Causeway Coastal Route
Causeway Coastal Route
Causeway Coastal Route
5
About
The Causeway Coastal Route is a designated tourist drive around the coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. The route follows the coast and takes you to several major tourist attractions including The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the Glens of Antrim. There are a further nine shorter scenic routes that loop off the main Coastal Route. These are : Islandmagee, Slemish Mountain, Glenariff, Glendun, Torr Road, Glenshesk, Bann Valley, Binevenagh Mountain and the Roe Valley.
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- jude j8 contributionsWonder of the worldA place on the top 3 to visit in NI. Any time of the year this place never tires of wonderment and character. I’ve been several times over the past 35 years. I’ll visit again next time I’m over Parking is available on site and it’s £13 per adult unless your a National Trust member Alternative parking available free on the road a short walk away or £9 from a private car park locallyVisited January 2023Traveled on businessWritten January 25, 2023
- pfefmeisterSan Francisco, California2,971 contributionsGreat DriveWe poked along this road on our way from Belfast to Portrush. Starting in Bally Castle, just pull in to every pullout and admire the magnificent views. The Giant Causeway is the most notable attraction, though there are many overviews and short hikes along the way. Highly scenic and a great way to spend a day in this beautiful locale.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 2, 2023
- Mark I6 contributionsAbsolute must do scenic drive!My AirBnb host in Belfast recommended I take a bus tour to Giants Causeway along the scenic coastal route. Instead, I decided to hire a car and do it solo. What a beautiful part of the world, breathtaking, peaceful and scenic. Along the way I stopped off at Glenarrif, Cushendun (GOT fans take note), Cushendall, Ballycastle, Giants Causeway and finally Portrush (golfers can stop in at Royal Portrush for a look) before returning to Belfast. Some of the skinny laneway type roads bordered by hedgerows requires some concentration, but also added to the beauty and isolation of the drive. What a fantastic way to spend a day, and all within 100 kilometres of Belfast. Take your time and enjoy!Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten July 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,136 reviews
Excellent
1,758
Very good
338
Average
29
Poor
7
Terrible
4
garymckinney2
Skipton, UK6 contributions
Aug 2019
OK, you'll need a sunny day in summer to enjoy it at its best when the white sand underneath the Carrick-a -rede rope bridge turns the water aquamarine or when the view from the cliffs at the Causeway towards Islay and the Mull of Kintyre make you realise how close Scotland really is. However in winter a clear day can bring equally fantastic views. Experiencing it in a northern gale with waves pounding the cliffs and beaches is exhilarating and will bring you into contact with the raw power of nature. There are few places were so much scenery is packed into such a short stretch of coast.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael Denis M
Castlewellan, UK400 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
I’m sure most countries have scenic routes to drive and here in Northern Ireland we have the Causeway Coastal Route, which skirts the northern edge of Belfast Lough and travels the length of County Antrim.
With the Irish Sea on one side of you, you travel through coastal towns and villages passing watering holes aplenty and natural beauty spots. Stop for a stroll along a beachfront (maybe Cushendall or Carnlough) or drive up into the Picturesque Glens of Antrim.
Drive the whole road to reach Ballycastle and The Giant’s Causeway, where the legendary giant, Finn McCool crosses to Scotland to fight his foes! Continue to the seaside town of Portrush and Portstewart. Pray for a decent day’s weather and you’ll have a great drive and a wonderful day out.
With the Irish Sea on one side of you, you travel through coastal towns and villages passing watering holes aplenty and natural beauty spots. Stop for a stroll along a beachfront (maybe Cushendall or Carnlough) or drive up into the Picturesque Glens of Antrim.
