Causeway Coastal Route: New Insider's Guide To The Amazing Drive

The Causeway Coastal Route is my favourite scenic drive for a day out in Northern Ireland when the weather is fine.

I usually join the route at Larne and head up towards Ballycastle or Portstewart enjoying an ice-cream or coffee along the way.

There's something for everyone along the 120 miles (190 kilometre) route between Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, depending on what you want to see or do and how much time you have.

I would definitely advise you to plan ahead as some of the attractions along the route are seasonal and during the summer months, it's very busy.

If you just want to go for a nice relaxing, scenic drive and visit one or two attractions and enjoy some light refreshments, a day is enough time.

To really make the most of the Causeway Coastal Route in all of its glory, I would advise spending at least 3-5 days immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery, picturesque towns and famous attractions.

Setting Off: Belfast to Carrickfergus

Take the M2 motorway out of Belfast and join the M5 following the sign for the Causeway Coastal Route heading towards Whiteabbey and Carrickfergus.

There isn't much to see until you reach the end of the motorway at Whiteabbey.

On the right just as you leave the motorway is Hazelbank Park. It has toilets, kids play area and coastal path walk that heads along the shoreline to Jordanstown Loughshore Park.

The next town and point of interest along the route is Carrickfergus with its imposing 12th-century Norman castle.

Carrickfergus in Irish is Carraig Fhearghais which means 'rock of Fergus' and it offers a welcoming atmosphere along with a picturesque harbour just beside the castle.

Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved mediaeval structures in Ireland.

It's well worth visiting. You can learn about its role in Irish history and enjoy a wander around the battlements. Great experience for the whole family.

The next town, just a few more miles along the coast, is Whitehead.

The Hidden Victorian Gem Of Whitehead

Whitehead is home to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland where they have a museum that is popular with steam train enthusiasts.

The Victorian coastal town is known for its colourful houses, Blackhead Lighthouse, and the popular cliff walk around the lighthouse.

Back in the day, this was a bustling holiday hotspot created by the railway company for families wanting to get away from the big city.

Just around the corner from Whitehead is Islandmagee.

You can leave the Causeway Coastal Route here if you want to visit The Gobbins Cliff Path Walk or sample an ice-cream at the famous Rinka.

Continuing along the road towards Larne is Magheramorne Quarry. Nothing to see here anymore, but this used to be where the Wall from the HBO series Game of Thrones was filmed.

It was also where Castle Black and the Wilding Village of Hardhome were brought to life.

The Port Of Larne: Gateway To Scotland

Larne is one of the bigger towns on the coast road. If you need to refuel or stop for a McDonalds, this is probably a good place to do it.

There is a ferry service to Scotland and rail link to Belfast. There are also some nice parks and the pencil shaped, Chaine memorial tower to see.

I live near Larne so I usually start my journey along the Causeway coast road here.

Heading out of Larne along the A2 towards Ballygally is the famous Blackcave Tunnel also known locally as the Black Arch.

This landmark has become famous over the years due to its unique shape and is almost like a gateway to the Glens of Antrim.

Another interesting feature beside the Black Arch is the Devil's Churn. A small staircase leads down towards the sea and a dead end. Beside this is a small cave entrance.

It was called the Devil's Churn due to the sound the waves make around the rocks and is backed by a good ghost story.

About a mile and a half later is Drains Bay and Carnfunnock Country Park. There are toilets, parking and a kids play area here together with picnic tables if you want to stop for something to eat.

Meet The Polar Bear Of Ballygally

On the way into Ballygally there is a painted rock with a smiley face on the right-hand side beside a small harbour area.

This is known locally as the Polar Bear.

I'm not sure how it came to be, but it looks friendly and welcoming.

Probably the most famous building in Ballygally seaside village is the haunted 17th century castle.

Ballygally Castle has now been turned into a hotel owned by the Hastings Hotels, although it is still said to be haunted.

I really like the beach and on a good day, it gets very busy.

You can get some snacks from the local Spar and just chill out watching the waves and listening to the ocean.

The next stop on our journey to the Giant's Causeway and beyond is Glenarm passing Madman's Window and Whitebay on the way.

Another historic castle with beautiful grounds awaits.

Glenarm: Glen Of The Army

The first of nine Glens of Antrim. Glenarm has a 17th century castle with elegant walled gardens, woodland walks and a small marina.

Glenarm castle is privately owned, but the gardens and grounds are open to the public and hosts yearly events such as the Dalriada festival and Christmas experience.

Walkers will also enjoy Glenarm forest with its circular 2-mile route which is just long enough for stretching your legs on your Causeway road trip.

Just a few miles further along the coast is Carnlough.

If you didn't stop for a cup of tea or coffee at Glenarm Castle, then I would recommend a drink at the Londonderry Arms.

It breaks up the long drive nicely, although I also sometimes like to grab a sandwich at the Spar and just sit in the harbour eating it while looking out at the ocean.

Carnlough: On the Foothills of Glencoy

If you're stopping for a while at Carnlough and fancy a walk, I recommend Cranny Falls.

It's about a one mile gentle incline from the harbour running along the old mineral railway path and ends at the waterfall.

