Causeway Coastal Route: Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, itinerary, and tips on how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
There's no denying that the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the best scenic drives in the world. It's as simple as that.
This is one of the staples on every Ireland itinerary.
This scenic coastal route is made for a road trip, and we couldn't recommend this experience enough.
It stretches for 200 kilometers between Derry and Belfast and features some of the most beautiful places Northern Ireland has to offer.
Yes, you get to see places such as Giant's Causeway UNESCO site or Dunluce Castle, which you may recognize from Game of Thrones.
While you can follow in our footsteps and do the Causeway Coastal Route as a spontaneous road trip, we can't stress how important it is to plan everything in advance, especially when visiting in the peak season.
You will save money, and your trip is going to be less stressful.
Read on below to get inspired and start planning your Causeway Coastal Route trip today.
Essential Things to Know About Causeway Coastal Route
Causeway Coastal Route is a bucket list destination sought by road-trippers from all over the world.
This scenic road is located in County Antrim in Northern Ireland.
Here is some essential travel information we learned from driving this coastal route.
Total Distance
The Causeway Coastal Route is a breathtaking scenic drive that spans over 200 kilometers along the coast of Northern Ireland.
It connects Belfast with Derry and serves as an alternative route between these two cities.
It's one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the world and a must-see for anyone visiting the country.
Where to Start/Finish
As mentioned above, the Causeway Coastal Route starts or ends in Belfast or Derry.
Deciding whether to go from the east (Belfast) to the west (Derry) is your call, as it mostly depends on what airport you fly into.
We landed at Dublin Airport, drove around the island, and entered Northern Ireland from County Donegal by car.
Therefore, we drove from Derry to Belfast.
The only advantage of driving in this direction was that we had the coast on our side the whole time and had easier access to pullouts to the designated viewpoints.
In hindsight, it made only a little difference.
How to Get to the Start
The easiest way to access the Causeway Coastal Route would be from Belfast, where you have a large international airport and plenty of rental car offices.
Besides Belfast, you can rent a car in Derry and some other tourist towns, or even Dublin, as in our case.
If you want to travel from Dublin to Belfast, you can tackle the 170-kilometer route in about two hours. Mind you, there are several great stops on the way, such as Bru na Boine or Castle Ward, so you might want to make a few detours first.
Things to See and Do
Besides the scenic driving route, the Causeway Coastal Route offers activities such as walking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, whiskey tasting, camping, and much more.
As there are plenty of things to see and do on the Causeway Coastal Route, be prepared to make a lot of stops along the way.
During this time, you can visit some of the most iconic Causeway Coastal Route attractions like the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, and the Glens of Antrim, and even take several detours from the coast.
You can also explore picturesque towns and villages like Bushmills, Portrush, and Ballycastle and take in the stunning coastal scenery along the way.
Itinerary
Planning a Causeway Coastal Route itinerary can be quite challenging, as it's hard to estimate how much time to spend at each location.
Our itinerary included most of the famous places on Antrim's coastline.
We planned this route for two days but felt a three-day itinerary would probably be a better option.
The route is easily doable for most visitors, whether you have one day or a week.
Mind you, you need to add another day (or half-day) for Derry and another day or two for Belfast.
Another important thing to realize is that you can easily spend a whole day on the beach or hiking along the coast, so we recommend keeping your itinerary flexible.
Best Things to Do
Below are some of our favorite stops on the Causeway Coastal Route so you can create your itinerary to match your preferences.
Derry
As Derry basically sits right next to the border, it was the first destination we visited in Northern Ireland.
The city is also known as Londonderry, which can be a bit confusing for first-timers.
Don't worry. It's the same place, just different names.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Derry for all visitors, especially those who love history.
The city has a turbulent past, including religion, colonialism, and the infamous conflict known as The Troubles.
The best way to learn about the past is by taking one of the Derry Tours, as the local guides are wells of information when it comes to the city's past.
You will learn about the conflict, Bloody Sunday, and visit Free Derry. We saved the best part for last.
During the 17th century, massive walls were erected in Derry, and they remain standing there to this day.
The stone walls enclosing the city center are free to enter and allow you to see the city from a completely different perspective.
Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple
After a short detour to Gortmore Viewpoint, Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple was our first proper stop on the Causeway Coast.
The combination of an extensive demesne (basically a private estate), the ruins of Downhill House, and lovely walking trails is captivating.
However, the main highlight is Mussenden Temple, a small temple perched on the top of steep-sided cliffs. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth your time.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is often ranked as one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland. After our visit to this stunning site, we can only agree on that.
It's probably the combination of the old ruins standing on the top of the cliffs and the serene views of the Atlantic that makes this castle so picturesque.
