The Causeway Coastal Route: Northern Ireland's Epic Road Trip

The route technically runs along Northern Ireland's entire northern coast, but the real magic happens in the middle section between Larne and Portrush. This is where you'll find the jaw-dropping coastal scenery, the Giant's Causeway, and most of the main attractions.

• Distance: 120 miles (193km) along the northern coastline
• Driving time: About 3 to 4 hours non-stop (but you'll want to stop constantly)
• Best direction: Either way works, but we went from Belfast to Derry and loved it
• Best time to visit: May to September for the weather, though it's stunning year-round

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This is the big question, and the answer depends entirely on your travel style. The drive can be done in a day if you make minimal stops, or you can explore the area in depth and spend weeks. 

• If you only have 1-2 days: You can hit the absolute highlights (Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dunluce Castle), but you'll be rushing. This works if you're short on time or just want to tick the boxes.
• If you have 3-4 days: This is the sweet spot for most people. You can see all the main attractions without feeling rushed, have time for a few meals and pub stops, and maybe even squeeze in a distillery tour.
• If you have 5-7 days: This gives you time to actually explore beyond the main stops, take some coastal walks, visit smaller towns, and really soak up the atmosphere. This is what we did, and we're glad we gave it the time.
• If you have more than a week: Lucky you. You can really slow down, explore off the beaten path, take day trips to places like Rathlin Island, and maybe even loop in some of the interior attractions.

This itinerary takes a relaxed pace with plenty of time for hiking, coastal walks, and spontaneous stops. It's designed for travellers who want to see all the highlights without feeling rushed. If you don't have 7 days, I recommend you go through this itinerary and start cutting out what looks the least interesting to you until it fits into your schedule.

Morning/Midday

Start your journey from Belfast in the mid-morning to avoid rush hour traffic. The drive north along the coast is scenic from the start, with views of Belfast Lough opening up as you leave the city.

Carrickfergus Castle

(Optional Stop) About 20 minutes from Belfast, Carrickfergus Castle sits right on the waterfront. It's a well-preserved Norman castle dating back to 1177. Most travellers stop for photos from the outside, which are impressive enough. If you have extra time and are interested in medieval history, the interior is worth exploring (£6.50 entry, about 45 minutes to tour).

Lunch in Glenarm

Continue north to the pretty village of Glenarm. This small coastal village has a handful of cafes and is a good spot to stretch your legs. The Glenarm Castle grounds are nearby if you want to add a quick visit.

Afternoon in Carnlough

Arrive in Carnlough by early afternoon. This charming harbour village is small but picturesque, with a white limestone harbour and traditional buildings. Check into your accommodation and then explore the village on foot.

Evening

Take an evening walk along Carnlough Harbour. The harbour was built in 1854 and features a unique limestone bridge. It's particularly beautiful at sunset. There are a couple of pubs and restaurants in the village for dinner.

Distance: 40 miles

Driving time: 1.5 hours (plus stops)

Accommodation: Carnlough or nearby Glenarm

Where to Stay in Belfast

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Clayton Hotel Belfast City

Clayton Hotel Belfast City features air-conditioned family rooms with private bathrooms, work desks, and city views. The hotel has a restaurant with vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options, a bar, and free WiFi. It's a 7-minute walk to Belfast Empire Music Hall and 2.1 mi from Titanic Belfast. Guests praise the attentive staff.Check Availability

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House Belfast Hotel

House Belfast is a boutique hotel with a bar, bistro, and nightclub, 984 feet from Belfast city center and a short walk from Waterfront Hall. Rooms include free WiFi, a coffee machine, toiletries, and complimentary water. Located on Botanic Avenue in the Queen's quarter, it's 656 feet from Queen's University and near Odyssey Arena and Grand Opera House.Check Availability

Where to Stay In Carnlough

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The Harbourview Hotel

Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough offers family rooms with private bathrooms, sea views, tea/coffee makers, and TVs. The restaurant serves British and Irish cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus a bar. Amenities include 24-hour front desk, elevator, concierge, free parking, live music, and streaming services.Check Availability

The Coastal Drive

This section of the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most scenic. The road hugs the coast, winding between the sea and the Glens of Antrim. Drive slowly and pull over at the numerous viewpoints. There's a new photo opportunity around every bend.

