Causeway Coastal Route
There are many stunning parts of our beautiful country. The Causeway costal route is one our favourites. So many places to visit and stop off, with fantastic views. Some of the best beaches around.
Why not try out our causeway costal route adventure to see for yourself.
DAY 1
Carrickfergus & East Coast
Carrickfergus Castle
40 minutes travel time
Your first stop on this Causeway adventure, is Carrickfergus Castle. This is an 800-year-old castle that up until 1928 was occupied by the Military. The Scots, Irish, English and French all besieged the Castle.
Carrickfergus Castle is ranked as one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Well worth a visit.
The Gobbins Path
13 minutes travel time
This cliff path was first constructed at the start of the 20th Centaury, by Victorian railway engineer Berkeley Deane Wise, it is one of his civil engineering masterpieces. Your guided 2.5 walking tour trip begins at Wise’s Eye. Make your way along narrow paths up the steps that are carved into the cliff face and through tunnels, hidden under the sea. Your guide will share geological and geographical information. You’ll maybe see puffins, cormorants diving for fish and maybe be lucky to spot some dolphins. For more information check out the Gobbins website.
Glenarm Castle
36 minutes travel time
Next stop on your adventure is Glenarm Castle.
Dating back to 1636, built by Randal McDonnell, 1st Earl of Antrim. You can visit the beautifully manicured gardens, and take a walk around the grounds of the castle. (We would advise you to call a head if you wish to walk the grounds, as it’s not always possible to do so)
You can stop off in the charming Tearooms in the Mushroom House and enjoy a coffee, homemade breakfast, lunch or tea, overlooking the gardens.
Visit the Castle shop, The Byre shop, Shambles workshop and many more. Hire an E-Bike and go off exploring Glenarm village and the coast and new for this year, Glenarm Castle is offering a mini Land Rover Experience for the little ones.
Check out glenarmcastle.com for more details and to book activities.
Campsites:
Cushendall Caravan Park
36 minutes travel time
At the end of a busy day drive a short distance to Cushendall Caravan Park. Park up and enjoy the beautiful views across to Scotland’s Western Isles.
DAY 2
Carrick – A – Rede & Bushmills
Carrick – A – Rede Rope Bridge
34 minutes travel time
Travel along the Coast Road to Ballycastle, you can stop off have a walk along Ballycastle beautiful beach before heading onto Carrick – A – Rede Rope Bridge, The rope bridge, suspended almost 30m above sea level was first erected by Salmon fishermen in 1755. Carrick – A – Rede Island is home to a Fisherman’s Cottage. For more information of opening times and prices check out the National Trust’s Carrick – A – Rede page.
Bushmills Distillery
If you are fond of a Whiskey or two then this is well worth a visit. Bushmills Distillery is “The World’s Oldest licensed Whiskey Distillery” Guided tours are available. You will learn about the copper pot stills and production process of their triple distilled whiskeys. Please note, tours may not always be available, we suggest you book ahead.
Campsites:
Ballyness Caravan Park
3 minutes travel time
A short drive from the Distillery, and you will arrive at Ballyness Caravan Park for your next over night stop. If you are wishing to give the cooking a miss tonight, why not take a short walk to Tartine at Distillers Arms for dinner. We advise you to book ahead.
DAY 3
Giants Causeway & Dunluce Castle
Giants Causeway
8 minutes travel time
First stop is Northern Ireland’s most famous landmark, The Giant’s Causeway, taking its name from Finn McCool. This is a World Heritage site and known to the Irish as the 8th Wonder of the World. Legend has it that Finn McCool built the Causeway to get to Scotland and fight a rival Giant Called Benandonner.
You can purchase ticket for the Visitor Experience, which includes a guided tour. For more details check out the Nationals Trust’s giants causeway page.
Dunluce Castle
8 minutes travel time
A short drive back through Bushmills will take you to Dunluce Castle.
