blue flag beach with towering dunes & hidden estuary

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Ballyreagh Golf Club

Portrush

Address

2 Glen Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8LX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7082 2028

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Situated on the much-admired Causeway Coast. Basking in the lovely setting of Portrush seaside, an enchanting course in an excellent setting.

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Carnfunnock Biodiversity 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.

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviews
Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood Walk

Whitehead

Address

Slaughterford Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9TG

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A delightful short walk through recently planted woodland

More Info
Rathlin Kinramer Trail

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

A waymarked route around Kinramer South, taking in the south of the island with stunning views of dramatic sea cliffs and of Ballycastle beyond.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Kinbane Castle

Ballycastle

Address

Ballycastle, off Whitepark Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along the Causeway Coastal Route. The area surrounding it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort.

Price
Free

More Info