This guide has been updated for your 2025 Northern Ireland Roadtrip.
Looking to explore the Northern Ireland coastal route by car?
The awe-inspiring Antrim coast possesses the perfect combination of hikes, climbing and coastal activities that can be enjoyed any time of year – yes we surf in December and it’s not that cold.
The route is so good that it actually was voted number 1 region in the world in 2018 by Lonely Planet.
This behemoth of a post covers everything you need to plan your ultimate north coast road trip. We uncover hidden gems, must-do hikes and local’s insight so you can make this your most memorable trip to Ireland yet.
Where Does the Causeway Coastal Route Start and Finish?
The 130 mile long causeway coastal road extends from Belfast all the way up to Derry on the Irish border.
We’ve put together a map of the causeway coastal route below so you can see all the hotspots we’ve included on today’s post.
Add it to your Google My Maps to plan your next roadtrip with ease.
How Long Should I Spend Roadtripping the Causeway Coast?
How long is a piece of string?
There’s so much that the North Coast has to offer that you could come back a hundred times and discover something new.
You can explore all the highlights in just a few days but we promise you that the longer you stay, the more you’ll fall in love with this small corner of the world and want to explore it even more.
Things to See on the Causeway Coast: Your Road Trip Itinerary
We wanted to cover A LOT in this post so you don’t miss out. Depending on how long your trip to the Causeway Coast is, you can spend as little or as long exploring what it has to offer.
We’ve split the road trip into four parts to make it easier to navigate. You can click on the contents below if you want to head straight to that section.
[lwptoc]
PART 1: Causeway Coastal Route – Belfast to Cushendall
The famous Causeway Coastal route officially starts in Belfast and there’s a lot to explore between there and right here in Ballycastle.
If you only have a couple of days to spend here on the Irish North Coast, then you can just stop over at a couple of hotspots and then see all the main highlights that we covered in our article on things to do in Ballycastle and surrounds.
Carrickfergus Castle
Once you leave Belfast this will be the first stop on your Causeway Coast tour. Carrickfergus Castle is one of the more well kept castles along the causeway coastal route; the likes of Kinbane Castle and Dunluce in ruins.
It’s a late 12th century castle with a long history of tumultuous battles and of course, a ghost – no Irish castle is complete without a ghost story.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
15 minutes down the road lies the Gobbins, which, if you’ve done any research on where to visit in Northern Ireland, you’ll likely have seen in pictures.
You can make a solid half day here and it’s great for those looking for a little taste of adventure as the pathway literally is built into the cliffside overlooking the Irish Sea. The story behind the Gobbins is one that’s rich in history and following its extensive restoration, it opened up as a public attraction in 2014.
The whole path is about 5k/3 miles and there are a fair few stairs so bring your walking legs.
On a clear day you should be able to see the western isles of Scotland, too.
Ballygally
After stopping off at the Gobbins, it’s time to head to the town of Ballygally that has a few hidden treasures that you can explore in a couple of hours and add a little something different into your traditional Causeway Coast Road Trip.
We recommend checking out the following places whilst in Ballygally:
Carnfunnock Country Park and Cairndhu House – This supposedly haunted property was once an old mansion/summer house back in the 1800s, but eventually became a convalescent hospital in the 50s. It fell into a state of disrepair after closing in 1986. To be fair it does look a little creepy but definitely worth a peak if you’re driving through. You can’t go right up to the house due to how dilapidated it is. Nevertheless you can still get a decent eye in and admire what it once was.
The Maidens – A pair of islets home to lighthouses built in the 1820s
Cairn Castle Ruins – there’s not a lot left of these castle ruins so you’d be forgiven for missing it, but you do get a nice view of the town if you climb up the rocks.
Ballygally Beach – This award winning stretch of beach is a great opportunity for you to take a look at the dramatic Antrim coast while blowing off the cobwebs, you also get a decent view of the coastal town.
