Causeway Coastal Route
Northern Ireland
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Belfast
Titanic Belfast, Cathedral Quarter murals, and St George's Market on a Saturday morning. A city fully transformed.
- 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
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
40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed 60 million years ago by volcanic eruption. Ireland's only UNESCO natural site.
- Old Bushmills Distillery
The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, founded 1608, still triple-distilling single malt on the Antrim coast.
- 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.
- Portrush
A bracing seaside resort with two great beaches, Royal Portrush Golf Club, and the best fish and chips in Ulster.
Where to Eat
- Harry's ShackSeafood
Beachfront eatery in Portstewart serving fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
- The Central BarTraditional Irish
Historic pub in Ballycastle offering classic Irish dishes and live music.
- Morton's Fish & ChipsFish and Chips
Renowned spot in Ballycastle for freshly caught fish and crispy chips.
- The Red Door Tea RoomCafé
Charming café in Ballintoy known for homemade scones and teas.
Things to Do
- Glenariff Forest ParkNature Reserve
Explore waterfalls and woodland trails in the 'Queen of the Glens'.
- Rathlin IslandIsland
Take a ferry to this island for birdwatching and rugged landscapes.
- Ballintoy HarbourScenic Viewpoint
Picturesque harbor featured in 'Game of Thrones', ideal for photography.
- Mussenden TempleHistoric Site
18th-century temple perched on cliffs with panoramic coastal views.