The Causeway Coastal Route is regularly voted one of the world's best road trips, and it's easy to see why. This 120-mile stretch of Northern Ireland's coast combines UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval castles, rope bridges, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages - all connected by one spectacularly scenic road.
Whether you have one day or a week, this guide will help you make the most of this incredible drive. I'll share every must-see stop, hidden gems locals love, and practical tips from someone who's driven it dozens of times.
Route Overview
Total Distance: 120 miles (193 km)
Driving Time: 3-4 hours non-stop (but don't!)
Recommended Time: 1-3 days to properly explore
Route: Belfast → Larne → Ballygally → Glenarm → Cushendall → Cushendun → Ballycastle → Ballintoy → Bushmills → Portrush → Portstewart → Castlerock → Downhill → Limavady → Derry
🗺️ Direction Matters
Derry to Belfast (recommended): Driving on the left means the sea is on your left (driver's side), making it much easier to pull off at viewpoints without crossing traffic.
Belfast to Derry: Also beautiful but the sea is on your right, so pulling off requires crossing traffic more often.
Either direction works - choose based on your base location and itinerary.
Essential Stops (Don't Miss)
🏰 1. Carrickfergus Castle (10 miles from Belfast)
Stop time: 1 hour | Cost: £6
One of Ireland's best-preserved medieval castles. Great for kids with interactive displays. Quick stop to break up the drive early. Views over Belfast Lough are lovely.
🌊 2. Ballygally (22 miles)
Stop time: 30 min | Cost: Free
Pretty coastal village with Ballygally Castle (now a hotel with ghost!). Nice beach walk. Good coffee stop at the castle.
🏔️ 3. Glens of Antrim (40-60 miles)
Stop time: 2-3 hours for proper exploration | Cost: Free (parking £3-5)
Nine stunning valleys. Glenariff Forest Park ("Queen of the Glens") has excellent waterfall walks. Cushendall and Cushendun are charming villages for lunch. Don't rush this section!
🗿 4. Cushendun Caves (68 miles)
Stop time: 30 min | Cost: Free
400-million-year-old caves (Game of Thrones filming location). Check tide times - only accessible at low tide. Atmospheric and unique.
🏝️ 5. Ballycastle & Carrick-a-Rede (75 miles)
Stop time: 2-3 hours | Cost: £14 per person
The famous rope bridge suspended 30m above crashing waves. Book online in advance! Even if you don't cross, the coastal walk is spectacular. Ballycastle is great for lunch.
📸 6. Ballintoy Harbour (82 miles)
Stop time: 45 min | Cost: Free
Tiny picturesque harbor (Game of Thrones Iron Islands). Walk down to the harbor itself - photos don't do it justice. Looks like it's from a postcard.
⬢ 7. Giant's Causeway (86 miles)
Stop time: 2-3 hours minimum | Cost: £13.50 or free
THE highlight of the route. 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns - UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive early (before 9am) or late (after 5pm) to avoid crowds. Budget 2-3 hours minimum. Clifftop walk is spectacular.
🌲 8. Dark Hedges (90 miles - slight detour)
Stop time: 20 min | Cost: Free
Famous tree-lined avenue (Game of Thrones Kingsroad). 10-minute detour from main route but absolutely worth it. Early morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds.
🥃 9. Old Bushmills Distillery (89 miles)
Stop time: 1.5 hours | Cost: £10-15
World's oldest licensed whiskey distillery (1608). Fascinating tour with tastings. Book ahead. Even non-whiskey drinkers find it interesting. The village itself is charming.
🏰 10. Dunluce Castle (94 miles)
Stop time: 1 hour | Cost: £5.50
Dramatic medieval ruins on cliff edge. Inspired Game of Thrones House Greyjoy castle. Sunset here is magical. Don't miss the underrated "Mermaid's Cave" below the castle.
🏖️ 11. Portrush & Portstewart (96-102 miles)
Stop time: 1-2 hours | Cost: Free
Lively seaside towns with excellent beaches. Portstewart Strand is spectacular (£5 parking). Great food scene - Harry's Shack for seafood, Morelli's for ice cream. Good base for overnight stay.
⛪ 12. Mussenden Temple & Downhill Beach (110 miles)
Stop time: 1 hour | Cost: Free (parking £5)
18th-century clifftop temple with stunning views. Walk down to 7-mile beach below. One of Northern Ireland's most photographed spots. Sunset is incredible here.
Hidden Gems (Off the Beaten Path)
Murlough Bay
Remote bay requiring steep walk but offering incredible views toward Scotland on clear days. Very few tourists. Ultimate reward for effort. Near Ballycastle.
Torr Head
Northernmost point in Northern Ireland. Narrow winding road (not for nervous drivers) but views on clear days show Scotland just 12 miles away. Feels like the edge of the world.
Larrybane Quarry
Former limestone quarry near Carrick-a-Rede. Free to visit, dramatic coastal views, usually empty. Game of Thrones filming location. Perfect spot for a picnic.