Other points of interest in Carnlough include the story of Paddy the Pigeon and the picturesque harbour where HBO filmed a scene for Game of Thrones Season 6.

Leaving Carnlough behind and heading towards Glenariff, Queen of the Glens, there is a hidden village.

It's actually called the hidden village of Galboly and I've driven past it more times than I can remember and never knew it was there.

Another Game of Thrones filming location, it was used in the episode 'Wars to come'.

Further along the A2 on the way to Waterfoot is the ancient church ruins of Ardclinis. There is a small car park if you want to stop for a look around.

As you would expect on a coastal road trip, there are a lot of beaches and Waterfoot is no exception.

It has its own lovely stretch of sand that you can walk along enjoying the shoreline.

There is free car parking for accessing the beach and toilet facilities just off the Main Street.

Glenariff is probably most famous for its forest park and the stunning waterfalls.

The forest is a short detour along the A43 Glenariff Road, but definitely worth it if you like walking.

It's my second favourite forest park in Northern Ireland for a good walk after Tollymore Forest.

There are multiple walking trails with the longest being around 5.5 miles.

Getting back on track, heading out of Glenariff is another arch over the road made of sandstone.

It is known as the Red arch and just after you drive though it you can see the ruin of Red Bay castle on the hill which dates back to the 12th century.

Cushendall: Foot Of the River Dall

The next village on our road trip is Cushendall.

There is another lovely beach to explore as well as the cliff path walk leading to the ancient ruins of Layd church.

Driving through the village you will notice Curfew Tower.

This small tower, built by Francis Turnly in 1817, sits proudly on the corner as we turn left to continue our journey along the A2.

The next decision we have to make is whether or not to visit Glendun.

Approaching the junction of the Tomra Road and the Knocknacarry Road is where you can venture off course to see the Glendun viaduct.

We're taking the B92, Knocknacarry Road, and heading to Cushendun.

Cushendun: Beach, Caves and River Dun

Game of Thrones fans will know about the caves in this elegant harbour village.

They featured in Season 2 where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow creature.

Unfortunately, they are currently closed to the public. Hopefully they will reopen soon.

Other highlights in this small village include Carra Castle ruins, Glenmona House and the Old Church built in 1840.

I can also personally recommend Mary McBride's Bar. I would describe it as a cozy little place that is very welcoming and friendly.

Leaving Cushendun, there are two options heading towards Ballycastle.

You can take the Torr Head scenic route following the Torr road or continue along the B92 Causeway Coastal Route passing the vanishing lake (Loughareema) and Ballypatrick Forest.

I recommend the Torr Head scenic route if you have time to spare.

Ballycastle: Home To The Ould Lammas Fair

The beach at Ballycastle is probably one of the best on the North Antrim coast and gets really busy on a warm day.

In fact, if the weather is favourable at all, the whole town gets very busy and it can be hard to find parking.

Just past the beach is the ferry terminal for visiting Rathlin Island. The toilets are located in the car park behind the terminal building if you get caught short.

Rathlin Island is well worth a visit. I would allocate a whole day so you can get there and back and be able to explore it fully.

When I visit Ballycastle, I always head to Morton's chippy near the ferry terminal. Probably the best tasting fish and chips in Northern Ireland in my opinion.

Another great wee spot for food and drink is the Marine Hotel. They have picnic tables out the front so you can enjoy the amazing views while enjoying a pint.

On the outskirts of the town is the ruins of Kinbane Castle perched on the headland.

Once a two-storey castle in the 16th century, the ruin is now a State Care Historic Monument.

As we head out of town along the B15, the next highlight on our tour is Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.

The rope bridge is probably the most visited attraction on the North coast after the Giant's Causeway.

One thing to note if you are planning a visit is that the rope bridge is actually about a 1KM walk from the carpark.

It's probably not advisable to visit with small children in prams or buggies.

I would also avoid it if you have mobility issues as the gravel path on the way down to the bridge has steep slopes in places.

As you head on along the B15 towards Bushmills, there are few more attractions worth visiting before the Giant's Causeway.

The next two stops are brilliant for Thrones fans… and Guinness fans too.

The first is the Fullerton Arms. My favourite place on the Causeway Coastal Route to stop for a pint of the black stuff.

It is also home to Door 6 from the 10 Doors of Thrones. It depicts scenes from Season 6 Ep 6.

The other place to visit is Ballintoy Harbour. This was the location for filming the Iron Islands.

If you look to the right as you drive down the road into the harbour, you can see a small secluded beach.

I only recently discovered it was there after visiting the harbour on many occasions and not even noticing it before.

The Star Attraction: The Giant's Causeway

We've finally arrived. The number one attraction in Northern Ireland and the place that gave the Causeway Coastal Route its name.

It's also the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.

Did you notice Dunseverick Castle on the way? Not to be mixed up with Dunluce Castle. It's coming soon!

While you're visiting the Giant's Causeway, I recommend having lunch at the Causeway Hotel just beside the visitor's center.

The pub grub in this place is very good. Another opportunity for a cheeky pint of Guinness!

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