In the event you’re in search of one of the crucial scenic drives within the UK – and probably all of Europe – Northern Eire’s Causeway Coastal Route greater than delivers.
Stretching from Belfast to Derry, this route packs in rugged coastlines, historic castles, seaside villages, and a few of the most jaw-dropping pure surroundings you’ll discover with out boarding a aircraft to Iceland.
What makes it particular isn’t simply the views – though they’re spectacular – it’s the sheer selection.
One minute you’re strolling a rope bridge over the ocean, the following you’re sipping whiskey in a centuries-old distillery or climbing basalt columns that seem like they belong on one other planet.
This highway journey is greatest taken slowly. It’s not a journey to hurry. Count on clifftop photograph stops, spontaneous sea swims (when you’re courageous), and quite a lot of moments the place you’ll simply need to pull over and stare on the Atlantic doing its factor.
Route Overview
Belfast → Carrickfergus (non-obligatory) → Glenarm (non-obligatory) → Cushendun (non-obligatory) → Carrick-a-Rede → Ballintoy → Large’s Causeway → Dunluce Citadel → Bushmills (non-obligatory) → Derry
Supreme journey size: 3 – 5 days
Greatest time to go: Could to September for longer days, first rate climate, and a greater probability of catching these epic sunsets
This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks.
Begin: Belfast – a capital with layers
Begin in Belfast, a metropolis that’s undergone an actual transformation prior to now couple of many years.
It’s inventive, assured, and full of historical past – from the political murals of the Falls and Shankill Roads to the commercial may of the Titanic Quarter.
Spend an evening or two right here when you can. Go to Titanic Belfast, seize espresso within the Cathedral Quarter, take a Black Taxi tour for a grounded perception into the town’s previous, or take pleasure in a motorbike experience across the metropolis to absorb its vibrant power at your individual tempo.
Belfast isn’t attempting to be fairly – it’s attempting to be actual, and that’s why it really works.
When you’ve had your fill of the town, choose up your rent automobile and head north – the shoreline awaits.
Keep: Test into The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, a fantastically restored Victorian townhouse with loads of character to match Belfast’s inventive spirit.
Non-compulsory cease: Carrickfergus & Glenarm
Your first detour might be to Carrickfergus Citadel, one of many best-preserved Norman castles in Eire.
It’s proper on the water and makes first style of the area’s medieval historical past.
Additional up the coast, Glenarm is among the lesser-known Glens of Antrim, with a stately fort, peaceable gardens and a wild, pebbly seashore.
It’s simple to go by, however price a espresso cease on the tearoom close to the fort gates.
Cease 1: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – adrenaline & Atlantic views
Now issues get fascinating. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a 20-metre-long rope suspension bridge linking the mainland to a tiny island utilized by fishermen for hundreds of years.
It dangles 30 metres above the waves, and sure – it sways. However the views again to the cliffs and out to sea are fully definitely worth the nerves.
You’ll must e book forward, particularly in summer time, because the Nationwide Belief manages entry.
Even when you skip the crossing, the coastal stroll to the bridge itself is beautiful – inexperienced cliffs, sea arches and seabirds in all places you look.
Cease 2: Ballintoy – small village, huge views
Simply down the highway is Ballintoy, a tiny village that punches properly above its weight in terms of surroundings.
It’s turn out to be one thing of a pilgrimage website for Recreation of Thrones followers (it doubled because the Iron Islands), however even when dragons aren’t your factor, the shoreline right here is exceptional.
Drive down the slender, winding lane to Ballintoy Harbour, one of the crucial lovely and photogenic corners of the route.
The rock formations, sea caves and layered cliffs really feel historic and elemental. It’s additionally a great spot to cease for a flask of tea or a picnic – simply control the tide.
Keep: For a prime‑rated keep close by, why not e book into Seaview Ballintoy, an exquisite cottage with beautiful sea views.
Cease 3: Large’s Causeway – nature at its most surreal
There’s no actual option to overhype the Large’s Causeway.
It genuinely is as extraordinary because it seems to be within the images – round 40,000 interlocking basalt columns spilling into the ocean like some long-abandoned alien development undertaking.
Arrive early or late within the day when you can, because it will get very busy in peak season.
The customer centre is slick and informative, however the actual magic is out on the stones, particularly when the sunshine hits the moist rock and the Atlantic’s throwing spray.
In the event you’re feeling energetic, stroll the Clifftop Expertise path. It runs from above the Causeway all the best way again to the automobile park at Dunseverick Citadel, supplying you with a fowl’s eye view of the coast at its most dramatic.
Non-compulsory Cease: Bushmills Distillery
Simply up the highway is Bushmills, dwelling to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Even when you’re not a whiskey drinker, the tour is fascinating – all copper stills, oak barrels and age-old strategies. In case you are a fan, the tasting room is a superb option to finish the go to.
The city additionally has just a few cosy pubs and cafés when you’re prepared for lunch. Or it may possibly function in a single day base, particularly if you wish to linger on the Causeway with out driving far afterwards.
Cease 4: Dunluce Citadel – damage with a view
Subsequent up is Dunluce Citadel, dramatically perched on the sting of a cliff and slowly being reclaimed by the ocean.
It’s a type of ruins that manages to be each romantic and barely eerie, particularly in moody climate.
The view from the fort searching over the coast is definitely worth the cease alone. It’s additionally a fast go to, so even when you’re brief on time, don’t skip it.
Keep: If you wish to linger in a single day close by, decide to remain on the charming Albany Lodge in Portrush. It overlooks White Rocks seashore, provides simple parking and serves an outstanding breakfast.
Non-compulsory Cease: Mussenden Temple & Downhill Seaside
In the event you’ve acquired time for a detour earlier than Derry, head a bit additional west to Mussenden Temple, a round clifftop folly impressed by a Roman temple and set excessive above Downhill Seaside.
It’s a part of the Nationwide Belief-managed Downhill Demesne, and the views – particularly at golden hour – are genuinely breathtaking.
Downhill Seaside itself is huge and windswept, a correct stretch-your-legs cease earlier than you hit the town.
Closing cease: Derry – walled metropolis with soul
Finish your journey in Derry (Londonderry) – Northern Eire’s solely absolutely walled metropolis, and one with a fancy, layered historical past.
Stroll the partitions for views throughout the Bogside murals, discover the wonderful Museum of Free Derry, and take time to absorb the ambiance in a metropolis that feels inventive, resilient and quietly buzzing.
There’s a thriving meals and humanities scene right here too – take a look at Shipquay Road for dinner, or seize a pint and a few stay music at Peadar O’Donnell’s.
Derry’s a type of cities that leaves a long-lasting impression – filled with tales, each outdated and new.
Keep: For a cushty and chic keep throughout the historic metropolis partitions, take into account Bishop’s Gate Resort within the coronary heart of Derry.
Necessities
Driving time (with out stops):Approx. 3.5 – 4 hours
What to pack: Waterproofs, sturdy footwear, additional digicam batteries, and heat layers for windy clifftops.
Driving tip: The route is properly signposted, however some roads are slender – take it gradual, particularly close to harbours and coastal bends.
Closing Ideas
The Causeway Coastal Route isn’t simply probably the greatest drives in Northern Eire – it’s probably the greatest wherever.
It manages to be wild and welcoming, distant but accessible, and someway even higher than you anticipate.
Each bend within the highway brings one other postcard view, one other fort clinging to a cliff, one other probability to drag over and take all of it in.
Take this highway journey slowly – ideally with the home windows down and a field of oat biscuits available for the following viewpoint.
