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Why we love the Causeway Coast

A land of mighty scenery, epic stories and glorious sea views, this wild corner of Northern Ireland will steal your heart. The Causeway Coast and Glens region is rich in natural wow-factor, with the strange hexagonal rocks of Giant’s Causeway, the fossil-strewn beach of White Park Bay, and the gnarled island of Carrick-a-Rede – whose wind-whipped rope bridge is thrilling to cross.

But the 130-mile (212km) Causeway Coastal Route, regularly voted among the world’s top road trips, extends even further along the shore: to the cities of Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, the medieval Carrickfergus Castle, and the extraordinary Gobbins cliff walk. Every day brings new adventures, whether you’re sipping Irish whiskey in an ancient distillery or exploring hidden sea caves by kayak.

So what are you waiting for? Here’s how to plan the perfect Causeway Coast trip.

Things to do on the Causeway Coast

Were these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption, or built by the fabled giant Finn MacCool? You decide…

Discover the legends at Giant’s Causeway

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Sunset over the red basalt column. Sea views
Giant's Causeway

These rolling countryside valleys are heaven for hikers and cyclists – and reach from the Antrim plateau to the coast.

Discover the Glens of Antrim

nickscott_scapes

Man walking up hillside as the sun goes down
Glens of Antrim

Though the castle itself dates back to the 16th century, this clifftop spot has over 2,000 years of human history to explore.

Step into history at Dunluce Castle

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

People walking on grass near a historic castle
Dunluce Castle

Are you brave enough to cross this rickety rope bridge, suspended almost 100ft (30m) above the Atlantic Ocean?

Book Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – if you dare!

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Young boy crossing a long rope bridge over the sea
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Sample Bushmills Irish Whiskey, straight from the world's oldest licensed working distillery in County Antrim.

Find tours and tastings at Old Bushmills Distillery

Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills, County Antrim
Old Bushmills Distillery

Were these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption, or built by the fabled giant Finn MacCool? You decide…

Discover the legends at Giant’s Causeway

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Sunset over the red basalt column. Sea views
Giant's Causeway

These rolling countryside valleys are heaven for hikers and cyclists – and reach from the Antrim plateau to the coast.

Discover the Glens of Antrim

nickscott_scapes

Man walking up hillside as the sun goes down
Glens of Antrim

Though the castle itself dates back to the 16th century, this clifftop spot has over 2,000 years of human history to explore.

Step into history at Dunluce Castle

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

People walking on grass near a historic castle
Dunluce Castle

Are you brave enough to cross this rickety rope bridge, suspended almost 100ft (30m) above the Atlantic Ocean?

Book Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – if you dare!

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Young boy crossing a long rope bridge over the sea
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Sample Bushmills Irish Whiskey, straight from the world's oldest licensed working distillery in County Antrim.

Find tours and tastings at Old Bushmills Distillery

Courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Bushmills Distillery, Bushmills, County Antrim
Old Bushmills Distillery

Places to stay on the Causeway Coast

Campsites

For the utmost freedom, hire a campervan: you can tour the coast to your heart’s content, and take your pick from its excellent campsites.

Ballycastle

With its long sandy beach, central location and ferry to Rathlin Island, Ballycastle is a great base – and has a wide choice of hotels and B&Bs.

The cities

Tight on time? Belfast and Derry-Londonderry are just an hour’s drive from the Giant’s Causeway, so why not combine the coast with a city break?

Explore nearby

Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene and a myriad of immersive experiences.

Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast

Getting to the Causeway Coast

The Causeway Coast is a road tripper’s dream, where every twist and turn reveals new breathtaking viewpoints or geological wonders. It also has plentiful EV charging points, which is great news for electric car drivers. As for public transport, the entire region is well-served by bus, while the Giants Causeway and Bushmills Railway spans the two-mile route between these popular sights.

By bus

Don’t fancy driving? Hop on a Translink/Ulsterbus service for easy access to the main sights, including the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Bushmills Distillery.

By train

Catch the train from Derry-Londonderry to Coleraine or Portrush: it runs right along Benone beach, with views of nature-rich dunes and towering sea cliffs.

By bike

Cycling the Causeway Coast reveals its elemental beauty: the refreshing sea breeze, the rainbow of wildflowers, and plenty of ice creams and picnics.

Want to know more?

Visit the Causeway Coast’s official website for more trip-planning ideas and insider advice.