Causeway Coastal Route Destinations

You might not think that a long row of trees is worth stopping for, but The Dark Hedges are different. First planted in 1775, this garrison of 150 beech trees makes for a spectacular sight, especially at dawn or dusk. It’s just 20 minutes by car from The Causeway itself so you can easily see both in the same day. Plus, what self-respecting Game of Thrones fan would miss a chance to see the King’s Road?

Is there anything more atmospheric and striking than a castle on a cliff? Northern Ireland has a few dotted around and Dunluce is one of the oldest and largest. It has survived numerous battles in its day, although ‘survived’ might be generous. Ruin or not, it’s less than five miles from Giant’s Causeway, so it’s definitely possible to see both in the same day. There’s also an adjacent cafe called the Wee Cottage Café.

As well as being very difficult not to read as ‘goblins’, The Gobbins is one of the most unique, interesting stops along the Coastal Route. It’s a path of bridges built into the cliffside, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with the Irish coast. Walking along the exhilarating route brings you close to not only the roaring ocean below, but also bird and sea life. On a clear day it makes for a great view of the Scottish coast on the other side. The Gobbins is on the southern border making it a great place to start the route.

Trade the car for a boat along the way to experience Rathlin Island. The ferry from Ballycastle takes around 40 minutes and you could spend an entire day exploring the small island if you were so inclined. From the harbour village you can walk the island, rent a bike or visit the RSPB Bird Centre (£5 a head for adults, £2.50 for children and concessions) and meet some puffins and other seabirds.

Overlooking the long, sandy beaches of Downhill, the Mussenden Temple is surrounded by great walking routes as well as the actual temple itself, a relic from the 18th century in the grounds of Downhill Houese estate. Reached via the town of Coleraine, the temple is just half an hour from Giant’s Causeway and a great stop if you’re headed in the direction of Derry (or Londonderry) to end your trip.