Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route links Belfast and Derry~Londonderry along the north coast, past the Glens of Antrim, Carrick-a-Rede, the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle.
- Region
- Northern Ireland
- Length
- About 190–250 km (120–154 mi)
- Start / end
- Belfast / Derry~Londonderry
- Suggested time
- 3–5 days
- Best season
- May–June; summer is peak
What should you know before visiting Causeway Coastal Route?
No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.
- Sources give lengths between about 120 and 154 miles (190 to 250 km), depending on where the route is counted and which detours are added. Plan three to five days.
- The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge needs a pre-booked ticket and is often closed in high winds. Check the National Trust page for the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede before you plan a fixed day.
- Wild camping is discouraged in Northern Ireland. Ask the landowner first, and note that forest land is usually closed to wild camping unless signs allow it. Campsites near Bushmills and Portrush fill up in summer.
- May and June usually offer the best balance of weather and daylight. June to August is peak season, and winter brings strong winds and large waves.
The drive
From Belfast the route heads north past Carrickfergus Castle and the Glens of Antrim, with Glenarm and Cushendun on the way. Torr Head and Ballycastle follow, the latter with ferries to Rathlin Island and the Dark Hedges a short drive inland. Then come Carrick-a-Rede, the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Portrush. The final stretch passes Mussenden Temple and Magilligan Point and ends in Derry~Londonderry.
Planning
Many stops are close together, so a relaxed pace works better than a fixed timetable. One guide calls the road to Torr Head very narrow and unsuitable for large vehicles, with signs reported to bar coaches and caravans, so most motorhomes should skip it. Campsites near Bushmills and Portrush are popular in summer, so book ahead. For the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other sites, check the National Trust and Discover Northern Ireland for opening times.
FAQs
How long is the Causeway Coastal Route?
Sources give about 120 to 154 miles (190 to 250 km) between Belfast and Derry~Londonderry. The figure depends on where the route is counted and which detours are included.
Is the Carrick-a-Rede bridge always open?
No. Visits need a pre-booked ticket, and the rope bridge is often closed in high winds. Check the National Trust page before you go and keep your day flexible.
Can I wild camp in a motorhome on the north coast?
It is discouraged in Northern Ireland. Ask the landowner first, and treat forest land as off-limits unless signs say otherwise. Campsites near Bushmills and Portrush are the simpler choice, and summer needs booking.
Places to see
© Tony Webster from Portland, Oregon, United States · CC BY 2.0Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
A rope bridge 30 m above the sea to a tiny island once used by salmon fishermen. Book a time slot.
Photo by Sean Kuriyan on UnsplashGiant's Causeway
About 40,000 interlocking basalt columns stepping down into the sea on the Antrim coast.
© Vazagui · CC BY-SA 4.0The Dark Hedges
An avenue of twisted beech trees planted in the 18th century. Go at dawn to avoid crowds.