Drive the whole road to reach Ballycastle and The Giant’s Causeway, where the legendary giant, Finn McCool crosses to Scotland to fight his foes! Continue to the seaside town of Portrush and Portstewart. Pray for a decent day’s weather and you’ll have a great drive and a wonderful day out.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark I
6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
My AirBnb host in Belfast recommended I take a bus tour to Giants Causeway along the scenic coastal route. Instead, I decided to hire a car and do it solo. What a beautiful part of the world, breathtaking, peaceful and scenic. Along the way I stopped off at Glenarrif, Cushendun (GOT fans take note), Cushendall, Ballycastle, Giants Causeway and finally Portrush (golfers can stop in at Royal Portrush for a look) before returning to Belfast. Some of the skinny laneway type roads bordered by hedgerows requires some concentration, but also added to the beauty and isolation of the drive. What a fantastic way to spend a day, and all within 100 kilometres of Belfast. Take your time and enjoy!
Written July 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MugeKarasahin
Dublin, Ireland26 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Highly recommended trail! Gorgeous views and well marked route. We ran/walked from Ballintoy to Giant’s Causeway - around 16km and took a bus back to Ballintoy. We will be back to walk this again.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shane😁😁
Northamptonshire, UK12,876 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We started this drive in Derry and drove all the way to Larne.
We passed the Giants causeway and a few ruined castles before stopping at Ballycastle for a leg stretch.
The village of Cushendun is very attractive and worthy of an hour or two.
The views out to sea are evident for much of this long route but sadly not many places to stop and get a photograph or two.
This is without doubt one of the most stunning drives and with plenty of beaches dotted along the way, makes a great change from the motorway route we took on the way to our destination a few days previously.
A must!
Visited 4th August 2021.
We passed the Giants causeway and a few ruined castles before stopping at Ballycastle for a leg stretch.
The village of Cushendun is very attractive and worthy of an hour or two.
The views out to sea are evident for much of this long route but sadly not many places to stop and get a photograph or two.
This is without doubt one of the most stunning drives and with plenty of beaches dotted along the way, makes a great change from the motorway route we took on the way to our destination a few days previously.
A must!
Visited 4th August 2021.
Written August 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malcolm and S
Stroud, UK1,137 contributions
Oct 2021
What a way to see the NI coast - good roads, quiet traffic and good views. Add to that tiny harbours, good hotels and restaurants. All to be enjoyed at leisurely pace.
Ballintoy harbour is a real treat, as is the rope bridge a bit further along the route.
Ballintoy harbour is a real treat, as is the rope bridge a bit further along the route.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanette L
New Hampshire82 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
No thought required….go and see the spectacular scenery on the Causeway Coast. We had a rental car and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Giant’s Causeway (pre-book your it online if you are making the trek), Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge. Lunch at Fullerton arms was great. More to see but it was a drive on back to our hotel. Great day
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🙋🏽♂️🤹🏽♂️✔️Keep Life Simple ✈️🧳✅
Pittsburgh, PA88,366 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
I can not begin to describe the beauty of the Ulster coast. Around every bend you will be in awe of the scenery with the coast meeting the steep cliffs. This is a definite must see either by car or tour bus
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil C
Stirling, UK21 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
I’m currently studying in Belfast and was told by a friend who lives in the area to do this road. I was certainly not disappointed. Plenty of pretty sights and towns along the way, but the road is certainly an attraction in itself. The views you get on this road are probably some of the most beautiful anywhere. Not even the weather could put an dampener on an amazing journey!
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malahide man
Dalkey, Ireland165 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Visited here today. Unfortunately the full walk was curtailed by a rock fall. Had a tour with John who despite this restriction made the tour extremely interesting and great fun. Got as far as the pillers and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kati J
Espoo, Finland41 contributions
Hi all! I would love if you could throw some suggestions my way.
I am traveling alone, and wanting to stay at couple of coastal towns along the coastal route ( 3-4 days each ). Probably will not rent a car as driving alone you don't get to look around so much.
Which towns would you suggest, where there's enough shortish nature walks for a few days, seaside, and are safe enough for a single traveller ( nothing too extreme in case something happening:) )
I have taken bus tours from Belfast when I was staying there but want to stay more in the heart of nature. So public transport desirable. Or is car a must? Flying to the city airport. Thanks in advance!
Smile785
22 contributions
We are planning on doing the Causeway Coastal Route, but one of our party is a wheelchair user, so many of the suggested stops are inaccessible. Any suggestions as to good viewpoints that can be seen from the car? Or cafes with a view along the way? Thank you.
