Derry~Londonderry & the Causeway Coastal Route: A Journey to Savour

The Causeway Coastal Route and Derry~Londonderry both offer a stunning blend of raw natural beauty, creative culture, and deep-rooted heritage - best discovered at a gentle pace. This itinerary invites you to slow down and savour the journey, moving beyond the guidebook highlights to connect with people, place, and atmosphere. From hidden harbours to windswept cliffs and artisan bakeries, it’s a region that rewards curiosity and lingers in memory.

Each day features a mix of immersive, hands-on, and outdoor experiences - all options, never obligations. You might choose to cycle Derry~Londonderry's riverside food trail, ride a horse into the hills, island-hop to Rathlin Island, or simply enjoy an afternoon by a peat fire after a clifftop walk. Flexibility is built in so you can shape your journey according to the weather, your energy, and your interests.

At its heart, this itinerary is about connection: with people who are passionate about what they do, with land and sea that shape the culture, and with yourself, through moments of stillness or joyful discovery. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this iconic area invites you to stop often, stay longer, and enjoy every view. Less rush, more discovery, local food & artisan stops - perfect for staycations & short breaks. Slow down, see more – and plan your escape today.

A Laid-Back Day around the Glens

Option 1: Glenarm Castle
Explore the heritage walled garden and forest trails of Glenarm Castle, a coastal estate steeped in history and charm. Stop for lunch in the tea room, and check out the artisan shops and EV charging points in the nearby car park.

Option 2: Sheans Horse Farm
Enjoy a horse-riding experience through the Antrim hills, guided by local storytellers who share folklore and rural life. Whether beginner or experienced, the slow pace and stunning views offer a peaceful connection to the land.

Option 3: Glenariff Forest Park 
Immerse yourself in the beauty of this spectacular 1,000 hectare National Nature Reserve which features several walking trails through planted woodland, past sweeping river gorges and waterfalls, plus stunning views of the North Antrim coast.

Option 4: Mary McBride's (Cushendun)
Step into the charm of Mary McBride's, one of Ireland’s smallest historic pubs. Packed with character, it features hearty local food, live music and lively themed nights, plus a must-see stop on the Game of Thrones door trail.

Unwind on the Coast - Ballycastle or the Giants's Causeway

Option 1: Rathlin Island
Take the short ferry to Rathlin and spend a slow day walking the rugged trails, visiting puffin habitats, or chatting with locals over lunch. The island’s pace is naturally slow - there are no traffic lights, just sea air and seabirds.

Option 2: North Coast Smokehouse (Ballycastle)
Visit this artisan smokehouse to learn how seaweed, salmon, and nuts are smoked using traditional methods. You can sample and buy small-batch goods made with heart and local flavour - perfect for a picnic.

Option 3: Giant’s Causeway Clifftop Experience (Away A Wee Walk)
Join a guided clifftop walk from Dunseverick to the Giant’s Causeway with Away A Wee Walk - a refreshing, scenic alternative to the usual route. The guide shares geology, history, and humour, making the land come alive underfoot.

Explore History In Portglenone & Bellaghy

Option 1: River Bann Tours
Relax on a boat trip along the River Bann, soaking in reflections of reeds, herons, and slow-flowing water. The guides offer a peaceful, informed narrative of the river’s ecology and history.

Option 2: Seamus Heaney HomePlace (Bellaghy)
Step into the world of the Nobel laureate poet, exploring interactive exhibits, original manuscripts, and local landscapes that inspired his work. It’s a thoughtful and moving tribute to identity, memory, and language.

Option 3: Bakehouse NI (Bellaghy)
Visit Bakehouse NI to experience the warmth of traditional baking, where handmade breads, traybakes, and pastries are crafted with care using local ingredients. Join one of their relaxed cooking classes to learn the art of home baking and take a little taste of Northern Ireland home with you.

Stay: Burrenmore Nest 
Tucked among ancient woodland, these unique wooden cabins offer luxury glamping for those wanting to sleep close to nature. The surrounding forest trails and nearby beach make it a restorative overnight or day stop.

Experience Derry~Londonderry One Bite at a Time

Option 1: Foodie City Cycle Tour
Explore Derry~Londonderry’s food scene by bike with a local guide, stopping at hidden cafés, bakeries, and markets. It’s a fun and delicious way to discover the city’s creative culinary energy.

Option 2: Foyle Adventures & Boat Tours
Take a boat trip along the River Foyle and see Derry~Londonderry’s skyline from the water, passing beneath the Peace Bridge. The gentle pace offers a different perspective on the city's layered history and lively river life.

Option 3: Lo & Slo BBQ 
Join a wild-cooking session with Lo & Slo, using locally sourced meats and traditional smoking techniques over open fire. This isn’t fast food - it’s food with soul, rooted in community and deep flavour.

Option 4: Peace Bridge Walk
Walk across the Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square. The square is home to great restaurants, a brewery, and green space where you can linger, snack, and reflect.

Optional Add-On: A day out at Jungle NI (Magherafelt)
Perfect for families or the adventurous, Jungle NI offers forest-based fun like ziplining, alpaca trekking, or even forest bathing. It’s a playful, nature-rich detour just under an hour from Derry~Londonderry.

Travelling around Northern Ireland by public transport

Plan your slow adventure today by visiting the Translink Journey Planner - a handy and sustainable tool to help map out your journey using Northern Ireland’s bus and rail network. Travelling by public transport allows you to move at a gentler pace, reduce your environmental impact, and experience the journey as part of the adventure, with more time to take in the scenery and connect with local communities along the way.