Causeway Coast and Glens

Overview

The Causeway Coast and Glens stretches across the northern tip of Northern Ireland, encompassing a 1,796 km² local‑government district and a 30 km Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Over 150 km of rugged Atlantic shoreline, sweeping dunes, basalt cliffs and a patchwork of farmland, forested valleys and the inhabited Rathlin Island define a landscape of striking contrasts. The region is linked by the world‑famous Causeway Coastal Route, a 120‑mile drive that threads together iconic natural wonders, historic villages and bustling seaside resorts such as Portrush, Portstewart and Ballycastle.

History & Background

• Geology – The area records a deep‑time story: ancient schist formations formed 300 million years ago, volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago created the basalt flows that became the Giant’s Causeway, and successive glaciations sculpted the deep glens and white‑chalk cliffs seen today. The Antrim Plateau, the backbone of the region, is a basaltic lava field formed by fissure eruptions; it underlies the Giant’s Causeway and the surrounding glens.
• Early human presence – The Mountsandel site near Coleraine dates to about 5,900 BC, making it one of Ireland’s oldest known settlements. The ancient kingdom of Dalriada linked north‑eastern Ireland with western Scotland, leaving a legacy of shared language and folklore in the glens.
• Later centuries – The 17th‑century Plantation of Ulster fortified towns such as Coleraine, while the 19th‑century railway boom connected the coast to Belfast and Derry, laying the groundwork for modern tourism.
• Modern administration – On 1 April 2015 the former boroughs of Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Moyle merged to form the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. The district’s name was first announced in 2008 and refined in 2009.

Geology & Landscape

The nine Glens of Antrim were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age and later shaped by volcanic activity. Each glen runs from the Antrim Plateau down to the sea, creating a series of steep, verdant valleys that host waterfalls, ancient flint sites and rich wildlife. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988, the Glens combine basalt cliffs, limestone coastlines and mixed woodlands, offering a mosaic of habitats for bird‑watchers and hikers alike.

What to See & Do

Natural Highlights

• Giant’s Causeway – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, a visitor centre, the famous “Wishing Chair” and guided walks that recount the legend of Finn McCool.
• White Park Bay – A nationally important dune system forming a pristine sandy arc between Ballintoy Harbour and Portbradden, ideal for long beach walks and bird‑watching.
• Fair Head – Towering cliffs that offer dramatic sea views and, on clear days, a glimpse of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre.
• The Nine Glens – Each glen has its own character; highlights include:
  • Glenariff – Mare’s Tail waterfall and a 1,000‑acre forest park with several marked trails.
  • Glencloy – A series of picturesque waterfalls such as the Glencloy Falls, perfect for a short forest walk.
  • Glenballyeamon – Home to a derelict railway line; see the historic Ballycastle Railway for more details.
  • Glenaan – Traditional Irish cottages and legends of the warrior Oisín.
  • Glendun – Known as the ‘Brown Glen’, it features striking sea caves and a tranquil riverside walk.
  • Glenesk – Site of the 15th‑century Friary of Bonmargie.
• Moyle Way – A 26‑mile marked trail that traverses five of the nine glens, passing rivers, ancient monuments and culminating in Glenariff Forest Park. It offers options for a two‑day hike or shorter day‑walk sections.
• Glenariff Forest Park – Home to several walking routes such as the Scenic Trail, Laragh Lodge Loop and the Inver River walk, all leading to waterfalls like Ess‑na‑Crub.

Historic & Cultural Sites

• Dunluce Castle – Ruins perched on a basalt cliff, echoing centuries of conflict and maritime trade.
• Glenarm Castle – The historic seat of the McDonnell clan, celebrated as Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year.
• Mussenden Temple – White‑cliffed 18th‑century folly overlooking the Atlantic, reachable via a scenic coastal walk.
• Carrick‑a‑Rède Rope Bridge – A 30 m‑high suspension bridge spanning a dramatic sea‑cut, offering thrilling views.
• Bushmills Distillery – The world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, set in the picturesque Bush valley.
• Carrickfergus Castle – A well‑preserved 12th‑century fortress that makes a popular stop on the coastal route, offering panoramic views of Belfast Lough.
• The Dark Hedges – An iconic beech‑tree avenue near Ballymoney, used as the King’s Road in Game of Thrones.
• Ballycastle Museum – Showcases the maritime and social history of the north‑Antrim coast.
• Ballycastle Heritage Trail – A self‑guided walk linking the town’s historic sites, including the derelict railway station.

Film & TV Locations

The dramatic coastline has become a backdrop for international productions, most famously Game of Thrones. Highlights include:

• Dunluce Castle – Used as the seat of House Greyjoy (Pyke) in the series.
• Ballintoy Harbour – Portrayed the Iron Islands, with its rugged cliffs and sea‑filled harbour.
• Dark Hedges – Featured as the King’s Road, the eerie avenue of beech trees.
• Carrickfergus Castle – Appears in several episodes as a medieval stronghold. Fans often combine these stops with the standard coastal route, creating a themed day‑trip.

Towns & Beaches

• Portrush, Portstewart and Ballycastle – Vibrant seaside resorts with promenades, restaurants and easy access to the coastal route.
• Ballycastle Beach – Sweeping sands perfect for family outings and water sports.
• Coleraine and Ballymoney – Market towns that provide cultural attractions, shopping and links to the inland glens.
• Portballintrae – A quiet fishing village with a slipway that is currently undergoing a £124,711 repair scheme (see council news).

