Named one of the world's greatest coastal drives, the Causeway Coastal Route takes you from Belfast to Derry along 120 miles of spectacular north Antrim coast. Here's everything you need to know.
The Causeway Coastal Route — also known as the Giant's Causeway and Antrim Coast Road — is one of the world's most scenic drives, stretching 120 miles from Belfast to Londonderry along the rugged north Antrim coast.
Key Stops Along the Route (Belfast to Derry)
Larne — Start of the Scenic Drive The A2 coast road begins at Larne, where the ferry from Cairnryan, Scotland arrives. From here, the road winds north past dramatic limestone cliffs, wooded glens, and the Gobbins cliff path.
The Gobbins One of Northern Ireland's most extraordinary natural experiences — a cliff path built into the face of the basalt headland, with bridges spanning sea caves and blowholes. Pre-booking is essential.
Glenariff Forest Park The 'Queen of the Glens' — Glenariff is the largest and most accessible of the nine Glens of Antrim. The waterfall walk through the forest park is simply beautiful, especially after rain.
Cushendall & Cushendun Two charming villages in the Glens of Antrim. Cushendun's caves were used as a Game of Thrones filming location (Melisandre's cave). The villages have excellent local pubs and restaurants.
Ballycastle A bustling market town at the northern end of the Glens, Ballycastle is the gateway to Rathlin Island. The famous Ould Lammas Fair takes place here each August.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge One of Northern Ireland's most thrilling experiences — a rope bridge suspended 30 metres above the sea between the mainland and a tiny island. Must be pre-booked through the National Trust.
Giant's Causeway The centrepiece of the route — the UNESCO World Heritage Site with 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. Allow at least 2–3 hours.
Bushmills Distillery Just 3 miles from the Causeway — Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery (1608), offering daily tours and tastings.
Dunluce Castle The dramatic clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle, once the seat of the MacDonnell clan. Used in Game of Thrones as Pyke Castle.
Dark Hedges The hauntingly beautiful avenue of 300-year-old beech trees — used as the King's Road in Game of Thrones. Best visited at dawn for atmospheric light and fewer crowds.
Portrush & Portstewart Twin seaside resort towns with beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, and the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Benone Strand A 7-mile stretch of pristine golden sand, backed by dunes. One of Northern Ireland's finest beaches.
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne A clifftop temple perched dramatically above the Atlantic, with panoramic views across the Causeway Coast to Scotland and Donegal.
Derry/Londonderry The end of the route — Northern Ireland's second city, with the only completely preserved city walls in Ireland, the Guildhall, and the Bogside murals.
Private Guided Tours The Causeway Coastal Route is best experienced with a private guide who knows the hidden viewpoints, the best stops, and the stories behind each location. Our Causeway Coastal Route private tour from Belfast covers all the key highlights in one day.
Contact Belfast Transfers and Tours to book your private Causeway Coastal Route tour.