THE CAUSEWAY & NORTH COAST
The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the world’s great road journeys, an epic stretch of Northern Irish coastline where myth and geology collide. It combines dramatic cliffs, enchanting villages, and iconic ancient landmarks from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry.
This route is a land of giants and legends, weaving past a UNESCO World Heritage Site and numerous filming locations for Game of Thrones. It’s a blend of raw, natural beauty and deep, stirring history you won’t soon forget.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Coastal Wonders & Nature
Giant’s Causeway: Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, a geological marvel steeped in the legend of the giant Finn MacCool.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A thrilling, swaying rope bridge connecting the mainland to a tiny island, offering spectacular coastal views and a dizzying experience.
The Dark Hedges: A captivating avenue of interlocked beech trees that has become one of the most photographed natural phenomena, famed for its eerie beauty and Game of Thrones feature.
The Glens of Antrim: Nine beautiful, steep-sided valleys that run from the Antrim plateau to the coast, featuring picturesque villages, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
Glenariff Forest Park: Known as the ‘Queen of the Glens,’ a beautiful natural reserve with scenic walking trails and a spectacular waterfall walk.
Ballintoy Harbour: A stunning, rugged fishing harbour with a dramatic coastline, also a popular Game of Thrones filming location (as the Iron Islands).
Murlough Bay: A secluded, beautiful bay with stunning views of the Antrim coast and, on a clear day, the Scottish islands.
Fair Head: A dramatic headland near Ballycastle, offering spectacular cliff walks and views, rising over 600 feet above the sea.
Binevenagh Mountain: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring a dramatic basalt cliff face and panoramic views over Lough Foyle and the North Coast.
Historic Castles & Ancient Sites
Dunluce Castle: The magnificent ruins of a medieval castle perched dramatically on a basalt outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne: A magnificent circular temple, inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Rome, set on a cliff-edge with breathtaking views over Downhill Beach.
Kinbane Castle: The romantic ruins of a small, white-stone castle located on a slender limestone headland, offering superb views.
Carrickfergus Castle: A large, well-preserved Norman castle from the 12th century, dominating the town’s seafront.
Dunseverick Castle: The scant but atmospheric remains of a castle once visited by Saint Patrick, located on a rugged promontory.
Coastal Towns & Villages
Ballycastle: A charming seaside town, a great base for exploring and the departure point for the ferry to Rathlin Island.
Portrush: A vibrant resort town famous for its beaches, surf spots, and the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Portstewart Strand: A two-mile stretch of golden sand managed by the National Trust, popular for walking and car access onto the beach.
Cushendall: Known as the ‘Capital of the Glens,’ a picturesque village with a distinct red sandstone Curfew Tower.
Cushendun Caves: Sea-carved caves located near the village of Cushendun, another recognisable Game of Thrones location.
Experiences & Heritage
Old Bushmills Distillery: The world’s oldest licensed working whiskey distillery, offering tours and tastings of their famous Irish whiskey.
Rathlin Island: Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island, a tranquil retreat famous for its puffins, seabirds, and three lighthouses.
The Gobbins Cliff Path: A dramatic reimagined Victorian cliff-face walk, featuring tubular bridges, tunnels, and staircases clinging to the basalt cliffs.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Giant’s Causeway: Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage site featuring approximately 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns—a geological wonder steeped in the legend of the giant Finn McCool.
Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Test your nerve on this exhilarating rope bridge suspended almost 100ft (30m) above sea level, linking the mainland to the tiny Carrick-a-Rede Island.
Explore Dunluce Castle: Wander the dramatic ruins of this medieval castle, perched precariously on a cliff-edge along the North Antrim Coast, offering superb photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Tour the Old Bushmills Distillery: Visit the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, take a guided tour to learn the secrets of Irish whiskey-making, and enjoy a tasting of the “golden elixir.”
Walk the Dark Hedges: Capture an iconic photo at this atmospheric tunnel of intertwining beech trees, famous as a filming location for the “Kingsroad” in Game of Thrones.
Hike the Waterfall Trail in Glenariff Forest Park: Discover one of the Nine Glens of Antrim, following the marked trails to see the cascading waterfalls and stunning river views in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Take a Ferry to Rathlin Island: Cross the Sea of Moyle to Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island, home to a large RSPB seabird colony (especially puffins in spring/summer) and three historic lighthouses.
Drive the Scenic Torr Head Route: Take a breathtaking detour off the main coastal road onto this narrow, winding path for some of the most spectacular, uninterrupted views across the sea to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.
