48 hours along the Causeway Coastal Route
Here is our sample itinerary to a perfect 48 hours along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route
ACCOMMODATION
Make sure to base yourself close to the Causeway Route. It’s best to make a base in Co Antrim and travel along the route from there. So settle down in a B&B or hotel in one of the welcoming towns or villages, and pick a number of gems to explore every day.
DAY 1: MORNING
Start your trip at the Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne, Co Antrim. Located less than 25 miles from Belfast, the park’s Time Garden features the biggest collection of sundials in Ireland and traces the history of time through a series of living, working sundials. If you want to have fun with all the family, the Park also contains a 5-Star caravan park and campsite which is the perfect place to stay if you are planning to explore the rest of the Coastal Route. Highlights include an outdoor adventure playground, family fun zone, golf course, walled garden, walking trails, and a hedge maze in the shape of Northern Ireland. You will be hungry after your adventures, so drop in to Billy Andy’s Restaurant in Glenoe. One of the few original licensed spirit grocers still left in the country, it dates back to the early 19th century. Billy Andy’s provides a wide range of the finest, in season, local produce available.
AFTERNOON
Head along the route to the Giant’s Causeway. This is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist destination and only UNESCO world heritage site. The large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago. It’s not a real visit to Northern Ireland without a tipple in the afternoon. The 4-Star Galgorm Resort in Co Antrim hosts a stunning gin library with one of the most extensive and exclusive gin menus in the country. The bar is a glass creation with stunning views of the cascading River Maine. Here you can experience a selection of classic and bespoke cocktails. Hopefully your head will be clear for
your next adventure. Take a visit to some of the filming locations for Game of Thrones®, such as the Dark Hedges (King’s Road). The beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. The trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.
DAY 2: MORNING
Start day two with a challenge at the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, crossing a chasm that is 30 metres deep and 20 metres wide. The chasm was once a temporary structure built by fishermen to reach the tiny island on the other side. Now much sturdier, the bridge is a popular tourist destination and the perfect vantage point for taking in the surrounding scenery soaring above the Atlantic Ocean. After your walk across the bridge, make your way to the ruin of Dunluce Castle, and learn of its history and tales of Banshees. This castle hangs on the cliff edge and has inspired many artists and writers, including C.S. Lewis. The bridge walk can make anyone hungry, so have some downtime and lunch at Harry’s Shack. This unique beach side eatery was named in the Sunday Times’ top 100 UK Restaurants 2017.
AFTERNOON
After lunch, take a trip to Rathlin Island (www.rathlinballycastleferry.com) . This is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, reached by ferry from Ballycastle. With a population of around 140 people, Rathlin is filled with storytellers. Ask the locals about their legends, such as the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce and the determined spider which inspired him to keep fighting for independence. While on Rathlin Island, visit one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland, called Rathlin West Light or the ‘upside down lighthouse’ as it’s known. You can get a real insight into light-keeping life. While you still have the energy to go even higher, take a detour off the main Causeway Coastal Route and ascend on a scenic drive to Binevenagh mountain. The stunning views of Roe Valley, the Sperrin Mountains, North Coast and across Lough Foyle to Donegal, are simply breathtaking. End your route in the city of Derry. Take a walking tour of Ireland’s only remaining City Walls or visit its landmark sights, such as St Columb’s Cathedral, the neo-gothic style Guildhall and the Peace Bridge that symbolises a handshake of peace across the River Foyle.