Cushendall

Stop in Cushendall, known as the "Capital of the Glens." It's a small village with colourful buildings and a few good cafes. The Curfew Tower in the center is a distinctive red sandstone building worth a photo. If you're up for a short walk, the nearby Glens are beautiful.

Cushendun

Just 5 miles north, Cushendun is even smaller and more charming than Cushendall. The village features distinctive white Cornish-style cottages designed by Clough Williams-Ellis. There's a beautiful sandy beach and the Cushendun Caves, ancient limestone caves that were featured in Game of Thrones (no entry fee, just a short walk from the parking area).

Afternoon/Evening in Ballycastle

Arrive in Ballycastle by late afternoon. This is a larger town with more amenities than the villages you've been visiting. Check into accommodation and explore the town. The beach is lovely for an evening stroll, and there are several good restaurants and pubs for dinner.

Distance: 30 miles

Driving time: 1 hour (allow 2-3 hours with stops)

Accommodation: Ballycastle

Where to Stay In Ballycastle

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The Salthouse Hotel

Salthouse Hotel in Ballycastle offers beachfront access with sea views and sun terrace. Features include spa facilities, steam room, sauna, fitness centre, and free WiFi. The restaurant serves British, Irish, Italian, and local cuisine with breakfast options including continental, full English, and vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free.Check Availability

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Bonnyview Glamping

Bonnyview Glamping in Ballycastle offers a ground-floor unit with garden and mountain views, air-conditioning, kitchenette, and private entrance. Amenities include hot tub, outdoor fireplace, sun terrace, garden, free WiFi, and parking. Located 17 km from Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle, 10 km from Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, and 7 km from Ballycastle Golf Club.Check Availability

Morning Ferry

Catch an early ferry to Rathlin Island (the first ferry usually departs around 8:30 AM, but has different schedules on holidays). The ferry ride takes 30 minutes and offers great views of the coast. Book tickets in advance during the summer months as they can sell out. The ferry costs £17 round-trip per person.

Exploring Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is a peaceful, car-free island (except for locals) with a population of around 150 people. The main activities are:

• Renting a Bike: Rent bikes at the harbour (around £15-20 for the day). The island is small enough to cycle around in a few hours, with quiet roads and stunning coastal views.
• RSPB Seabird Centre: Located at the West Light Viewpoint, this is a must-visit from April to August when puffins, razorbills, and guillemots nest on the cliffs. It's about a 6 km cycle or walk from the harbour, mostly uphill. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
• Walking: Several marked trails cross the island if you prefer hiking to cycling.
• Lunch: There's a small cafe/bistro near the harbour and a pub. Pack snacks if you want more options.

Return Ferry

Catch an afternoon or early evening ferry back to Ballycastle (last ferry is usually around 6-7 PM, but check current schedules).

Evening

Dinner at one of Ballycastle's pubs. The town has a good selection of traditional Irish pubs with live music on weekends.

Ferry: 30 minutes each way

Accommodation: Ballycastle (same as the previous night)

Morning at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Leave Ballycastle early (before 9 AM if possible) to beat the crowds at Carrick-a-Rede. The rope bridge crosses a 20-meter chasm to a small island and sways 30 meters above the ocean. Even if you don't cross the bridge, the coastal walk to the site is beautiful. 

Entry is £15 per person (children under 17 get half price admission), and the parking is open dawn to dusk (which varies a lot throughout the year in Northern Ireland). The bridge itself is closed 1.5 hours before the parking lot throughout the year.

