Top Attractions on the Causeway Coastal Route

Dreaming of cruising along the Causeway Coastal Route? Be sure to stop off at these must-see sites and top attractions on this epic Northern Ireland road trip.

The Causeway Coastal Route is a 120-mile-long driving route around the coast of Northern Ireland, stretching between Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. Along this scenic route, you’ll encounter a host of historical attractions that are well worth a visit.

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Top Attractions to visit on the Causeway Coastal Route

Glenariff Forest Park

Follow the Causeway Coastal Route to where the Nine Glens of Antrim carve their way across the land to meet the sea in spectacular fashion. Visit Glenariff Forest Park and follow the majestic Waterfall Trail. Uncover part of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), packed with ancient history and heritage, tumbling rivers, streams and waterfalls.

The Dark Hedges

The legendary Dark Hedges is otherwise known by Game of Thrones® fans as the epic Kingsroad in Westeros. This is selfie heaven and a piece of natural paradise. Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to greet visitors to their estate, you will be seriously impressed!

Rathlin Island

Visit the enchanting Rathlin Island, just a six-mile ferry crossing over the Sea of Moyle from Ballycastle Harbour. April sees the start of puffin season each year, and there is a range of walks and trails for you to discover. Visit the RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre to learn about local wildlife, then discover the island’s three lighthouses. The short ferry crossing to the island – sometimes accompanied by dolphins or porpoises - is an experience not to be missed.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Test your bravery with a daring walk across Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge in Ballintoy. Suspended almost 100ft (30m) above sea level, take a deep breath and cross the bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island, high above the water. You’ll be truly open to the elements here, feeling the breeze of coarse winds and smelling the scent of the salty sea air.

Ballintoy Harbour

Discover the charm of Ballintoy Harbour by following the winding road from the village past the white-washed parish church. The harbour's picturesque beauty and the dramatic surrounding seascapes make it a captivating destination. Take a wander around the harbour before challenging yourself to find the ‘Secret Beach’ for an incredible view of Sheep Island!

The Giant’s Causeway

You simply can't miss The Giant's Causeway, an awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site where around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns create a geological wonder. Legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway was built by an Irish giant, Finn McCool, but the science behind this iconic site suggests it is a result of volcanic activity dating back 50 to 60 million years ago. The Giant’s Causeway is a fascinating part of history that will give you an appreciation of just how old our little planet really is.

Dunluce Castle

Discover Dunluce Castle, an enchanting ruin, perilously poised on a dramatic cliff edge. So precariously placed, you'll wonder how this incredible structure hasn't yet been claimed by the ocean below! This is one of Ireland’s most picturesque and romantic castles; from the moment it captures your gaze, you’ll be awestruck. The majestic castle, framed by stunning sea views and lush, undulating landscape, is a true delight.

Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple

Don’t miss the 18th Century Downhill Demesne on your travels. Beyond its ruined mansion perched on a cliff edge, you’ll find the iconic Mussenden Temple. Here, the line of dramatic basalt cliffs of Binevenagh dominates your view, with stunning panoramic views across Lough Foyle and out to County Donegal, too.

Discover more about these top attractions on the Causeway Coastal Route via the links below.

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Stopping Points on the Causeway Coastal Route

Awaken your Giant Spirit

Giant's Causeway

Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is located dramatically close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea, along the North County Antrim coast.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for ever, for everyone.
1. 1 Jan 202431 Dec 2024
Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.
Kinbane Castle

Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along the Causeway Coastal Route. The area surrounding it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort.
The Dark Hedges

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Thronies will recognise these as the Dark Hedges from HBO's Game of Thrones.
Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a ‘raised beach’, it is located alongside the B15 Coast Road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine and five miles west of Ballycastle.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. Awe inspiring views, colourful gardens and woodland walks.