Dating back to the 13th century, Dunluce Castle was built by Richard O’g de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster. From Late 13th century the McQuillans were Lords of Route, until they lost two battles to McDonnell in the mid to late 16th century. In the 17th century Dunluce was the seat of the earls of Antrim. Legend states that in 1639 the family were waiting for dinner one evening and the kitchen, along with the kitchen staff, fell into the sea. Visitors can explore the archaeological digs in the abandoned town of Dunluce.
Campsites:
Skerries Holiday Park
5 minutes travel time
With fantastic views of Skerries island out to the ocean, this Campsite is a 23-minute walk from Portrush town. Check out the fantastic selection of restaurants available at the Harbour from Neptune & Prawn, Basalt, Harbour Bistro to The Tourist a 30-minute walk from the site.
Or take a 6-minute drive to Amici Ristorante in Portstewart for some rustic, authentic Italian food.
DAY 4
Mussenden, Magilligan & Derrys Walls
Mussenden Temple
27 minutes travel time
Day 4 takes you further on your adventure to Mussenden Temple. First why not stop off at Portstewart Strand, take walk along the beach or drop into Harry’s shack for some breakfast or a morning coffee. Onwards to Mussenden Temple and Downhill Beach. Here you will find stunning cliff top walks and amazing views across the North Coast. The Temple was built in 1785 and is part of Downhill Demesne. The Demesne is part of the Estate of Frederick, 4th Earl of Bristol, who served as the Church of Ireland Lord Bishop of Derry from 1768 until 1803.
Magilligan
5 minutes travel time
Next stop Magiligan Point, which overlooks the mouth of Lough Foyle and is home of Lough Foyle Ferry and Martello Tower. This tower was built to stop French Invasion (Pedestrian access to beach only.)
You can take the 20 minute ferry ride from Magilligan Point across the Lough Foyle to Greencastle in County Donegal.
City of Derry Walls
45 minutes travel time
If you are looking for a bit of Irish history The City of Derry/Londonderry has just that. The most iconic features of the City are the walls, built between 1613 and 1618. Which are famous for the Siege of Derry in 1689, initiated by King James 2nd and lasted 105 days. A large amount of cannons can be found around the walls, some by Thomas Johnston the Gun founder of Queen Elizabeth. Today they surround the old part of the City and which has spectacular period architecture. Within the City walls is St. Columb Cathedral.
Campsites:
Deighans Caravan Park
43 minutes travel time
After a busy day, Deighans is the perfect spot to park up and relax. You are a 12-15 minute walk from the magnificent Benone Beach, if you fancy an evening stroll. They have a shop and Chip shop a 5 minute walk away or 6 minute walk will take you to the Anglers Rest, Traditional Pub for a delicious bite to eat.
DAY 5
Binevenagh Nature Reserve
Binevenagh Nature Reserve
15 minutes travel time
If you are feeling adventurous why not try one of the many trails on Binevenagh and see the fantastic views it offers over Lough Foyle to Donegal. Or worth visiting is Gortmore view point, situated on Binevenagh Mountain,15 minute drive from Deighans Caravan Park. On a clear day you will see stunning views over to Donegal and the Islands of Islay and Jura off the West Coast of Scotland. There is also the sculpture of Manannan Mac Lir, a Sea God originating from this area.
(Take care in the motorhome; some of the road up is steep and narrow).
Benone Beach
On Benone beach, there is the option to do some surfing and paddleboarding. Long Line Surf School.
“Long Line Surf School and Water Trails provides lessons to teach the skills and techniques of surfing and stand up paddleboarding (SUP).” (Long line website).
Visit the Long Line Surf School website for more details.
Carnfunnock Country Park
After exploring head to Carnfunnock Country Park 1 hour 30 minute drive, just outside Larne and park up for your last night’s stay. This 5-star caravan park is situated on 191 hectares. Plenty of attractions to keep the little ones entertained for the last night, from an activity and outdoor adventure playground, crazy golf, train ride or for the adults who just want to relax on your last night, this is a perfect place to stopover. It is 25/30 minute’s drive back to our depot.