Ireland serves as a great base for many day trips and road trips; perfect if you need a break away but not keen on facing huge tourist crowds. We’ve covered some of the hidden Irish gems in a previous blog, but for those who are looking to squeeze as much out of this emerald isle as possible, a road trip is a must. What better route to take than the Causeway Coastal route in Northern Ireland?
1 – Belfast
This vibrant city is home to excellent dining, exciting nightlife and pleasant shopping areas.
Visit Titanic Belfast, one of the biggest tourism draws in the city. Discover the history of RMS Titanic and its story. The 6-storey building is located next to the site where the ship was constructed. Inside, meet Frederick Dent Ray, one of the dining room stewards who survived the sinking of the ship. Incredible technology helps bring him and his tale to life for visitors.
Learn more about the heart of Ireland from the National Museums Northern Ireland group. Ulster Museum houses art, history and natural science artefacts including remains of mummies and dinosaurs. At the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum take a step back in time and experience life as it was 100 years ago. Take a walk through the dedicated parkland and chat to costumed visitor guides who will tell you their stories and demonstrate traditional crafts. A step aboard steam locomotives and vintage cars. Visit Ulster American Folk Park and learn about the journey of Irish emigrants heading to America.
Discover the five caves set in the cliff beneath Belfast Castle Estate, one of the many natural, archaeological and historical features found here. Base yourself here for a few hours to enjoy the variety of eco-trails and walking routes available. There’s also delights to be found in the landscaped gardens and woodland.
For the darker side of history, take a visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol. Originally closed in 1996, it has now re-opened as a visitor attraction. Sit in the Governor’s chair and spend some time in the cells.
Sample locally produced products at St George’s Market.
Carrickfergus Castle. Photo by: kilhan/Adobe Stock
2 – Carrickfergus Castle
As one of Ireland’s best preserved medieval structures, this castle is worth a pitstop. This Norman castle, built in 1177, is located on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and played an important military role until 1928. The self-guiding attraction has informative boards located around the site to help you uncover its past.
3 – The Gobbins Cliff Park
Located on the Islandmagee peninsula, experience tubular and suspension bridges along with caves, steps and tunnels. Spend a while in the visitor centre to learn more about the construction of the site from the interactive exhibition before tackling the path. Be sure to heed the safety advice before advancing however. Access is only by guided tour to ensure the safety of participants and will take around 2.5 hours. If travelling with children, there is an outdoor play park on-site.
4 – Carnfunnock Country Park
You’ll find something for everyone here including an outdoor adventure playground, 9-hole golf course, signposted walking trails and a hedge maze. Visit the lime kilns and ice house before trying your hand at the outdoor fitness equipment.
Waterfall and hiking route in Glenariff Forest Park. Photo by: sara_winter/Adobe Stock
5 – Slemish
Slightly inland, this site of an extinct volcano has been linked with St Patrick. He is said to have tended sheep here whilst in slavery. There are ample parking facilities so park the hire car here before taking about an hour in good weather to make the round trip to the summit and back which lies 1437ft above sea level. The area is ideal with bird watching so take your binoculars if you have them. The walk becomes a pilgrimage on St Patricks day so expect to find it a little busier than usual if visiting at this time.
6 – Glenarm Castle and Walled Garden
Take afternoon tea at Glenarm Castle; ancestral home of the Earls of Antrim. The castle itself, as it’s still lived in, is only open on select dates when guided tours are given by the castle butler and house staff. The 19th century mushroom house has been converted into a stunning tea room where you can take a light lunch or cream tea before or after strolling the grounds. See the sculptures and herb garden, plus the cascade and water fountain.
7 – The Glens of Antrim
Discover these 9 incredible glens and valleys, each with a scenic drive to enjoy and see for yourself just why it’s a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Glenariff Forest Park, known as the Queen of the Glens, covers over 1000 hectares of beautiful natural spaces. A trail through the park skirts a plunging gorge and waterfalls; breath-taking scenes you won’t forget! In August, Cushendall hosts the Heart of the Glens Festival.
Torr Head. Photo by: kilhan/Adobe Stock
8 – Cushendun
Head to the cliff-tops of this designated conservation area on a clear day for great views across the sea of Scotland. A wonderful beach stretches from the harbour up almost to Carra Castle. The village itself was designed to mimic the style of those around Cornwall so is very picturesque. Caves located along the shore form part of the Game of Thrones filming locations tour as they were used in a scene featuring the Red Woman, Melisandre.
9 – Glendun
Pass over and marvel at the Charles Lanyon Bridge which, completed in 1839, was modelled on viaduct architecture. It has three large arches over the River Dun. Another rural, thin road so be aware of your surroundings.
10 – Torr Head
This is the closest part of Northern Ireland to Scotland which lays just 13 miles away. The headland was used historically to record passing ships and alert London when necessary. Take caution on the steep and windy roads here. Be wowed by the typical wild Irish landscapes dotted with sheep and old ruined buildings.
The Dark Hedges. Photo by: gregfellmann/Adobe Stock
11 – Bonamargy Friary
These pretty ruins, founded in 1500, are located just outside Ballycastle and feature a cloister, gatehouse, alter and church, sealed burial vault and a small 2-storey gatehouse.
The site is said to have a dark past however, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of Julia McQuillan. Known as the Black Nun, the recluse lived in the friary when it was left. Legend has it that Julia was murdered on the steps which lead upstairs, ultimately falling on the 13th step, now believed to give bad luck to whoever steps on it. It is thought that she’s buried at the entrance to the church under the circular headstone.