Book tickets online in advance, because they sell out quickly in summer. The walk from the car park to the bridge is about 15-20 minutes on a well-maintained path. Allow 1-1.5 hours for the whole experience.

Ballintoy Harbour and Lunch

Drive 10 minutes to Ballintoy village for lunch. Ballintoy Harbour is absolutely stunning. It's a tiny picturesque harbor with turquoise water surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It's been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. There's a small cafe near the harbor and a couple of options in the village.

Take time to walk around the harbor and explore the rocks. It's much less crowded than the main attractions and equally beautiful.

Afternoon

Continue exploring Ballintoy Harbour or visit Kinbane Castle (a 10-minute drive east). Kinbane is a ruined castle on a limestone headland with a steep walk down to it. The views are spectacular and it's rarely crowded.

Check into Bushmills

Arrive in Bushmills by late afternoon. This tiny village is perfectly located for exploring the area's major attractions. Take an evening stroll around town, but it won't take long, as there's essentially one main street.

Dinner

Bushmills has a few good restaurants and pubs. The village is famous for its whiskey distillery, and you'll find whiskey featured on most menus.

Distance: 12 miles

Driving time: 30 minutes (allow 3-4 hours with stops and activities)

Accommodation: Bushmills

Alternative Option: The Dark Hedges

You will need to cut something else out to make time for this, but if you're a Game of Thrones fan (or like to get the iconic IG pic everywhere you go), this might be worth it for you.

The Dark Hedges is a tunnelof intertwined beech trees made famous by Game of Thrones (it's the filming location of 'The King's Road'). It's atmospheric and eerie and very photogenic.

I personally thought it was cool, and it's not much of a detour, but it can definitely be a bit of an Instagram vs reality moment. A lot of the photos you see here are taken with a really zoomy lens, which gives a cool effect that you don't get with the naked eye. And during the day, it can get so busy that you can't get a photo without 100 strangers with phones in hand taking up the frame.

But it is only a 15-minute drive and a quick stop, so show up early before the tours arrive from Belfast, grab a quick pic, and be prepared to be a little let down.

Cost: Free

Time needed: 15-30 minutes

Where To Stay in Bushmills

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The Causeway Hotel

Causeway Hotel is located on the UNESCO Giants Causeway site in Bushmills. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and en suite bathrooms with hairdryers. The hotel has a bar, restaurant with Atlantic Ocean views, 24-hour front desk, and free parking. Free entry to Giants Causeway Visitor Centre (5-minute walk). Nearby: Bushmills Railway (4-minute walk), Bushmills Distillery (5-minute drive), Dunluce Castle (5 mi).Check Availability

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Ballyhemlin Pods

Ballyhemlin Pods - Hawthorn in Bushmills is a ground-floor one-bedroom apartment with living room, private entrance, and parquet floors. Features include free WiFi, fully equipped kitchenette, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and garden views. Amenities include bathrobes, patio, outdoor seating, and free parking. Located 4.7 km from Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle, near Royal Portrush Golf Course and Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.Check Availability

This is the highlight day of the route, with minimal driving and maximum exploring.

Early Morning at Giant's Causeway 

Arrive at the Giant's Causeway by 9 AM to avoid the worst crowds (or even earlier if you're keen). The visitor center is open 9-5 in the summer and 10-4 in the winter, but the causeway itself is accessible dawn to dusk year-round. The walk from the visitor center to the Causeway is about 1 km downhill (15-20 minutes).

Spend time exploring the basalt columns, climbing on the rocks, and taking photos. The formations have names like the Giant's Boot and the Camel. Don't rush this stop, because it's the reason most people visit the Causeway Coast.

Read Next: The Complete Guide to Visiting Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Coastal Path to Dunseverick Castle

If you're up for a longer walk, the coastal path from the Giant's Causeway to Dunseverick Castle is stunning. It's about 5 km one way (allow 2-3 hours for the round trip) and follows the clifftops with spectacular ocean views. You'll pass unique rock formations, old smugglers' paths, and eventually reach the ruins of Dunseverick Castle.

