Causeway Coastal Route

Causeway coastal route highlights – causeway coastal route from belfast

Antrim Coast Road: There you will begin our journey to the north coast travelling through the rolling farmland of County Antrim.

Carnlough Village: first stop of the day takes you into the amazing, picturesque fishing village of Carnlough for a quick comfort break.

Causeway Coastline Views: We travel along the Causeway Coastal route between Ballycastle and Dunluce to experience one of the most dramatic drives in the world, now rated as one of the world’s top 5 great road journeys.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: One of the most visited places in Northern Ireland amazing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge where you can cross a bridge that spans a chasm over 75ft in height. (Please note that the Carrick-A-Rede Rope bridge may sometimes be closed due to weather conditions or repairs.

There will be a 1-mile walk from the car park to the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge if you have mobility issues, have small children, or use a stroller that can’t handle unpaved pathways. (If you wish to cross the bridge you will need to pre-book your ticket) if you do not wish to cross, we can stop at the viewing point for photos.

White Park Bay: A Beautiful scenic beach at the very tip of Ireland. Stop there and take some beautiful photos and enjoy the views.

Giants Causeway: Commonly called ‘the 8th wonder of the world, is the only World Heritage site in Ireland. During your stop here you can spend time climbing over the ancient stones, snapping photos, and reflecting on the myths and legends of this unique area. You will only need to pre-book tickets if you wish to go through the visitor’s Centre, if not your guide will show you the free entrance.

Lunch Stop: We suggest the Giants Causeway restaurant to enjoy a drink, a light bite, or a hearty meal. With a varied menu of locally sourced produce, you can tuck into the season’s flavors while soaking up the views. We personally recommend the fish and chips. Please keep in mind that lunch is not included.

Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery: Bushmills Whiskey Distillery has been creating beautiful ‘water of life ‘since 1608 making this the oldest working distillery in Ireland. If you wish to take a tour at the Bushmills Distillery i would suggest pre-book your ticket.

Dunluce Castle: Continue a wonderful day with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle. Arrive at one of the most dramatic castle ruins in the world. Prepare to be amazed at how this old castle hangs over the edge of the cliffs.

The Dark Hedges: One of the most popular natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges were used as a set for the hit TV series Game of Thrones. It was the famous King’s Road in Season 2. The hedges were planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century.

Travelling along Northern Ireland’s breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route without a car can be an unforgettable experience! Thanks to the country’s efficient bus and train network, you can easily explore the stunning sights and sounds of this picturesque region. 

Although it may not be possible to traverse the entire coastal road route via public transport, with a little bit of forward planning, you can easily hop between different towns and attractions along the way. From the rugged, windswept coastline to charming seaside villages and bustling cities, there’s a wealth of stunning scenery and captivating culture just waiting to be discovered. 

So why not embark on an exciting adventure along the Causeway Coastal Route today, and uncover the hidden gems of Northern Ireland from a whole new perspective!

The Goldline Coach Service 221 provides direct transportation to the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center from Belfast’s Europa Buscentre. Moreover, during the months of July and August, the Ulsterbus 252 is also available from the same station, enabling passengers to journey north along the stunning Antrim Coast and Glens. 

Furthermore, Ulsterbus has developed an interactive map tool that is specifically designed to assist passengers in discovering bus routes, categorized by region and operator, that traverse the Causeway Coastal road. The map interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it simple to identify bus routes that align with specific preferences or logistical requirements.

To fully traverse the extensive route spanning 313 kilometers or 195 miles, it is recommended to allocate 3-5 days of exploration in order to thoroughly appreciate the overall experience. Nevertheless, a considerable portion of the route may be covered within the duration of 1-2 days.

In order to travel to Northern Ireland from the United Kingdom, you may utilize your personal vehicle, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle via ferry transport. While direct ferry transportation to Northern Ireland from mainland Europe is unavailable, viable options include sailing to Dublin, Rosslare, or Cork from France and continuing your journey via automobile. Utilize Direct Ferries to properly compare and book optimal crossings to Northern Ireland, including routes from Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast, Cairnryan to Belfast, or Cairnryan to Larne.