Handily, if you’re a fan of golfing, the Ballycastle Golf Course is nearby.
12 – The Dark Hedges
Recognisable instantly to any fan of Game of Thrones, this iconic archway along Bregah Road has been used to film scenes of Kings Road. You’ll find the archway at the junction to Gracehill House. Parking along the road is inadvisable but free parking can be located at the nearby Hedge Estate Hotel so call in for a bite to eat. The location is a hotspot for tourists so visit early in the day if you can.
Update 10/10/2017: Game of Thrones: Traffic banned from Dark Hedges road.
13 – Rathlin Island
This is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island and is great for a day trip to experience its rugged beauty and tranquillity. It’s just 6 miles long and 1 mile wide. Take a ferry from Ballycastle and spend time on the hiking trail or in the Boathouse Visitor Centre to learn more about life on the island. You can also take a look at some shipwreck artefacts. Watch the seal colonies on the island and visit the three lighthouses. Within the West Lighthouse is the RSPB Seabird Centre. Puffin season is April to July so a visit during those months will increase your chance of a sighting.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Photo by: MuzzyCo/Adobe Stock
14 – Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Get your heart pumping during the crossing of this rope bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The chasm it crosses is 30m deep and 20m wide. This is the only way onto the island and the only way off. The island itself has only one structure, a fisherman’s cottage, which is open periodically throughout the year. The bridge was first erected in 1755 by salmon fisherman who used a crane on the island to lower their boat into the water. The bridge is accessible only by ticket and will be closed during bad weather.
15 – Ballintoy Harbour
Take a short detour from Ballintoy village to wander the harbour. See Ballintoy Parish Church and see for yourself why it’s one of Ireland’s most photographed churches. Areas here were also used as filming locations for Game of Thrones, including being used as the exterior of Pyke and also the Iron Islands.
16 – White Park Bay
This sandy beach between two headlands is often visited by cows. Don’t be surprised to find some lounging on the sand. The western end is Portbradden, a hamlet with a small harbour. Managed by the National Trust in 1938, this 3-mile beach is a great place to relax.
Giant’s Causeway. Photo by: bnoragitt/Adobe Stock
17 – Giant’s Causeway
This geological wonder of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns gives its name to this route in Northern Ireland; the only UNESCO World heritage site found here. The award-winning Visitor Centre helps explain the creation of the volcanic phenomenon where tour guides or audio guides are available. Hike the cliff-top trail for an incredible view or seek out formations such as the camel, the wishing chair or the organ.
18 – Old Bushmills Distillery
Pay a visit to Ireland’s oldest working distillery. Whiskeys have been produced here for over 400 years using traditional methods; learn more about the history of the distillery and the processes they follow. Partake in tutored tastings and make purchases in the specialist whiskey shop for when you get back home.
19 – Dunluce Castle
Said to be the inspiration for C.S Lewis’s Cair Paravel in the Chronicles of Narnia, this castle was built around 1500. Download the free of charge app from the App Store or Google Pay whilst you wander around. Audio-visual tours are also available. Explore the abandoned Dunluce town and the archaeological findings there.
Dunluce Castle. Photo by: kilhan/Adobe Stock
20 – Downhill Demesne
Check out the Mussenden Temple on the cliff edge above Downhill Beach, resting 120ft above the shore. This temple was originally built in 1785 as a summer library. Cliff stabilisation has taken place to prevent its loss to coastal erosion. It’s located a short walk from Downhill House, which was almost completely gutted by a fire in 1851. Walk to the Black Glen (a small arboretum) and the walled garden.
21 – Binevenagh
Take the scenic mountain drive to the summit. Wander around the trout-stocked artificial fishing lake. With views of Roe Valley and the Sperrin Mountains, see why this area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
22 – Magilligan Point
This area marks the tip of one of the British isles’ largest sand dune systems, and a National Nature Reserve. Locate the Martello tower, built between 1812 and 1817, once used as part of a chain to protect this stretch of coastline in the Napoleonic war. It’s one of 74 built in Ireland and only one of around 40 that remain. Time your visit well in the summer to coincide with a Living History event. Other activities also include shore angling, horse riding along the beach, or kiting.
Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry. Photo by: spumador/Adobe Stock
23 – Roe Valley Country Park
This scenic park skirting Limavady is full of wildlife and springtime flowers. Visit the museum and countryside centre or take part in salmon and trout fishing, canoeing, orienteering or rock climbing. Blind and partially-sighted visitors can benefit from an audio guide. Learn how some of the building remains here were used in the linen industry. See the restored water wheel and pieces of original equipment. Learn more about the past through bygone exhibits at the Green Lane Museum.
24 – Derry~Londonderry
As Ireland’s only remaining completely walled city, take a walking tour of the walls. The walls were built between 1613 and 1619, making it the last walled city to be built in Europe. It’s also the second largest city in Northern Ireland. Visit the Guildhall, a red sandstone building built in 1887, which serves as a fantastic example of neo-gothic architecture with stunning stained-glass windows.
Book your hire car for Northern Ireland and pack your bags
There are many more pleasant spots to experience on this route; if you tackled the drive before, let us know in the comments below which have been your highlights. Get a quote for your hire car in Northern Ireland today and explore this stunning coast of the emerald isle.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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