This path is much quieter than the main Causeway area and offers incredible photo opportunities. Note: this is a there-and-back walk unless you arrange a pickup at Dunseverick.

Lunch

Head back to Bushmills for lunch or grab something at the Giant's Causeway visitor center cafe (though it's pricier).

Afternoon at Dunluce Castle

Visit Dunluce Castle in the afternoon. This dramatic castle ruin sits on a cliff edge and is slowly crumbling into the sea. The history is fascinating. Part of the kitchen actually fell into the ocean during a storm in 1639. Entry is £6, and you can explore the ruins and learn about its turbulent history. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Old Bushmills Distillery Tour

End the day with a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world (licensed in 1608). Tours run throughout the day and last about an hour, including a tasting. Book in advance, especially in summer. The standard tour costs around £10-12.

Even if you're not a whiskey drinker, the tour is interesting for the history and the process. Plus, the distillery building itself is beautiful.

Evening in Bushmills

Dinner in Bushmills. After a full day of exploring, you'll appreciate the convenience of being able to walk to dinner.

Distance: Minimal. Everything is within a few miles of Bushmills

Accommodation: Bushmills (same as previous night)

Morning Drive to Portrush

Short scenic drive along the coast to Portrush. The road passes more beautiful coastal scenery, and you can stop at Magheracross Viewpoint for photos.

Portrush Exploration

Portrush is a classic seaside resort town with two beaches, an arcaded promenade, and a lively atmosphere. Walk the Portrush Coastal Path. There are several routes depending on how much time you have. The walk to White Rocks Beach is particularly scenic (about 2-3 km).

Portrush is family-oriented with fish and chips shops, arcades, and ice cream parlours. It's fun for a few hours, but it can feel touristy.

Lunch in Portrush

Plenty of options from traditional fish and chips to modern sit-down restaurants.

Afternoon in Portstewart

Drive 5 minutes to Portstewart, which has a much quieter, more refined atmosphere than its neighbour. The promenade is lovely for a walk, and the town has a nice selection of cafes and shops.

Portstewart Strand

The highlight of Portstewart is the beach. It's a 2-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes. It's managed by the National Trust and is perfect for a late afternoon walk or relaxing. There's a small entry fee if you drive onto the beach (around £5), or you can walk for free.

Sunset at the Strand

Time your visit for sunset. The beach faces northwest and offers beautiful sunset views over the ocean. It's a peaceful end to a busy week of sightseeing.

Evening

Dinner in Portstewart. The town has several good restaurants, many with ocean views.

Distance: 8 miles

Driving time: 20 minutes

Accommodation: Portstewart or Portrush

Where To Stay in Portrush

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Antrim House Guest Rooms & Suites

Antrim House is an adult-only guesthouse in central Portrush, 3 minutes' walk from the beach. Rooms feature high ceilings, sea views, TV, tea/coffee facilities, and private bathrooms. Free WiFi and secure private parking included. Located 2 minutes' walk from bus/train stations, 5 minutes from harbour, 20 minutes' drive from Giants Causeway, 10 minutes from Bushmills Distillery.Check Availability

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Pier 39 Portrush

Pier39Portrush is an adult-only beachfront property in Portrush with sea views, sun terrace, and garden. Rooms include private bathrooms with walk-in showers, free WiFi, work desks, TVs, and sofas. Amenities include free bicycles, outdoor seating, luggage storage, and free off-site parking.Check Availability

Morning at Mussenden Temple

Drive 15 minutes to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne. This 18th-century clifftop temple is one of Northern Ireland's most photographed buildings. It sits precariously on the cliff edge (it's been slowly eroding) and looks like something from ancient Greece or Rome.

The grounds of Downhill Demesne are extensive and beautiful for walking. There are ruins of a grand mansion, gardens, and spectacular coastal views. Managed by the National Trust, parking costs around £5.

