Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the world's great road trips, a 195-kilometre ribbon of tarmac that hugs the wild Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. Starting in Belfast and ending in Derry~Londonderry, this drive delivers a sensory overload: the salt spray of the Atlantic, the rumble of waves against basalt columns, and the green of a thousand shades on the Glens of Antrim. It's a journey through myth and geology, where every bend reveals a ruined castle, a fishing village, or a cliff that plunges into the sea.

Highlights & What to See

• Giant's Causeway — a UNESCO World Heritage site of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. Walk the hexagonal pavement at dawn to avoid crowds and feel the myth of Finn McCool come alive.
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — a swinging bridge suspended 30 metres above the Atlantic, connecting the mainland to a tiny island. The crossing is a test of nerve, but the views of Rathlin Island and Scotland are worth the wobble.
• Dark Hedges — an ethereal tunnel of beech trees planted in the 18th century, made famous by Game of Thrones. Visit early morning or late evening for the light filtering through the canopy, minus the tour buses.
• Bushmills Distillery — the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery (since 1608). Take a tour to learn the art of triple-distillation and sample a dram of Bushmills Black Bush in the cosy bar.
• Dunluce Castle — the dramatic ruins of a 16th-century castle perched on a basalt outcrop, half-fallen into the sea. It's a photographer's dream, especially at golden hour when the stone glows.
• Ballintoy Harbour — a picture-perfect fishing harbour with whitewashed cottages and a rocky shoreline. It served as the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones; explore the caves and rock pools at low tide.
• Glens of Antrim — nine lush valleys that slice through the Antrim Plateau. The Glens are dotted with waterfalls, ancient churches, and walking trails; stop at Glenariff Forest Park for a short hike to the Ess-na-Larach waterfall.

Suggested Time to Spend

Ideally, devote two full days to the Causeway Coastal Route to truly savour the stops without rushing. Start in Belfast, head north along the coast, and overnight in Bushmills or Portrush. Day one covers the eastern stretch from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway, including Carrick-a-Rede and the Dark Hedges. Day two takes you west to Dunluce Castle, the Glens, and on to Derry. If you're short on time, the route can be driven in a long day (5-6 hours driving, plus stops), but you'll miss the chance to linger at the castles or hike in the Glens. For a self-drive itinerary, consider a clockwise loop from Belfast up the coast and back via the inland route through the Sperrin Mountains.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Belfast — start or end your trip in the capital, exploring the Titanic Quarter, the political murals of the Falls and Shankill roads, and the vibrant St George's Market.
• Derry~Londonderry — the walled city on the River Foyle, with its intact 17th-century ramparts, the Peace Bridge, and a thriving food scene.
• Rathlin Island — a short ferry ride from Ballycastle; a haven for seabirds, including puffins, and home to the island's only pub.
• Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — the entire coastal strip is designated an AONB; explore the lesser-visited Glens of Antrim, such as Glenariff and Glendun.
• Portrush and Portstewart — seaside towns with sandy beaches, surf breaks, and the Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of The Open Championship.
• Sperrin Mountains — a scenic inland drive through the Sperrins, with ancient sites like the Beaghmore Stone Circles and the Glenelly Valley.

Please check official sources for current details.