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Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland — Scenic
Europe

Causeway Coastal Route

Northern Ireland

In short: Causeway Coastal Route is a 320 km scenic road trip in Northern Ireland, typically driven over 2–4 days, best in May–Sep. Highlights: Belfast, Glens of Antrim, Carrick-a-Rede.

Distance
320 km
Duration
2–4 days
Best Season
May–Sep
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

From Belfast through the Glens of Antrim to the Giant's Causeway, the most scenic coastal road in the UK traces ancient volcanic basalt, a Scottish rope bridge, a whiskey distillery in a clifftop cave, and a Game of Thrones landscape.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
This route is paved and straightforward for any vehicle, but summer weekends can be slow around the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Portrush. Expect narrow coastal sections, exposed weather, and occasional winter disruption from gales or coastal fog. Book parking or timed entries where offered, especially in peak season.
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Stops along the route

Belfast — Departure — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Departure
Belfast
Titanic Belfast, Cathedral Quarter murals, and St George's Market on a Saturday morning. A city fully transformed.
Hotels
Portrush — City — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
City
Portrush
A bracing seaside resort with two great beaches, Royal Portrush Golf Club, and the best fish and chips in Ulster.
Hotels

Things to Do

Glens of Antrim — Nature — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Nature
Glens of Antrim
Nine glacial glens cut into the Antrim plateau. Glenariff's triple waterfall gorge is the most dramatic of them all.
Carrick-a-Rede — Landmark — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Landmark
Carrick-a-Rede
A rope bridge swaying 30m above the sea to a tiny island used by salmon fishermen for 350 years. Book ahead in summer.
Giant's Causeway — Landmark — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Landmark
Giant's Causeway
40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed 60 million years ago by volcanic eruption. Ireland's only UNESCO natural site.
Dunluce Castle — Landmark — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Landmark
Dunluce Castle
A medieval castle on a basalt sea stack above the Atlantic. Part of the kitchen fell into the ocean during a dinner party in 1639.
Glenariff Forest Park — Nature Reserve — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Nature Reserve
Glenariff Forest Park
Explore waterfalls and woodland trails in the 'Queen of the Glens'.
Rathlin Island — Island — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Island
Rathlin Island
Take a ferry to this island for birdwatching and rugged landscapes.
Ballintoy Harbour — Scenic Viewpoint — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Scenic Viewpoint
Ballintoy Harbour
Picturesque harbor featured in 'Game of Thrones', ideal for photography.
Mussenden Temple — Historic Site — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Historic Site
Mussenden Temple
18th-century temple perched on cliffs with panoramic coastal views.

Where to Eat

Old Bushmills Distillery — Food & Drink — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Food & Drink
Old Bushmills Distillery
The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, founded 1608, still triple-distilling single malt on the Antrim coast.
Harry's Shack — Seafood — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Seafood
Harry's Shack
Beachfront eatery in Portstewart serving fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
The Central Bar — Traditional Irish — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Traditional Irish
The Central Bar
Historic pub in Ballycastle offering classic Irish dishes and live music.
Morton's Fish & Chips — Fish and Chips — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Fish and Chips
Morton's Fish & Chips
Renowned spot in Ballycastle for freshly caught fish and crispy chips.
The Red Door Tea Room — Café — Causeway Coastal Route — Northern Ireland
Café
The Red Door Tea Room
Charming café in Ballintoy known for homemade scones and teas.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Causeway Coastal Route drive?

The Causeway Coastal Route covers 320 km from start to finish.

How long does the Causeway Coastal Route take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–4 days on the Causeway Coastal Route, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Causeway Coastal Route?

The recommended season for the Causeway Coastal Route is May–Sep.

Where does the Causeway Coastal Route start and end?

The Causeway Coastal Route runs from Belfast to Portrush.

What are the main stops on the Causeway Coastal Route?

The Causeway Coastal Route passes through Belfast, Glens of Antrim, Carrick-a-Rede.

Can I drive the Causeway Coastal Route in a regular car?

Yes — the Causeway Coastal Route is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Causeway Coastal Route?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Causeway Coastal Route, based on its 320 km length.

Is the Causeway Coastal Route EV friendly?

Yes — the Causeway Coastal Route has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Causeway Coastal Route safe to drive?

This route is paved and straightforward for any vehicle, but summer weekends can be slow around the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Portrush. Expect narrow coastal sections, exposed weather, and occasional winter disruption from gales or coastal fog. Book parking or timed entries where offered, especially in peak season.

What scenic tier is the Causeway Coastal Route?

The Causeway Coastal Route is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.