Causeway Coastal Route
SUBREGION GUIDE

Causeway Coastal Route

Northern Ireland's dramatic cliffs and legendary Giant's Causeway

The Causeway Coastal Route stretches 120 miles along Northern Ireland's wild Atlantic coast, connecting Belfast to Derry through some of Europe's most dramatic scenery. This isn't just another coastal drive – it's a journey through 60 million years of volcanic history, medieval castles perched on clifftops, and fishing villages that time forgot. The star attraction is the Giant's Causeway, those famous hexagonal basalt columns that look like stepping stones built for mythical giants. But here's what most people miss: the real magic happens between the big attractions, on empty stretches of coast road where you'll pull over every few minutes just to stare at the Atlantic crashing against black cliffs.

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The official Causeway Coastal Route runs 120 miles from Belfast to Derry, but most people focus on the 40-mile stretch from Carrickfergus to Portrush – that's where the real drama happens. Start in Belfast and head north through Carrickfergus, home to Norman castle that's been standing since 1177. The coast gets serious around Larne, where the Antrim Coast Road begins its cliff-hugging dance with the Atlantic. Glenarm is your first proper stop – a Georgian village tucked into a glen where the Glenarm River meets the sea. The Nine Glens of Antrim unfold between here and Ballycastle, each one carved deep into the plateau by ice age glaciers. Cushendall sits at the mouth of three glens – locals call it the 'Capital of the Glens' and they're not wrong. The road gets twisty here, winding through Cushendun (those white Cornish-style cottages are a UNESCO World Heritage site) before straightening out for the run to Ballycastle. From Ballycastle, it's 8 miles to the Giant's Causeway, then another 15 to Portrush. You can drive the whole thing in 3 hours, but you'd be crazy to rush it.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Park for free at Bushmills town center and walk the coastal path to Giant's Causeway (2 miles) instead of paying £15 for official parking
  • 2.Buy a National Trust membership if visiting multiple sites – it pays for itself after Carrick-a-Rede bridge and one castle
  • 3.Fill up with fuel before starting the coastal section – petrol stations are sparse and more expensive in tourist areas
  • 4.Pack lunch and snacks – restaurant prices double near major attractions, and some villages have limited dining options
  • 5.Stay in Ballycastle or Cushendall instead of Portrush for better value accommodation with easier parking

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps before you start – mobile signal drops out completely in some of the glens between villages
  • •Start early morning to beat tour buses and get better photos at Giant's Causeway – first light on the basalt columns is magical
  • •Check tide times for the best Giant's Causeway experience – low tide exposes more of the columns for walking
  • •Bring waterproof jacket even on sunny days – coastal weather changes in minutes and it's always windier than expected
  • •Stop at small villages like Glenarm and Carnlough – they're less touristy but have better local character and cheaper food
  • •Book Carrick-a-Rede bridge tickets online in advance – they often sell out during summer weekends
  • •Allow extra time for the drive – you'll want to stop every few miles for photos and the roads are narrow in places

Frequently Asked Questions

The full 120-mile route from Belfast to Derry takes about 3 hours of straight driving, but most people focus on the scenic 40-mile section from Carrickfergus to Portrush, which takes 1.5 hours without stops. Plan a full day to see the major attractions like Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede bridge.

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