Walking & Cycling Routes

• Causeway Coastal Route – Also known as the Antrim Coast Road, it offers a scenic drive of 120 miles with numerous pull‑outs for photography, short walks and viewpoint stops such as Magheracross and Torr Head.
• Moyle Way – Detailed above, ideal for hikers of moderate ability.
• Glencloy Waterfall Walk – A short, well‑marked trail leading to a series of cascading falls, suitable for families.
• Glendun Sea‑Cave Trail – A coastal path that descends to dramatic sea caves; the route is wheelchair‑accessible in parts.
• Cycling the Coast – The full 100‑mile loop is popular with road cyclists; the route alternates between quiet country lanes and spectacular sea‑edge sections. Bike‑hire points are available in Portrush, Ballycastle and Coleraine.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

• White Park Bay – Designated as a Special Protection Area; common sightings include oystercatchers, terns and the occasional puffin during summer.
• Glenariff Forest Park – Home to red squirrels, pine martens and a variety of woodland birds.
• Coastal cliffs at Fair Head and Torr Head – Excellent for spotting seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.
• Rathlin Island – A short ferry ride from the mainland brings you to one of the best seabird colonies in Ireland, including storm‑petrels and gannets.

Local Events Calendar

• Portrush Ford Fair (7 June 2026) – A major motoring gathering at West Bay, supporting Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
• Giant’s Causeway Fireworks – An annual summer fireworks display that lights up the basalt columns.
• North West 200 (early May) – The world‑famous motorcycle race passes close to Portrush, drawing thousands of fans.
• Ballycastle Ould Lammas Fair (August) – A traditional agricultural fair with crafts, food stalls and live music.
• Summer Music & Food Festivals – Towns such as Ballycastle and Portstewart host weekly street music events and seafood festivals throughout July and August.

Family‑Friendly Activities

• Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre – Interactive exhibits, a family‑friendly audio guide and a safe play area for children.
• The Gobbins Cliff Path – A dramatic, engineered walk with safety railings; suitable for older children and adventurous families.
• Carrick‑a‑Rède Rope Bridge – While the bridge itself is not for the faint‑hearted, the viewing platform offers a safe spot for kids to watch the sea.
• Bushmills Distillery Tours – Family‑friendly tours are available in the afternoon, with a soft‑drink tasting option for younger visitors.
• Coastal Playgrounds – Portstewart Strand and Portrush have well‑maintained playgrounds and safe swimming zones.

Events & Festivals

• Portrush Ford Fair (7 June 2026) – A major motoring gathering held at West Bay, supporting Cancer Focus Northern Ireland as the official charity partner. The event draws families, car clubs and enthusiasts from across the island.
• Giant’s Causeway Fireworks – An annual summer fireworks display that lights up the basalt columns and draws crowds from the surrounding towns.
• Local Music & Food Festivals – Throughout summer, towns such as Ballycastle and Portstewart host street music festivals, craft fairs and seafood celebrations that showcase regional cuisine and traditional Irish music.
• North West 200 (early May) – International motorcycle race that routes through the coastal road, offering a high‑octane spectacle for motorsport fans.

Food & Drink

The Causeway Coast & Glens has a growing reputation for inclusive dining. Vegan travellers can enjoy:

• Infinity (Portrush) – Vegan share box with plant‑based “chicken” fillets, sausages and nuggets.
• The Porthole at the Bayview Hotel (Portballintrae) – Vegan chive gnocchi and a hearty potato dish.
• Bob & Berts (multiple locations) – Vegan breakfast burrito.
• The Pear Tree (Coleraine) – Vegan brownie.
• Morelli’s (Portrush) – Vegan ice‑cream, a long‑standing local favourite.
• Warkes Deli (Portstewart) – Roasted red pepper and butter‑bean stew.
• Indigo (Portrush) – Vegan chocolate cake with oat‑milk flat white.
• Inn on the Coast (Ballycastle) – Vegan burger. These options sit alongside traditional pubs serving locally distilled Bushmills whiskey and fresh Atlantic seafood.

Community Update

Ballycastle’s historic Antrim Arms building, a listed Georgian‑era structure dating back to the 1760s, remains vacant and unsafe. Council‑approved regeneration plans for the town centre have been delayed while the future of the building is debated. Local residents and businesses have called for urgent repair or sympathetic redevelopment, noting that the blocked road and visual blight affect tourism and daily life.

Practical Information

• Getting there – The Causeway Coastal Route is well sign‑posted from Belfast and Derry. Major settlements such as Coleraine, Ballymoney and Portrush are served by regular rail services and bus routes.
• Visitor centres – The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre offers interpretive displays, guided tours and family facilities. Additional information points are located in Glenariff Forest Park and at the Carrick‑a‑Rède rope‑bridge site.
• Parking – Designated car parks exist at the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick‑a‑Rède, Carrickfergus Castle and most major towns. The Giant’s Causeway car park operates a pay‑and‑display system (fees apply); other sites may be free or charge locally – always check signage.
• Accommodation – A range of options exists, from coastal hotels and B&Bs in Portrush and Portstewart to self‑catering cottages nestled in the glens.
• Activities – Hiking, coastal walking, bird‑watching, kayaking, guided heritage tours and cycling are all readily available. Seasonal events include the Giant’s Causeway fireworks display, the Portrush Ford Fair and local music festivals.
• Council services – For up‑to‑date information on parking, trail access and conservation initiatives, visit the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council website.

Explore the Causeway Coast and Glens to experience a seamless blend of awe‑inspiring geology, rich history and warm Irish hospitality.