Surf or Kayak at Portrush/Portstewart: Engage in watersports on the wild Atlantic Ocean; the towns of Portrush and Portstewart are popular spots for learning to surf or taking a guided kayaking tour of the coastline.
Discover Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne: Visit this beautifully sited classical temple perched on a cliff-edge, providing panoramic views across the coastline, Lough Foyle, and into County Donegal.
Walk a Section of the Causeway Coast Way: Lace up your boots and hike a portion of this scenic multi-day trail, perhaps the stretch from the Giant’s Causeway to Dunseverick Castle or Ballintoy Harbour.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is the Ultimate Experience: While public transport is possible, a self-drive road trip is the best way to experience the Causeway Coastal Route. A car offers the freedom to stop at viewpoints, small villages, and hidden gems not easily reached by bus. Remember that driving is on the left.
Public Transport (Translink): Translink is the main public transport provider. For the coastal route, look for:
- Ulsterbus 402 (Causeway Rambler): This seasonal service (typically June–September) is an excellent way to hop between major attractions like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Dunluce Castle, connecting to rail links in Coleraine.
- NI Railways: The train line between Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry offers one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, passing Mussenden Temple.
Getting to the Route: The route is easily accessed by flying into one of the Belfast airports (International or City) or Derry/Londonderry. Ferries also connect Northern Ireland to Scotland and England (Cairnryan, Liverpool).
Planning Public Transport: Outside of peak summer, bus services may be less frequent. Use the Translink website or a journey planner to check schedules, especially for the more remote coastal stops.
Mind the Weather: The North Coast is beautiful but can be very windy and rainy, even in summer. Layered, waterproof clothing is essential. The dramatic weather is often part of the atmosphere!
Book Major Attractions in Advance: Key sites like the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and The Gobbins Cliff Path often require pre-booked, timed entry tickets, especially during the busy summer months.
“Game of Thrones” Connections: The area is a hub for filming locations for the HBO series. Many attractions, like Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands) and The Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), are easily recognisable, even if you are not a fan. The local tourism board has a dedicated “Game of Thrones Territory” guide.
Pub Culture and Trad Music: Stop at a traditional pub, especially in towns like Ballycastle or Bushmills. Pubs are central to local life and a great place to sample local food and drink, often featuring spontaneous or scheduled sessions of traditional Irish music (‘Trad Music’).
Embrace the Legend: The Giant’s Causeway is the subject of two contrasting stories: the scientific (volcanic activity) and the legendary (Finn McCool). Enjoy both. The local people are very proud of their folklore and heritage.
Hidden Gems:
- The Gobbins Cliff Path: A restored Victorian cliff walk featuring spectacular bridges, tunnels, and steps, offering an unforgettable (and challenging) guided coastal experience (booking essential).
- Ballintoy Harbour’s “Secret Beach”: A picturesque cove just past the main harbour—it’s less a secret and more a lovely short walk, great for photographers.
- Whitepark Bay: A stunning, often less-crowded stretch of white sand beach and dunes, perfect for a peaceful walk (but be aware that cows from a nearby farm often wander onto the beach).
- Carrickfergus Castle: A majestic Norman castle on Belfast Lough, often an early stop on the route, which is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland.
Top Restaurants
The Bushmills Inn Restaurant [$30-$50] – Situated near the Giant’s Causeway and the distillery, this restaurant in a historic 19th-century coaching inn offers all-day dining with a focus on seasonal and locally-sourced produce, often with a cosy turf fire.
Harry’s Shack [$25-$45] – Located literally in a wooden shack right on Portstewart Strand, this spot is renowned for its fresh, high-quality seafood and classic dishes like fish and chips, offering spectacular sea views. Reservations are essential.
Billy Andy’s Restaurant [$25-$40] – A very traditional, family-run Irish pub near Larne, dating back to the early 19th century, known for hearty Irish pub lunch and a cosy atmosphere with peat fires.
The Nook At The Giant’s Causeway [$15-$30] – Located right at the entrance to the Giant’s Causeway in an historic schoolhouse, offering a “Taste of Ulster” and continental style brasserie dishes with open fires in winter.
The Central Bar [$20-$35] – A popular bar in Ballycastle offering a warm welcome and a crowd-pleasing menu that focuses on local produce, including steaks from the local butcher and fresh fish and chips.
