Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route, also known as the Giant’s Causeway road, is a popular scenic road trip destination.
This splendid road runs along the coast for a few hundred kilometers, and you can discover memorable views of Northern Ireland’s impressive, rough coastline.
It definitely can be compared to the Wild Atlantic Way or even the Atlantic Ocean Road in terms of the scenery of the landscapes for a coastal road.
To truly take in all the natural beauty and cultural heritage that this route has to offer, many travelers spend a few days on the Causeway Coastal Route, making stops at key landmarks.
Where is this scenic drive located?
The Causeway Coastal Route is a tourist route in Northern Ireland’s north-east region. On this route, you will be able to contemplate sleepy hamlets, silent valleys, and picturesque fishing villages.
It runs along the Northern Irish coast, passing through towns and villages like Bushmills, Ballycastle, and Cushendall.
While driving this incredible Irish road trip, you certainly are bound to marvel at the natural beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant culture that surrounds you.
You can find a map of the Causeway Coastal Route bellow.
Enlarge the map
How long is the Causeway Coastal Route?
The drive is a two lane asphalted road that span about 200 kilometers (125 miles). It is a compilation of small and winding roads in overall good condition. It will take you about 4 hours to drive it from Belfast to Derry. Although, you should take at least 2–3 days to enjoy all the beauty and touristic sites along the drive.
Some sites include natural scenic landscapes made of amazing beaches and waterfalls. Besides, there are also human-made things, such as castles or small cozy villages, where you will be able to find accommodation by the Causeway Coastal Road.
General information about the Causeway Costal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route road trip in Northern Ireland has been named by National Geographic and many other publications as one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. Driving it, you will quickly understand why.
Between fields, wild beaches, pure nature, history, picturesque villages, gastronomy, UNESCO site, sports activities, and much more, road trip enthusiasts will have fun and enjoy great adventures.
Another cool road trip idea in Ireland is the Ring of Kerry with the Gap of Dunloe or the Slea Head Drive. Closer, you can drive the Antrim Coast Road.
When was the Causeway Coastal Route built?
William Bald built the Causeway Coastal Route in the early 1800s. It intended to replace the Old Irish Highway, which had grown dangerous to travel on.
The road’s objective was to not only enable easier access for people and trade to coastal and inland communities, but also to function as a crucial military route in the event of a conflict.
How to get to Causeway Coastal Route?
Many tourists embark on their road trip from Belfast, and follow the A2 Highway and the coastline, heading north.
This route takes you through territories of remarkable natural beauty, starting from Belfast and passing through the Giant’s Causeway, and ending in Derry.
The road trip will take you from the capital Belfast to the city of Derry. It is possible, of course, to take scenic detours and join other legendary routes, such as the Wild Atlantic Way or the Morne Scenic Route.
Here is a map of the Causeway Coastal Route itinerary:
What to see on the Causeway Coastal Route?
If you are driving on this mythic road you will surely want to know what are the best spots to visit on your journey, here is a list of the must-do:
- Cranny Falls waterfall. It is a beautiful waterfall not far away from Belfast, the place is not well-known by the tourists so that makes the place quite unique. In order to access this place, you’ll have to walk 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) until you reach the waterfall.
- If you are a fan of Game of Thrones you will enjoy even more that drice as there is many locations that appear in the TV-show. For example: Binevenagh Mountain, Downhill Beach, Portstewart Strand, The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Murlough Bay or the Cushendun Caves.
- Whitepark Bay beach: definitely, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country! If you are looking for a causeway coastal rental, you will find an amazing place to stay there.
- Bushmills Distillery produces one of the most known Irish whiskeys in the world. In fact, it is one of the oldest distillery on earth, founded at the beginning of the 17th century.
- The Giant’s Causeway is the most famous spot on this road trip, it is on the Unesco World Heritage list. The Giant’s Causeway is a gigantic geological formation made up of more than 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. A decor that looks like it was created from scratch. Perfectly aligned tubes that intertwine with each other, some columns reach 12 meters in height
There are two versions of its origin. The first myth is a legend about Finn McCool, a giant, and Benandonner, a Scottish giant. The second version is scientific in nature, describing how the location appeared after a volcanic eruption that cooled 60 million years ago.
We cannot list all the spots to see here because there are so many. You can of course find others on your own and add them to your trip. Also, you can find some Causeway Coastal rentals ideas.
A video of the journey:
You can check for yourself why the Causeway Coastal Route that is one of the best road trips in Ireland to drive by watching this YouTube video:
Is the Causeway Coastal Route open?
The Causeway Coastal Route is open all year round. Because the weather can be very stormy and windy in this part of Ireland, we suggest you to keep an eye on the weather when planning your trip.
The most favorable time to visit the Causeway Coastal Route is between May and September, when the weather is the most pleasant. However, it is also during the summer months that the area sees the most tourists. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to plan your trip for a time other than July and August.
Once again, depending on the season, leave early and come home late. That allows you to take advantage of the beautiful light and the lack of tourists. Lunchtime can also be a good time to avoid organized tours.
Also, don’t forget that Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom. So, you should drive on the left side of the road!
In conclusion, if you are in Northern Ireland, you have to drive the Causeway Coastal Route. Ireland looks like an open-air museum, as its geological diversity is great. It is a land of character, an almost divine land that invites us to breathe and feel even more alive.
Picture credit: Colin Park on https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58267359
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