Slemish Mountain
After experiencing some of the fresh coastal air, those of you who are into hiking will want to take a slight detour from the coastal road itself (see map) towards Slemish Mountain. It’s a fairly easy walk that’s said to have been where St Patrick worked as a Shepherd after being captured by pirates.
Slemish Mountain stands proud around its fairly flat surroundings and for those who ramble to the top, you’ll be greeted with a views of Antrim on a clear day and if you summit around sunset you’ll have the opportunity to take some cracking photos.
The route from the car park to the tip of the 457m mound is pretty short at just 1.2 miles. However, it is steep, rocky and will require some willpower. Nevertheless you should be able to complete the walk in a couple of hours – and trust us… the view is worth it.
Glenarm
Driving back towards the coastal road will take you towards Glenarm which full to the brim of things to do on your Causeway Coast road trip. Here’s where we recommend visiting whilst in Glenarm.
Whitebay and Madman’s Window – Now if you missed Slemish Mountain or went back on yourself, you’ll reach Madman’s Window just before you reach the town of Glenarm. Due to significant coastal erosion you can no longer get right up to the window, but can still get a good view if you park at the carpark at Whitebay and take the short stroll down. We also recommend heading for a walk around Whitebay, too.
Glenarm Castle – One of the most well-kept castles and grounds on the Coast Road is Glenarm Castle. Set in pristine gardens, much of the castle has had to be restored over the years due to remodelling and then a fire. The only part of that remains since the 18th century is the old kitchen They also hold several events across the year such as the Tulip Festival, Camp Dalfest and The Christmas Experience. You can find out if any events are on during your stay here. For those of you who want to explore the castle in-depth, they have guided tours as well as woodland walks and the walled garden. They even offer glamping pods if you’d like to stay the night.
Straidkilly Nature Reserve – As you leave Glenarm, don’t forget to take a stroll through the hazel woodland of Straidkilly. If you visit during Spring you’ll be welcomed by an array of wildflowers and year round, you’ll find it’s home to plenty of Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and other birdlife.
Cranny Falls
As you head further North towards Carnlough, a short 1-hour stopover at Cranny Falls is a must see on your coastal road trip. The 3.5km walk is an easy, there and back trail with free car parking available. You can follow the route on Walk NI here.
Hidden Village of Galboly
For those of you who are history buffs (or Game of Thrones enthusiasts), then a visit to Galboly is a must for your road trip. Also known as the “robbers village”, Galboly was once home to as many as 60 people. However by the 50s there were just 6 residents left. The last person to live here was a monk who passed away in 2013.
Note you will need to get permission from the landowner to visit the hidden village as it’s on private land.
Glenariff Forest Park
Next up is one of the more spectacular stops as we head towards the Irish North Coast and our home here in Ballycastle. It does require you to make a bit of detour from the coast road but we can guarantee that it’s completely worth it.
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in another country whilst exploring this 1000 hectare forest park in the gorgeous Glens of Antrim, it looks especially nice in the late summer heading into autumn, especially on a sunny day where you can embark on several hiking trails and experience waterfalls, woodlands and large lakes.
There are even spots to camp but we recommend booking in advance.
If you’ve got a lot of time to spend on your way up to the North Coast, we highly recommend spending a night here before you head to Lagom.
Cushendall
Last but not least in the first part of the road trip is Cushendall. There are a few spots we recommend checking out here before heading towards our home of Ballycastle.
Sandstone Arch – As you’re driving up to Cushendall, you’ll drive through the sandstone arch, also known as the Red Arch. The arch was actually carved out in 1817, long before the Coast Road was built, so that the landowner, Francis Turnly could easily access Cushendall from Drumnasole. It’s definitely worth a stop for a picture.
Layd Old Church – Around one mile north of Cushendall, you’ll reach the ruins of Layd Old Church. A 13th century parish and burial site for the MacDonnells.
PART 2 – Causeway Coastal Route – Cushendall to Ballycastle
Cushendun Beach and Cushendun Caves
After leaving Cushendall, don’t forget to stop at probably one of the most popular beaches on the Coast Road.
