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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: 259

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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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
116 reviews
Castlerock Beach

Castlerock

Address

Sea Road, Castlerock Stand, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RE

Telephone
+44 (0)28 7776 0650

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. The beach is a recipient of the Blue Flag Award in 2025.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement - Restrictions apply 1st June to 15th September
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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)
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)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
42 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

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.

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
Benone Golf Course, Benone Holiday & Leisure Park

Limavady

Address

53 Benone Avenue, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7775 0555

Type

Type:

Parkland Golf Course

Also available on site, café (seasonal),practice range (seasonal), tennis, putting green outdoor splash pools (seasonal). Visitors welcome any day. Positioned in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty adjacent to Benone Strand

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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
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)
Christie Park & Somerset

Coleraine

Address

Christie Park, 55-65 Strand Road, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3AB

Type

Type:

Walking & Hiking

Riverside walk along the Bann

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Old Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills

Address

2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8XH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 3218

visitors.bushmills@bushmills.com

Type

Type:

Distillery

In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very particular licence to this small village, just a few miles inland from Ireland’s rugged north coast. The licence gave Bushmills the right to distil whiskey. Today,…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Rathlin Walking Tours

Coleraine

Address

33 Wheatfield Gardens, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT51 3RH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7745 566 924

paul.quinn33@hotmail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Planning a visit to Rathlin Island? Interested in walking or birdwatching? Why not join Paul Quinn, an experienced walking guide, who can guide you round the beautiful sights and sounds of Rathlin. You can walk for an hour plus or up to a day.

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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
131 reviews
SUB6 Surf & SUP School

Portrush

Address

Whiterocks Beach, Dunluce Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8NB

Telephone
+44 (0) 7748257717

carl@sub6life.com

Type

Type:

Surfing

SUB6 incorporates an Online Surf Store, ASI Accredited Surf & Sup school with RLSS lifeguard training all under one company.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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.

More Info
Amberjack Sea Angling Trips

Carnlough

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0) 7956 586 432

billy@boats4u.com

Type

Type:

Sea Fishing

Hop aboard the Amberjack 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
Clifftop Experience (Away A Wee Walk)

Bushmills

Address

Away A Wee Walk, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2073 1855

eimear@awayaweewalk.com

Price
Price £52.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

The Clifftop Experience (in partnership with National Trust) is a guided 5 mile hike of the full UNESCO coastline at the Giant's Causeway available daily throughout the season. It is our 'signature tour'.

Price
Price £52.00 Activity

More Info