Visit in the morning when the light is good for photos. Allow 1-2 hours to explore the temple and grounds properly.

Coffee Stop in Castlerock

Stop in the small village of Castlerock for coffee. It's a quiet, pretty village with a nice beach and a few cafes.

Drive to Derry

The drive from Castlerock to Derry takes about 40 minutes and leaves the coast behind as you head inland.

Afternoon/Evening in Derry-Londonderry

Arrive in Derry by early afternoon. The city has a fascinating and complex history, and there's plenty to explore:

The City Walls:

Derry has the best-preserved walled city in Ireland and one of the finest in Europe. Walk the complete circuit (about 1.5 km) for views over the city and the River Foyle. It's free and takes about an hour at a leisurely pace.

Bogside Murals:

The Bogside area contains powerful murals depicting the history of the Troubles and the civil rights movement. The "People's Gallery" includes famous murals like "Bloody Sunday." You can explore on your own (free) or take a guided tour for a deeper context.

Peace Bridge:

A modern pedestrian bridge over the River Foyle, connecting the city center with the Waterside. It's a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Museum of Free Derry:

Small museum dedicated to the civil rights movement and the events of Bloody Sunday (£5 entry, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour).

Dinner in Derry

Derry has an excellent food scene with restaurants serving everything from traditional Irish to modern international cuisine. The city has a younger, more cosmopolitan vibe than the coastal villages you've been visiting.

If you have energy, Derry also has a good pub scene with live music most nights.

Distance: 35 miles

Driving time: 1 hour (allow 2 hours with stops)

Accommodation: Derry-Londonderry

Where To Stay In Derry

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44 North

44 North in Londonderry offers family rooms with private bathrooms, wardrobes, hairdryers, and showers. Amenities include garden, free WiFi, lounge, shared kitchen, and in-room breakfast. Private and express check-in/out available. Located a 19 minutes' walk from Guildhall and 1.7 km from Walls of Derry.Check Availability

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The Lawrence

The Lawrence in Derry Londonderry is an adults-only B&B with private bathrooms, bathrobes, and free WiFi. Amenities include garden, free parking, streaming services, and private check-in/out. Less than 1 km from Guildhall and just14-minute walk to Walls of Derry.Check Availability

Driving

• Rent a car. This route is really designed for driving. Public transport exists, but is limited and slow and is not realistic for this route.
• Drive on the left. If you're not used to it, give yourself time to adjust. The roads are narrow and winding in places.
• Parking. Most major attractions have paid parking. Budget £5-10 per day for parking fees.
• Fuel up. There aren't gas stations everywhere, especially in the smaller coastal towns. Fill up when you see one.

Weather

• Pack layers. Even in summer, it can be cold and windy on the coast. We wore fleeces in July on windy days when there was no sun.
• Bring a rain jacket. This is Ireland, so it will rain…probably multiple times.
• Don't let the weather stop you. Some of our best photos were on moody, cloudy days when the light was dramatic.

Food

• Pack snacks. There are lots of small towns with cafes and pubs, but they're not always open or convenient. We kept a healthy stash of granola bars and fruit in the car.
• Pub dinners. Almost every town has a pub serving hearty, affordable food. We ate most of our dinners this way.

Money

• Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling (£), not euros. If you're coming from the Republic of Ireland, you'll need to change currency.
• Budget. Outside of Belfast and Derry, most places are cash-friendly but also take cards. We didn't have any issues with card payments, but some small businesses and parking lots might require cash.

The Causeway Coastal Route was a rare trip that actually exceeded our already high expectations. Every bend in the road revealed another stunning view, and even the small bits in between the famous sites were memorable and charming as.

The only real downside is the crowds at the main attractions (Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede). But if you time your visits right, early mornings, late afternoons, or off-season, you can avoid the worst of it. If you can avoid all the big coach bus groups coming up on tours from Belfast, you will have a much better time.

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