On a hot summer’s day you’ll feel like you’re sunning it up in another country and might even get to see some seals.
As you head towards the south end of the beach, you’ll see some impressive cliff erosion which has formed over millions (400 million to be precise) of years and created this unique cave structure. You’ll also recognise them from Game of Thrones as the Stormlands.
We recommend parking by the beach and including the caves as part of a beach walk. You can also take a loop around the town of Cushendun which is just 2km.
From Cushendun you have a couple of options, you can follow the official Causeway Coastal Route or head onto the Torr Head Scenic Drive towards Torr Head.
Note: this route isn’t suitable for caravans as the road is narrow and winding; it’s even been described as a bucking bronco by some bloggers. For those of you in caravans, you’ll need to take the A2 (Loughareema Road and Cushendall Road) road rather than Torr Road.
The next few stops are follow the Torr Head scenic route:
Altagore Cashel
Altagore Cashel is one of several (by several we mean 40,000) ring forts and is said to have been built between 500-1200 AD. Likely used as a defence of some sorts it also had an underground passage which was filled up by the local farmers in later years. For those of you with a penchant for history, this is the best-kept cashel in Antrim.
Torr Head
As you arrive at Torr Head, you’ll be greeted with fabulous views of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre on a clear day. In the 1800s, there was a signalling station here which was abandoned in the 20s. However, you can still visit the building today. Back in the day it was used to log all the transatlantic ships that crossed these parts.
Fairhead
After leaving Torr Head, you continue your coastal drive towards Fairhead which is a great place to take in some dramatic panoramic views of the coastline and Scotland and is the perfect place for a stroll.
Fairhead is still active farmland and has been owned by the same family for over 300 years. You’ll likely bump into a few cows and ewes whilst you’re there.
It’s also a popular climbing spot and has been climbed by some of the most famous climbers in the world.
Make sure you also take a stroll around the Lough Fadden Trout Fishery whilst you’re here.
Ballycastle
Which brings us to our home town of Ballycastle.
Make sure to book your stay here at Lagom and use it as your base to explore everything the North Coast has to offer.
You’ll never be short on things to do here in Ballycastle and the surrounding areas and to be honest, you could complete the rest of the road trip (or at least the highlights of the North Coast) in a day or so depending on how long you want to spend at each stop.
PART THREE: The Ultimate North Coast Roadtrip – Ballycastle to Benone Beach
Between our home town here in Ballycastle and Benone Beach there are an abundance of activities waiting at every turn along our coastal route. We guarantee one visit won’t be enough but here’s everywhere we recommend heading on your North Coast road trip.
The Dark Hedges
Although not an official stop on the Causeway Coastal Route, no road trip to the north coast of NI is complete without a detour inland a little and a visit to the famous Kings Road.
A popular spot among Game of Thrones enthusiasts, this natural wonder of beech trees that has become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed attractions.
It’s located just south of us here at Lagom in Ballycastle and you can easily add it as a stopover during your road trip or if you’re spending a night or too at Lagom.
Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th Century as a tourist attraction, these 94 trees have far exceeded their average lifespan, drawing crowds from around the world.
While the site is spectacular year-round, you’ll thank us for recommending that you visit during the autumn and winter months. The ethereal morning mist and low sun does bits for creating the perfect insta pics.
Rathlin Island
While we’re on the theme of detours (most fun adventures require going a little off-piste), Rathlin Island is a must visit island located just off the shores of Ballycastle. Especially if you have a couple of extra days spare. Known for its rugged landscapes, rich wildlife, and historic landmarks, you can spend a solid day or two exploring all that Rathlin has to offer and is the perfect size to be explored on foot or by bike.
Depending on the time of year you might even be lucky to see some Puffins who usually call Rathlin home between
The island is also home to several historic sites, including a 16th-century castle ruins and a lighthouse, which offer visitors an insight into the island’s rich history.
Kinbane Head and Kinbane Castle
Back to the “official” route.