Glenariff Forest Park
Waterfall walk through "Queen of the Glens." Most tourists skip this for coastal attractions but it's magical. £5 parking, easy 2-mile loop trail.
Planning Your Drive
One Day Option
Can you do it in one day? Yes, but it's rushed. Focus on:
- Early start from Belfast (7am)
- Quick stops: Glens of Antrim, Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy
- Main time: Giant's Causeway (2-3 hours)
- Evening: Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, sunset
- Skip: Distillery, Mussenden (too much for one day)
- Return to Belfast or overnight in Portrush
Two Day Option (Recommended)
Day 1: Belfast to Bushmills area. Explore Glens, Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy, Giant's Causeway at leisure. Overnight Bushmills/Portrush.
Day 2: Dark Hedges, Dunluce, Portrush, Downhill, continue to Derry or return to Belfast.
This allows proper time at each attraction without feeling rushed.
Three Days (Ideal)
Adds time for: Whiskey distillery tour, proper Glens exploration, beach time, trying local restaurants, flexibility for weather.
⏰ Timing Tips
- Summer (June-August): Longest days (sunset 10pm!) but busiest. Book accommodation and Carrick-a-Rede tickets ahead.
- Spring/Autumn (April-May, Sept-Oct): Perfect balance. Good weather, fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation.
- Winter (Nov-March): Moody and dramatic but short days (dark by 4:30pm). Some attractions close early.
Practical Information
Driving Tips
- Drive on the LEFT: Northern Ireland follows UK driving rules - drive on the left side of the road, overtake on the right. If you're from a country that drives on the right (USA, most of Europe), take extra care, especially at roundabouts and when first setting off
- Roads are narrow and winding: Allow extra time, don't rush
- Passing places: Pull in to let faster traffic pass
- Sat nav/GPS: Can be unreliable - download offline maps
- Phone signal: Patchy in rural areas - plan ahead
- Fuel: Fill up in larger towns (Larne, Ballycastle, Portrush) - stations sparse elsewhere
- Speed limits: Often 60mph but drive to conditions, not the limit
- Sheep on roads: Common in rural areas - be alert!
Where to Stay
One-night trip: Stay Bushmills or Portrush (central to main attractions)
Two-night trip: Night 1 Ballycastle area, Night 2 Portrush/Portstewart
Budget: Hostels in Ballycastle, Portrush from £18/night
Mid-range: B&Bs and small hotels £60-90 double room
Splurge: Bushmills Inn (£150-200) is worth it for special occasions
See all accommodation options →
What to Pack
- Essential: Waterproof jacket (weather changes fast), comfortable walking shoes
- Recommended: Camera, binoculars, reusable water bottle, snacks
- Don't forget: UK plug adapter, offline maps downloaded, sunscreen (yes, even in Ireland!)
Food & Drink Stops
Breakfast: Ballycastle - Morton's Fish & Chips also does breakfast
Coffee: Ursa Minor Bakehouse (Ballycastle) - excellent pastries
Lunch: Tartine at Distillers Arms (Bushmills), Ramore Wine Bar (Portrush)
Dinner: Harry's Shack (Portstewart) seafood, Bushmills Inn traditional
Ice cream: Morelli's (Portstewart) - institution since 1911
Common Questions
Is the Causeway Coastal Route suitable for camper vans/RVs?
Yes, but challenging in places. Roads are narrow with tight turns. Some attractions have limited large vehicle parking. Wild camping is generally not permitted - use designated campsites.
Can you cycle the route?
Absolutely! It's popular with cyclists but be aware: hilly, narrow roads with traffic, and exposed to coastal winds. Only for confident road cyclists. Allow 3-4 days cycling.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Many attractions have accessible facilities (Giant's Causeway has shuttle bus, Carrickfergus Castle has ramps) but the route itself requires ability to get in/out of car frequently. Check individual attractions before visiting.
What's better: guided tour or self-drive?
Self-drive wins for: Flexibility, stopping where you want, going at your own pace, better value for 2+ people
Guided tours better for: Solo travelers without car, those uncomfortable driving on left, getting local insights
Final Thoughts
The Causeway Coastal Route isn't just a drive - it's an experience. The beauty of self-driving is the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye, detour down interesting side roads, and spend as long as you like at each location.
Don't try to tick off every attraction in a single day. The magic of this route is in taking your time, soaking in the views, chatting with locals in village pubs, and letting the dramatic coastal scenery work its magic.
Whether you have one day or a week, the Causeway Coastal Route will be a highlight of your time in Ireland. Just remember: it's about the journey, not the destination. Though the destinations are pretty spectacular too.
🗺️ More Planning Resources
Combining this route with Belfast? See our 3-day itinerary. Want to photograph the route? Check our photography guide for best times and settings at each location.
Drive safely, stop often, and enjoy one of the world's most beautiful coastal routes. You're in for a treat!
Growing up in Portstewart, Connor has driven the Causeway Coastal Route hundreds of times and knows every viewpoint, hidden beach, and local shortcut. As a water sports instructor and hiking guide, he combines professional outdoor expertise with genuine local passion for Northern Ireland's dramatic coastline.