Mary McBride’s [$15-$30] – A charming, traditional Irish pub in Cushendun where you can step back in time. Enjoy traditional pub grub in front of a turf fire, and possibly some live music.
The Harbour Bar [$15-$30] – The oldest bar in Portrush, famous for its traditional “Front Bar,” serving renowned Guinness and a warm welcome, with the adjoining Harbour Bistro offering contemporary pub fare.
McCuaig’s Bar [$15-$30] – A classic spot on Rathlin Island, perfect for a much-needed drink or snack after exploring the island, with an authentic island pub feel.
The Porthole Bar & Restaurant [$25-$40] – Located in the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae, offering a delicious meal with stunning sea views and a variety of dishes from fresh seafood to succulent steaks.
Morton’s Fish and Chips [$10-$20] – No trip to the seaside is complete without a stop at this spot in Ballycastle, famous for its excellent, fresh fish and chips down at the harbour.
Dobbins Inn Bar & Restaurant [$20-$35] – Situated in the heart of Carrickfergus, offering warm hospitality and a mix of traditional Irish and modern European dishes.
The Fullerton Arms [$20-$35] – Overlooking Ballintoy Harbour, this spot is known for its warm welcome, accommodation, a restaurant serving pub grub, and live music, feeling like a “warm hug.”
The Ponderosa Bar and Restaurant [$20-$35] – Nestled atop the Sperrin Mountains, this is an idyllic spot for traditional Irish food, drink, music, and “craic” (good times).
Tartine at Distillers Arms [$35-$60] – Housed in an 18th-century building that was once the home of the Bushmills Distillery owners, this atmospheric bar and restaurant offers a lovely mixture of old and new with quality seasonal food.
Ocho Tapas [$30-$50] – A popular Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant in Portrush, offering Iberian flavors but with 80-90% of the dishes using local produce, including excellent seafood.
The French Rooms [$30-$50] – A quirky, France-inspired restaurant in Bushmills, packed with elegant décor, offering a sophisticated café/restaurant experience with local ingredients and a great wine list.
Pyke ‘N’ Pommes [$15-$30] – A fun street-food restaurant in Derry~Londonderry, operating out of a shipping container and a double-decker bus, famous for its mouth-watering wagyu beef burgers and fish tacos. They also have a licensed restaurant, @57.
Neptune & Prawn [$30-$50] – Part of the Ramore complex in Portrush, offering an informal Asian-inspired dining experience with amazing cocktails and sunset views.
LUNA [$30-$50] – Located near Carrickfergus Castle, offering a unique dining experience from brunch, lunch, and dinner, crafting culinary delights with a modern, comforting style.
LIR Seafood [$30-$50] – Situated on a peaceful stretch of the River Bann outside Coleraine, this restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and quality street food.
Ramore Wine Bar [$25-$45] – Part of the popular Ramore complex in Portrush, renowned for its fantastic, fresh food, lively atmosphere, and modern, innovative decor, serving steaks, fish and chips, and wood-fired pizzas.
Elephant Rock Hotel Restaurant [$35-$60] – Located in a stylish, renovated Victorian terrace hotel in Portrush, this new boutique establishment offers a sleek, sophisticated dining experience with ocean views.
Lost & Found [$20-$35] – A popular, Scandi-inspired cafe in Portstewart, known for its award-winning coffee and contemporary brunch menu, including seasonal sandwiches and tacos.
Native Seafood & Scran [$30-$50] – A newer spot in Portstewart, ideal for fish lovers, serving up yummy brunch, fresh seafood, and specialty coffee.
The Bushmills Inn Restaurant – The Restaurant at this renowned luxury hotel offers an elegant, atmospheric, and relaxed setting for fine dining, with quietly unobtrusive service and an emphasis on the best local, seasonal ingredients.
The Coast Restaurant (at The Salthouse Hotel) [$50-$80] – Located in a four-star eco hotel outside Ballycastle with jaw-dropping views, offering an elegant dining experience with a focus on local produce.
The Galgorm Resort Restaurants [$50-$120] – While technically slightly off the main route, this well-known premier resort near Ballymena has multiple high-quality dining options, including fine dining, set amidst beautiful parkland.
Dunluce Lodge Restaurant [$80-$120] – The restaurant at this highly-anticipated and very elegant 5-Star resort in Portrush (opened recently) offers a high-end dining experience with superb sea views.
68 Clooney Restaurant [$40-$60] – Located in the White Horse Hotel in Derry~Londonderry, the restaurant’s philosophy is simplicity: fresh local produce prepared with a modern twist.