Just up the road from Lagom, on the way to Ballintoy Harbour lies Kinbane Head.
A dramatic headland home to the ruins of Kinbane Castle.
Perched on a white limestone outcrop, this 16th-century stronghold has taken a fair beating over the years. Now, it’s more of a picturesque wreck than a fortress, but the views? Next level.
Getting down there involves a steep descent (and an even steeper climb back up – RIP your legs), but it’s worth it for the rugged coastal scenery, crashing waves, and epic views of Rathlin Island.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
After exploring Ballintoy Harbour, a short scenic walk (or a quick drive if your legs are protesting – bear in mind it’s still a 20 min walk from the car park) takes you to one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic spots—the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Suspended 100ft (30m) above the wild Atlantic, this historic rope bridge was first built by salmon fishermen over 350 years ago.
Back then, it was a rickety one-rope death trap (okay, slight exaggeration, but still).
Today, the National Trust has made it a lot sturdier, but it still delivers an exhilarating wobble as you cross to the tiny Carrick-a-Rede Island.
Ballintoy Harbour
Home of the Iron Islands, another GOT fan favourite is Ballintoy Harbour.
This small village features a fishing harbor located just a mile away from the Carrick a Rede rope bridge.
We recommend parking up and then taking a stroll around town and then continuing onto Carrick-a-Rede as a bit of a scenic loop if the car park at Carrick-a-rede is full.
We’d also recommend pre-booking your tickets if you’re road-tripping during peak season.
Whitepark Bay Beach
Leaving the drama of Carrick-a-Rede behind, Whitepark Bay offers a total switch-up – think golden sands, rolling dunes, and absolute tranquillity.
This wide, crescent-shaped beach feels almost untouched, with only the sound of crashing waves and the odd wandering cow for company.
While it’s tempting to take a dip, strong currents make swimming unsafe, so it’s best to stick to paddling. There’s a small car park, but spaces are limited – so if it’s full, you might need to try again later.
The Giants Causeway
The infamous Giant’s Causeway is a must do for any Irish road trip. Made up of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, they reach almost 82ft (25m) above the sea.
Around 50-60 million years ago during the Tertiary period, volcanic activity in the region led to the formation of the Giant’s Causeway, which was once a bed of lava that cooled rapidly into those famous hexagonal columns we see today.
Although this formation is not uncommon and can be found in other volcanic hotspots around the globe, including Svartifoss Waterfall in Iceland, where the basalt columns surround it and Fingal’s Cave in Scotland which is a little closer to home.
Whilst exploring the causeway, you’ll enjoy plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, great walks, and learn about the fascinating battles between Scottish and Irish giants – because we wouldn’t be in NI if there wasn’t myth and legend surrounding every attraction.
To fully experience all that the Giant’s Causeway has to offer, we suggest setting aside a good couple of hours, though you might want to stay longer.
The Old Bushmills Distillery
Swapping rugged cliffs for rich, golden whiskey, Old Bushmills Distillery is a quick detour inland and an essential stop for any whiskey lover (or anyone who just appreciates a good story).
With a history stretching back to 1608, this place has seen it all – fires, wars, and more ownership swaps than a Premier League football club.
The 1.5-hour tour is a deep dive into centuries of craftsmanship, from grain to glass, and – let’s be honest – the best bit is the tasting at the end. If you’ve ever wondered what 400 years of distilling expertise tastes like, this is where you find out.
Dunluce Castle
Towering over the North Atlantic on a sheer cliff edge, Dunluce Castle is the kind of place that looks straight out of a fantasy film – because, well, it basically is (GOT fans, you’ll know).
But beyond the crumbling walls and postcard-perfect setting, this castle has some serious history.
Back in 1639, a violent storm sent part of the kitchen crashing into the sea, with only one lucky kitchen boy surviving.
Whether that’s fact or legend is up for debate, but either way, you won’t find a more dramatic backdrop for a castle tour.
You can explore the ruins up close or just admire the view – it’s spectacular either way.
