Belfast & Causeway Coastal Route, 3 day itinerary
When you tour Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route, you’re exploring the world’s #1 visitor region. Seriously, just ask Lonely planet.
They named this the top region in their ‘Best in Travel 2018’. So you literally couldn’t pick a better region to explore. And you’re about to find out why: there are famous big-hitters, secret little must-sees, and those views! So what are you waiting for? Let’s go...
Day 1
Lunch and Tour in Glenarm Castle
Glenarm Castle is the home of Viscount and Viscountess Dunluce and their family. The present castle has been in the McDonnell family since it was first built in 1636. Visit the house where you will see superb examples of Irish furniture as well as portraits of family members from the early 17th century through to the present day. Before taking up full-time residence at Glenarm, the family lived most notably at Dunluce Castle. The Walled Garden is one of Ireland’s oldest walled gardens. Originally created to supply the Castle with its fruit and vegetables, the Walled Garden is now filled with exciting flowers and specimen plants to captivate the keenest gardening enthusiast. Enjoy lunch in the charming Tea Room, situated in the old Mushroom House.
Glenariff Forest Park
Cameras at the ready. This Waterfall Walkway meanders through three miles of the stunning Glenariff Nature Reserve. You’ll walk through the river gorge and past three spectacular waterfalls, giving you a dream backdrop for all the photos you’ll want to take.
Rathlin Island
Amid the rugged landscape of this beautiful island rich with history and wildlife let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected. The ferry to Rathlin Island travels just six miles across the Sea of Moyle. This island is six miles long, one mile wide, "L" shaped and home to a slowly increasing population of around 140 people. You’ll see iconic lighthouses (and one that’s upsidedown) and a list of previous visitors that includes Vikings, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Richard Branson.
Day 2
Irish Feast Experience
Work up an appetite as you walk through picturesque villages on the Causeway Coastal Route and meet passionate artisans who make, bake, and cook delicious Irish food, like Glenarm organic salmon, freshly-made fudge, local cheeses and craft ale. Walking and eating – that’s a balanced diet, surely!
Cushendun Caves
Game of Thrones® fans will recognise this as the place Melisandre, the Red Priestess, gives birth to the shadow creature which ultimately kills Renly. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s a treat to see these dramatic caves, which were carved by 400 million years of extreme weather.
Mary McBride’s Bar
In the picturesque coastal village of Cushendun, you’ll find Mary McBride’s Bar, a traditional pub full of character and history, once one of the smallest bars in Ireland. Hear stories of the original landlady Mary McBride herself and see one of the carved doors from the Doors of Thrones.
Day 3
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Step back in time and experience what life was like in Ulster over 100 years ago in the early 1900s. Wander Ulster Folk Museum's rolling countryside and bustling town filled with authentic period buildings. It’s a chance to explore thatched cottages, farms, schools and shops exactly as they would have been. Travel back in time in the Transport Museum, and explore one of the most comprehensive collections in Europe. You can board classic locomotives, carriages, trams, boats, motorbikes, fire-engines and vintage cars.
Belfast Food Tour
Taste and Tour NI – home of the multi-award-winning Belfast Food Tour as well as five other signature food and drink tours and bespoke private and corporate tours, events and experiences. We believe the best way to get to know a city is through its food and drink – join us for a “taster” of our five-star Tourism NI-rated Belfast Food Tour. The Belfast Food Tour will take you “off the beaten track” on a food- and fun-filled guided walk through Belfast City Centre. No need for breakfast, nor will you need lunch! Our enthusiastic, local expert guides will ensure you get a flavour for the city and the magnificent and authentic produce of Northern Ireland.
Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning planting displays year round. Don't miss the annual tulip festival which takes place every May.
Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.
Mary's is a traditional Irish pub with lots of history and stories to be told. Come along and enjoy a homemade meal and a pint of Guinness. Our menu offers something for everyone whether it's our steak and Guinness pie or our delicious Cock and Bull.
Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.
Enjoy the multi award-winning Belfast Food Tour or choose from a variety of other tours including Sensorium, an interactive sensory cocktail experience, as well as bespoke private tours and corporate experiences.