Maegden [$10-$20] – A charming 1950s caravan just outside Bushmills, near the Giant’s Causeway, famous for what many consider the best grilled cheese sandwiches, made with local sourdough and regional farmhouse cheeses. Seasonal opening (typically March to October).
Ursa Minor Bakehouse [$10-$20] – A small but highly-regarded artisan bakery and café in Ballycastle, specialising in traditional sourdough and fresh yeast breads, along with sweet treats, sourcing fresh seasonal produce locally.
Broughgammon Farm & Café [$15-$30] – A farm shop and café near Ballycastle, offering an ethical, sustainable farming experience and delicious food, often focusing on cabrito (goat meat) and other farm produce.
Mini Maegden [$10-$20] – The sister location of Maegden, a small spot in Bushmills, also specialising in excellent grilled cheese sandwiches and other comfort foods.
Bothy [$15-$30] – A charming, hidden gem cafe/pizzeria near White Park Bay, known for its superb homemade pizzas and hot chocolate, with all food made fresh and locally sourced.
The Mermaid Kitchen and Bar [$20-$40] – Part of the Ramore complex in Portrush, offering a casual, relaxed style focused on fresh fish and local specials.
The Sea Shed [$10-$20] – A popular glass-fronted takeaway coffee bar at Benone Beach, perfect for a ‘cup of joe’ and snacks after a day on the water.
Amici Ristorante [$25-$40] – An Italian restaurant in Portstewart with a passionate and authentic menu, using a charcoal oven for meat/fish and a wood-burning oven for hand-crafted pizzas.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Perch Rooftop Bar (Belfast, near the start of the route): Located in Belfast’s historic Linen Quarter, this stylish rooftop bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and fantastic city views under a striking caged roof structure.
The Tipsy Bird (Belfast, near the start of the route): Found in the lively Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, this bar is known for its expertly crafted cocktails, quirky décor, and frequent live music.
Kon Tiki Boat Bar (Portrush): Situated within the Kellys Complex, this unique, boat-themed bar is famous on the North Coast for its creative and tasty cocktails made with premium ingredients.
Safe House Cafe Bar (Portrush): Set in a former banking hall in the town centre, this venue offers an exceptional mixology menu that highlights local ingredients alongside artisanal pizzas.
The Corner House Pub & Lounge (Derry-Londonderry): Located in The Ebrington Hotel, close to the Peace Bridge, this cosy and sophisticated lounge boasts an impressive array of handcrafted cocktails prepared by talented mixologists.
Lock & Quay Bar (Derry-Londonderry): A perfect spot for a get-together in the heart of Derry City within The Shipquay Hotel, known for cocktails made with flair, a diverse gin list, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Gate Bistro and Cocktail Bar (Derry-Londonderry): An ideal place to meet up with friends on Ferryquay Street, this spot offers a selection of cocktails and fine wine to accompany their bistro and tapas menu.
The National Grand Café (Belfast, near the start of the route): Housed in a listed Victorian building in the city centre, The National features a sophisticated cocktail bar with sharp, industrial design.
Berts Jazz Bar (Belfast, near the start of the route): An opulent spot within the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, offering a sophisticated cocktail menu and live jazz performances throughout the week.
Fratelli Ristorante (Belfast, near the start of the route): While primarily an Italian restaurant in Belfast, their bar offers a refined selection of cocktails and a great pre-dinner drinking atmosphere in a grand setting.
Peacock at the Asian Market (Belfast, near the start of the route): Located in the heart of the city’s Asian Market, this bar is a hidden gem for inventive, pan-Asian inspired cocktails in a chic setting.
The Merchant Hotel Cocktail Bar (Belfast, near the start of the route): Renowned for its stunning Victorian grandeur, this central bar in Belfast offers a classic and high-end cocktail experience with an extensive drinks list.
Coppin’s Bar (Derry-Londonderry): A welcoming spot in the City Hotel Derry, offering a wide choice of drinks, including a good selection of cocktails, with a lively atmosphere and often featuring live entertainment.
The Trinity Bar & Grill (Derry-Londonderry): A quirky and lively addition to Derry’s Strand Road nightlife, featuring stunning decor and an exceptional selection of cocktails alongside live music every night.
The House of McDonnell (Ballycastle): While more of a traditional character pub in Ballycastle, it is a leading light for its music and craic (fun) and provides a genuine taste of Northern Irish hospitality with classic drinks.