If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, note that this castle was also featured on this show.
There is a small fee to enter the Dunluce Castle, but it's well worth every penny.
The Old Bushmills
There are plenty of great whiskey distilleries in Ireland. Old Bushmills is definitely among the most famous ones.
Not only do they produce fantastic whiskey, but the distillery has a history spanning over 400 years, making it the oldest whiskey distillery in Ireland.
A license to distill whiskey was granted to one of the locals in 1608, though the distillery was established on this site in 1784.
No matter whether you like whiskey or not, this is a place worth stopping by.
A knowledgeable guide will take you through the process of making whiskey from grain to bottle, and you will get a chance to taste one of their whiskeys at the end of the tour.
Strangely enough, it was closed on the day of our visit (so we visited Teeling Distillery in Dublin instead), so make sure to check the opening times and book your tour in advance.
Giant's Causeway
The next stop on our itinerary was the main highlight of every Causeway Coast road trip.
Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 40.000 hexagonal columns, great coastal walks with varying difficulty, a modern visitor center, and one of Ireland's most impressive cliffs.
While Giant's Causeway is technically free to visit, most visitors go through the main entrance, where you will find a visitor center that requires an entry ticket or, alternatively, a Causeway Hotel with paid parking.
It's a bit confusing for first-time visitors, so make sure to read our comprehensive guide on Giant's Causeway to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
In conclusion, this is one of the best places to visit in Ireland.
Dunseverick
Dunseverick Castle is one of those stops that make the Causeway Coast road trip so great.
The ancient site of the Dal Riada Gaelic kingdom today features ruins of the castle perched on steep cliffs that are easily visible from the nearby parking lot.
If you have time, you can walk to these ruins to see them up close, though the most impressive view is arguably from a distance.
The reason is that there is not much left of the castle anymore apart from a few remaining walls.
No matter if you take just a few quick photos or explore the ruins on foot, this little stop is worth stopping by.
Ballintoy Harbour
One of our favorite places on the Causeway Coast was the Ballintoy Harbour.
This small fishing harbor is accessed by a narrow, steep, winding road, but don't worry; it's a short drive.
Once you get there, there's lots to explore - beaches, caves, rock pools, rocks, etc. - so take your time and enjoy this place.
The only thing you need to take into account before visiting Ballintoy Harbour is that this is an incredibly popular spot.
And the fact that it was also featured on Game of Thrones made this place even busier.
The parking there is limited, and it was really busy even in May, so we don't want to imagine what it would be like here in the middle of the summer season.
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge was another place closed at the time of our visit, but we would have probably skipped it anyway.
Of all the top attractions on the Causeway Coast, this one seemed the least appealing.
It reminded us a bit of Mizen Head Signal Station but without a lighthouse.
Plus we found the entry fee a bit steep for what it offers.
And while the story of local fishermen who erected the bridge more than 250 years ago is interesting, we believe you can find plenty of beautiful places along the coast with free entry.
The Dark Hedges
One of the most popular Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland is known as The Dark Hedges.
We weren't sure at first whether this place was worth seeing, but then we decided to give it a go. Taking a break from the coast was just what we needed.
This line of 250-year-old beech trees is a great photo opportunity and a lovely place to wander around, especially when a few people are around (not likely in the main season unless you arrive super early or late).
Even though the Dark Hedges is one of those places that can look better in pictures than in reality, we believe it's worth seeing.
Torr Head
If you're a confident driver, you can leave A2 and head toward the Torr Head.
The 20-kilometer road was narrow, winding, and with blind corners, but that was nothing new to us by the time we reached this place.
There are tons of amazing scenic drives in Ireland, and this is definitely one of the best of them. Just drive slowly, and you should be fine.
The coastal views along the way are stunning and well worth the extra effort.
The Torr Cliffs are definitely one of the hidden gems on the Causeway Coastal Route.
By the way, this area is also less busy than the main attractions along the main road, so this is a great way to escape the crowds.
On a clear day, you should be able to see Rathlin Island and even Scotland in the distance.
Caves of Cushendun
This is a popular spot on most Game of Thrones Tours, though you can enjoy the caves even if you've never seen the show.
The caves formed more than 400 million years ago. The coves are fairly small but free to enter.
The caves were featured in Season 2, where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow assassin.
Thad said there are definitely more interesting places on the Causeway Coast, and we would probably go elsewhere.
So, if you're pressed for time, you can give it a pass.
Glenarm Castle
Another interesting stop on the Causeway Coast is the Glenarm Castle.
The main highlight of the private family home of the Earl and Countess of Antrim is the historic Walled Garden, although the castle offers occasionally guided tours throughout the year.
