Causeway Coastal Route

Route description

From Belfast take the A2 north past Carrickfergus Castle and Larne, then follow the coast through the Glens of Antrim, where green valleys run down to villages such as Glenarm and Cushendall. The minor scenic road over Torr Head is steep and narrow and not suitable for large motorhomes.

Near Ballintoy, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge crosses 30 m above the sea to a small island once used by salmon fishermen. Crossings are by timed ticket, so book ahead, and the bridge closes in strong winds.

Turn inland for the Dark Hedges, an avenue of twisted beech trees on a country road near Armoy; the lane itself is closed to traffic, so park nearby and walk, ideally at dawn. Back on the coast, the Giant’s Causeway has about 40,000 basalt columns stepping into the sea, with a visitor centre and paths along the cliffs.

Bushmills is home to a well-known whiskey distillery, and the ruins of Dunluce Castle stand on the cliffs just west of the town. The route ends in Derry, whose 17th-century city walls are complete and can be walked all the way round.