It’s also a cracking spot for your elopement photos.
Portstewart Strand
Leaving castle ruins behind, Portstewart Strand delivers two miles of golden sand and some of the best coastal views in Northern Ireland.
Unlike most beaches, you can actually drive onto the sand, making it perfect for an impromptu picnic with a sea view.
Look beyond the waves, and you’ll spot Mussenden Temple perched dramatically on the cliffs, which brings us onto…
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
Perched 120ft above the Atlantic is the Mussenden Temple. Inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Rome, it was built in 1785 by the eccentric Earl of Bristol as a private library – because apparently, nothing says “quiet reading spot” like a cliff edge.
It’s been battling coastal erosion ever since, but for now, it’s still standing, serving up epic views over the beaches below.
Benone Beach
Which brings us to the last beach stop of the trip, you can actually drive onto and park on the beach itself, but make sure you have 4WD/a car that can handle it. We’ve seen many people get stuck on here and need rescuing from the sand.
Magilligan Point
Okay okay, so once again…not technically on the route, but if you’ve got time and you’ve got this far. Magilligan Point is worth a stop over.
Sitting at the edge of one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. The dunes are constantly shifting, the tides are dramatic, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some seals lounging on the shore.
It’s also home to a Martello Tower, built in the early 1800s to keep an eye out for Napoleon (spoiler: he never showed).
Whether you’re here for a beach walk, a history fix, or just to take in the endless sea views, this is the perfect place to pause before heading into Derry.
Derry – The Final Stop on Your Causeway Coastal Road Trip
After miles of rugged coastline, cliffside castles, and golden beaches, your road trip ends in Derry – a city where history and culture collide. From walking its 400-year-old walls to diving into its vibrant food and nightlife scene, there’s plenty to round off your adventure with a bang.
Walk the Famous City Walls
Derry is home to Ireland’s only fully intact city walls, standing strong since the 1600s. A full lap takes around an hour, with epic views over the city, plus plenty of cannons and historic gates to check out along the way. It’s an easy way to get your bearings and soak up centuries of history in one go.
Derry Girls & The Iconic Mural
If you’ve laughed (and maybe cried) along with Derry Girls, you’ll want to stop by the famous mural in the city centre.
For superfans, there’s also a Derry Girls Tour, which takes you around filming locations and gives you a behind-the-scenes peek into the hit show’s impact on the city.
Museum of Free Derry
For a deeper dive into the city’s history, the Museum of Free Derry gives a powerful insight into the civil rights movement and the Troubles. It’s a small but incredibly moving museum, with personal stories and exhibits that bring this chapter of history to life.
Europe’s Biggest Halloween Festival
If you time your trip right, Derry’s Halloween festival is something else. Think sprawling street parades, wild costumes, firework displays, and an entire city going all out for the spooky season.
It’s been called the best Halloween celebration in the world, and honestly? They’re not wrong.
Food & Drink Scene
Derry’s food game is strong, with everything from traditional Irish stews to modern fine dining. For a proper feed, head to Shipquay Street or Waterloo Street, where you’ll find cosy pubs, buzzing restaurants, and plenty of local craft beers to toast the end of your road trip.
That’s a Wrap – Your Ultimate Causeway Coastal Road Trip
You made it!
And hopefully love our North Coast as much as we do.
And want to come back for more.
From the bustling streets of Belfast to the historic walls of Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route is the kind of road trip that sticks with you.
You’ve crossed rope bridges, wandered through castle ruins, stood on 40,000-year-old basalt columns, and probably eaten your weight in fish and chips along the way.
If you’re planning your trip (or already thinking about coming back – because once is never enough), make sure to stay in Ballycastle with us at Lagom.
It’s the perfect base for exploring the North Coast’s best bits, with epic scenery, cosy vibes, and everything you need to slow down and soak it all in.
So, whether you’re ticking off the Causeway Coast for the first time or back for round two, one thing’s for sure – this place always leaves you wanting more.
See you soon?
Team Lagom ✌️