Louise
Margate, UK20 contributions
The giant's causeway has a bus to take you down to the water's edge.. so no issues.
bridesmum_11
lancaster56 contributions
Hi we are planning a week in northern Ireland next spring in a camper - any recommendations of places to park/stay over night on the Causeway coastal route Belfast to Derry and return.
I ma aware of the Safenights scheme but would appreciate firsthand recommends thanks
Beryl B
Nottingham, UK108 contributions
Sorry we travelled with a tour company
bandito912
New York City, NY134 contributions
Are there any castles along the route that offer accommodation? Would love to spend a night in one, but when I search online it just seems to pull up castles where you can visit (not stay over). Thanks!
Adventure813474
Downpatrick, UK7 contributions
Try searching for Ballygally Castle
bandito912
New York City, NY134 contributions
Are there any castles along the route that offer accommodation? Would love to spend a night in one, but when I search online it just seems to pull up castles where you can visit (not stay over). Thanks!
LIfeontheocean
Whitley Bay, UK89 contributions
Hi I was a bit slow answering your question ,I am really not sure sorry
Helen C
Canberra, Australia7 contributions
Coastal route from belfast?
Alefbet1
Kfar Yehoshua, Israel84 contributions
Hello Helen
If you plan to go north from Belfast, I can mostly recommend on the Causeway Coastal Route and if you're driving and not in a rush, just take the time and make many stops along that route.
yosie
Hindley, UK27 contributions
Going from Bushmills to Carnfunnock country park with 7.2 m motorhome, is it feasible to go along the coast road or better to go inland?
beebles72
155 contributions
As with all coastal routes the roads are sometimes narrow and alittle tricky but why miss out on such beautiful scenery just take your time and enjoy it
Hi!
I would like to hear your opinions, we are staying at the moment near to Galway and we consider to do a road trip on our way back to Dublin airport and drive through North Ireland. We have only two and half days, because we have to be in time to Dublin, so is it too much to do in that time? We aren't going to drive through whole coastal route, the "must see" places only. We are getting eager to see more and more.. ;)
Sanna K
Kempele, Finland24 contributions
We drowe from Portrush to Belfast in one day, stopped for a swim two times and took the motorway from Larne. It was mostly driving. It was ok with us, because we have seen the musts before. So it’s up to you: if you want just drive, 2,5 days is enough, but there is so much to see... and you should stop at least Giant’s Causeway, Ballycastle (eat at O’Connors), Portrush, Duncle castle, Carrick-a-rede, Carrickfergus, etc. Road from Ballycastle to Larne is slow but absolutely hilarious😝
Vorremmo percorrere la Causeway in un giorno con treno e bus, da Derry a Belfast ;oltre al Giant's e al ponte di Carrick, che penso siano imperdibili , in quali posti ci conviene scendere e fermarci?
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Claim your listingCauseway Coastal Route - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Causeway Coastal Route
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Causeway Coastal Route:
- Guided Day Tour of Giant's Causeway from Belfast by Comfortable Coach (From $47.15)
- Private Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast (From $1,019.47)
- Private Tour: 'Game of Thrones' and Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast (From $318.58)
- Private Giant's Causeway Experience Extended from Belfast (From $955.75)
- Private Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Cruise Terminal (From $1,083.18)
- Hotels near Causeway Coastal Route:
- (0.01 mi) Annie's Cottage, Main Street, Bushmills, Causeway Coast.
- (0.10 mi) Finn MacCool's Public House and Guest Inn
- (0.06 mi) Bushmills Holiday Cottage with Golf Nearby
- (0.05 mi) Distillery House Bushmills
- (0.09 mi) Village Cottage, Bushmills Distillery, Causeway, Beach, within walking distance
- Restaurants near Causeway Coastal Route:
- (0.05 mi) Tartine Restaurant
- (0.10 mi) Maegden
- (0.08 mi) North Coast Pizza
- (0.08 mi) Jill's Kitchen
- (0.08 mi) China Garden
Causeway Coastal Route Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,758 |
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Very Good Reviews | 338 |
Causeway Coastal Route Photos | 1,037 |