And yes, you need to book the tour in advance.
We saw plenty of similar gardens during our Ireland road trip at places such as Powerscourt or Kylemore Abbey.
As the entry fee seemed really steep and the gardens we saw were not in full bloom yet, we gave it a pass.
Red Bay Castle
Only a few kilometers before Waterfoot and Glenariff, we spotted the ruins of the Red Bay Castle standing on a small hill directly in front of us.
The stone fort replaced the original wooden in the 14th century, though the ruins you see today are probably from the 16th century when the MacDonnell clan ruled here.
Red Bay Castle was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1652 during the conquest of Ireland.
There is no parking, and the castle is fenced off, so we just enjoyed the views through the window of our car.
In fact, we believe that the ruins with the red cliff look the best from the road, so there's no need to make a stop there.
The Red Arch
After we passed the castle, we drove through a short road tunnel called the Red Arch.
Like the Red Bay Castle, this is not really a true stop but rather an interesting place along the way. Another similar tunnel, the Black Arch, is further down the road (just before you reach Larne).
The Gobbins
Once you reach Whitehead, you can turn left and explore The Gobbins with a guided tour.
This easy 3-kilometer coastal walk starts from Islandmagee and features metal walkways, stairs, and bridges along a rocky cliff.
You will be so close to the sea and cliff that wearing a helmet is mandatory.
While this is a nice little adventure and a very pleasant walk, we found the entry fee too expensive for what it offers.
Booking the Gobbins Cliff Walk in advance is essential to guarantee your place on a tour.
You must also wear appropriate footwear.
Carrickfergus
Surrounded by the ocean, Carrickfergus Castle is one of the most picturesque places you can visit on the Causeway Coast.
The 12th-century Norman Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland.
The castle is well-preserved and features huge stone walls, various chambers, cannons, exhibitions, and guided tours.
By the time we reached Carrickfergus, it was too late for a guided tour, so we just admired this imposing structure from the outside.
This is one of those places we would love to explore more thoroughly if we go to Northern Ireland someday in the future.
Belfast is less than 20 kilometers from Carrickfergus, and that's where we headed afterward (though we spent the first night outside the capital city as the hotels were cheaper there).
Belfast
We finish our journey in the capital city of Northern Ireland. For most people, this is where they start their journey.
If you're one of them, you can follow this itinerary in reverse order.
Here, you can spend as much time as you want, but you will most likely need a full day for Belfast as you can easily spend the morning or afternoon in the Titanic Belfast museum.
Hands down, this is the best museum in Ireland, and it's not even close - at least if you have the slightest interest in Titanic.
The best part about this museum is that you will learn a lot about the development and history of Belfast city and the whole shipbuilding industry, plus you get a chance to visit the SS Nomadic tender ship.
But Belfast offers so much more than the story of the world's most famous ocean liner.
Like Derry, the city has a fascinating history, which is best explored with one of the popular guided tours.
Some of the best Belfast tours are this Black Taxi Tour or Walking Mural Tour.
Entrance Fee
Causeway Coastal Route is covered by a public road that is completely free to explore.
If you visit Ireland on a budget, this is great news as you will spend money mainly on accommodation and transportation.
Mind you, you will still need to purchase tickets to some of the most iconic attractions along the way, e.g., Dunluce Castle or Giant's Causeway Visitor Center.
How Much Time Do I Need
While you can easily cover a 200-kilometer distance in just one day, we highly recommend spending more time here.
Take your time on this Northern Ireland coast trip; it's really worth it.
To maximize your trip, allow yourself at least two days or three days for the Causeway Coastal Route.
If you ask us, we believe that two days on the Causeway Coastal Route is the sweet spot for the majority of travelers, but those three days are really tempting if you have extra time.
When planning your itinerary, it's important to factor in the weather and other elements that may affect your travel plans.
One of our tried and tested travel tips is always to have an extra day in case something does not go according to your plan.
If you have more time, you can certainly take your time and explore the Causeway Coastal Route at a more leisurely pace.
It's not unheard of to spend a whole week exploring the Causeway Coastal Route, though this option is mostly viable for those preferring slow travel.
There are plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sites to discover, and you can also enjoy some of the local food and culture.
When to Go
Generally, the best time to drive the Causeway Coastal Route is during the summer months, from June to August.
While each season has pros and cons, the weather is best during Ireland's summer. Days are longer, warmer, and the weather more stable.
Keep that with a grain of salt, though, as it still does rain there quite often.
The main disadvantage is that this is a peak tourist season in Ireland.
So expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation (often sold out a month in advance).
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are also great times to visit the Causeway Coastal Route.
The weather is still mild, though a bit more changeable.
Northern Ireland is especially beautiful during the spring when everything wakes up and comes back to life, though you can enjoy the stunning fall foliage during the autumn.
We believe that summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit Ireland.
We decided to visit the Causeway Coastal Route in May.
As the weather panned out beautifully, we couldn't be happier with our choice, especially when compared to a few rainy days we experienced in Donegal a few days before.
But that's one of the beauties of every Ireland road trip. You never know what the weather will be like once you get there.
Winter (November to March) is usually cold and rainy in Ireland, but it's a perfect season to avoid the crowds and save money on accommodation.
While winter is still a viable option for driving the Causeway Coastal Route, you need to be prepared for the unpredictable weather and lower temperatures.
What to Pack
The weather in Northern Ireland can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for rain or wind.
No matter when you choose to visit, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand and pack accordingly.
Bringing a rain jacket or windbreaker will help keep you dry and warm. In fact, a good rain jacket is probably the most important item on every Ireland packing list.
For instance, it was a relatively warm and sunny day when we got to Giant's Causeway, though still pretty windy at times. Leave the umbrella home this time as the coast gets incredibly windy.
You can include several walks and hikes in your itinerary, so it's also a good idea to bring sturdy hiking shoes with good traction to keep balance on wet or uneven surfaces.
For the Causeway Coastal Route road trip, we also strongly recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes to change into.
Driving in wet and muddy shoes is no fun. Don't forget to keep an extra layer or two of clothes in your daypack.
Due to the wind, even sunny days can be chilly, if not cold.
How to Get to Causeway Coastal Route
There are many ways to get to one of the starting points of the Causeway Coastal Route.
That said, it will vary greatly depending on how you plan on getting around Ireland.
This is a perfect road trip destination, so we strongly recommend opting for a rental car.
The easiest way to get to the Causeway Coast is to fly into Belfast (there are two airports), rent a car there, and head out for your adventure.
You just need to follow A57, A6, M2, M5, and finally A2 from the airport.
If you already have a rental car, you just need to follow M2 and M5 and then connect to A2 from Belfast.
If you're starting from Derry, it's even easier as the A2 directly connects the city with the coast (and airport).
You can also get to Belfast and Derry easily from other parts of Ireland by bus and train.
In this case, check Translink's website (the main public transport provider in Northern Ireland) for the current timetables and routes.
How to Get Around
There are several ways to get around the Causeway Coastal Route, including car, bus, tours, bike, or taxi. It all depends on your preferences and itinerary.
Car
That said, the best way to get around the Causeway Coastal Route is by car.
You can rent a car in Belfast, Derry, or, like we did, at Dublin (yes, we drove around the whole island on our first trip to Ireland).
Remember that both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have many scenic routes and beautiful landscapes perfect for a road trip.
No matter whether it's the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry, or the Causeway Coastal Route, a rental car is the best option for you.
In conclusion, getting around Ireland by car is a great idea, as it allows you to explore the country at your own pace and visit places you would otherwise never see.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Bus
If you want to explore Causeway Coast by bus, you need to look into Causeway Rambler by Translink.
The hop-on hop-off Ulster bus service connects Coleraine with Ballycastle, unsurprisingly the most scenic part of this route.
This bus service operates from April to September and runs in both directions.
This convenient hop-on hop-off bus gives you access to places like the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, or the Bushmills Distillery.
Of course, you will need to get to Coleraine or Ballycastle first.
Furthermore, exploring the other portion of Causeway Coast by bus will be much more complicated.
Generally, traveling around Ireland by bus is doable if you have plenty of time and plan your itinerary carefully.
The main downside is that while the bus network is relatively large, it can't take you to some remote places (or it takes forever to get to and from there).
If you rely on public transport, note that you will most likely need to take a taxi or tour occasionally to maximize your time.
Bike
Cycling the Causeway Coastal Route can be an adventurous and fun way to explore this destination.
Obviously, you need to be in fairly good shape to tackle this route and be prepared for the constant wind.
We must admit that the main road along the coast was relatively busy, so we wouldn't find that experience enjoyable.
Tours
If you don't drive, the best way to experience the Causeway Coastal Route is with one of the local tour operators.
The most popular tours depart from Belfast and take you through the most scenic part of the coastal route.
The top-rated tours, such as this Giant's Causeway Tour, usually include famous sights, stunning scenery, and some Game of Thrones locations.
The main advantage of organized tours is that you can easily visit the Causeway Coast from faraway places, such as Dublin.
If that's what you're looking for, you can book this extremely popular and well-rated Causeway Coast Day Trip from Dublin here.
Where to Stay
Causeway Coastal Route is 200 kilometers long. While it's doable in one day, we recommend breaking the trip up into two or three days.
Towns, villages, and settlements of all sizes along the Causeway Coastal Route offer accommodation for all preferences and budgets.
Our top picks for a scenic stopover are Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine, Bushmills, and Ballycastle, as they offer the best selection of hotels.
Obviously, Belfast and Derry are also spots where you can start or end your adventurous journey along this scenic route.
Mind you, there are tons of bed and breakfasts and guesthouses along the way, so feel free to pick the one that best suits you.
As this is a coastal road trip, we tried to add as many hotels with sea views as possible.
So, without further ado, here are our picks of the best hotels on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Best Hotels on Causeway Coastal Route
Belfast | Titanic Hotel Belfast - With stylish Art Deco design, Titanic connection, and amazing food, this is one of the best hotels in Belfast. Parking is available at the Titanic Belfast museum.
Portrush | Elephant Rock Hotel - This stylish boutique hotel offers spacious rooms with sea views, quirky decor, and great food.
Giant's Causeway | Causeway Hotel - This hotel has a hard-to-beat location right at the main entrance to Giant's Causeway, an on-site restaurant, and free parking.
Coleraine | ibis Coleraine Riverside - Situated in the center of Coleraine, this hotel offers a contemporary design, comfortable rooms, affordable rates, and free parking.
Portstewart | Anchorage Inn - This classic seaside hotel has spacious rooms, lovely views of the bay, a great restaurant, and free parking.
Ballycastle | The Salthouse Hotel - If you want to stay in a hotel surrounded by greenery instead of the sea, this property is a perfect choice for you. It has beautiful rooms, amazing food, and free parking.
Ballygally | Ballygally Castle - Located beside the sea, this hotel includes spacious rooms, excellent food, free parking, and a 17th-century castle with a haunted bedroom.
Derry | Holiday Inn Express - If you travel on a budget, this affordable 3-star hotel has everything you need while on the road. Expect modern rooms, an excellent breakfast, and a central location.
Staying Safe
If you're wondering whether it's safe to visit the Causeway Coastal Route, we have great news.
Causeway Coastal Route is one of the safest destinations in Ireland.
That said, there are still a few essential things to know about driving, cliffs, parking, etc.
Driving Tips
So, driving in Ireland is generally safe, but it's important to note that you must drive on the left side of the road.
This is not a big deal if you have some previous experience, but it can be quite daunting for first-timers.
We have plenty of experience from New Zealand, Australia, etc., but it took us a few hours before we got used to it again.
The first few trips can be a bit stressful, so the general rule of thumb is to keep calm and take it slow, and you should be fine.
The roads on Emerald Isle can be narrow and winding, especially on rural routes.
The best advice we can give you when it comes to driving in Northern Ireland is to rent a car with an automatic transmission, even if you're not comfortable driving a manual car.
Believe us, it will make your road trip way less stressful.
Here, you can find more tips on renting a car in Ireland.
Parking
There are tons of parking lots and pullouts along the Causeway Coastal Route, and you will stop regularly.
When you park your car, don't leave valuables in plain sight in your car.
We advise leaving them at home, taking them with you, or storing them in the trunk.
When it comes to parking in the cities, we always use secure garages, such as Q-Park, etc., to ensure the safety of our rental car.
Cliffs
Causeway Coastal Route includes several amazing cliff areas with incredible trails and even more incredible views.
That said, cliffs can be very dangerous if visitors don't take the necessary precautions.
Always avoid getting too close to the edge and stay on the designated trails whenever possible.
Climbing over safety barriers for better views or a photo opportunity is never a good idea.
If you're visiting cliffs with children, make sure they are supervised at all times.
Weather
We've already mentioned what you should pack for this road trip, but we need to remind you again how incredibly unpredictable the weather really is in Ireland.
While we spent a lot of time driving, we did stop frequently.
And even though the weather was mostly great, your experience might differ greatly from ours.
Make sure you're prepared for every type of weather.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Causeway Coastal Route Worth Visiting?
With incredible natural beauty and plenty of things to see and do, the Causeway Coastal Route is definitely worth exploring.
Honestly, there is really only one answer to this question.
Whether you have a day or few to spare, this scenic drive showcases the best of Northern Ireland.
It's a truly unique and unforgettable experience that left us speechless on so many occasions.
Even if you're pressed for time, you can drive the whole thing in less than a day, though we strongly recommend not rushing it.
It's a cliche to say that no trip to Ireland is complete without driving the Causeway Coastal Route, but we believe it's true in this case.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
