Overview
The Causeway Coast and Glens stretches across the northern tip of County Antrim, wrapping a 120-mile ribbon of Atlantic coastline, deep forested valleys and historic market towns. At its heart lies the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the island’s most celebrated driving and cycling corridors. This is a landscape shaped by fire and ice: volcanic basalt columns rise from the sea, glaciers carved nine steep glens down to the shore, and centuries of maritime history are preserved in cliffside ruins and harbour villages. The region delivers a concentrated mix of natural drama and accessible heritage, making it an efficient base for a multi-day itinerary.
Geology & The Nine Glens
The backbone of the region is the Antrim Plateau, a vast expanse of basalt formed by fissure eruptions roughly 60 million years ago. The same volcanic activity created the Giant’s Causeway, while later glaciations scooped out the nine famous glens that funnel inland from the coast. Each glen has a distinct character, but they share a common rhythm: steep, wooded slopes, tumbling rivers and waterfalls that provide excellent walking country.
Glenariff stands out as the most visited, featuring the famous Mare’s Tail waterfall and a network of marked trails through mature forest. For quieter routes, Glencloy offers a short, well-signposted walk to a series of cascading falls, while Glenesk preserves the atmospheric ruins of the 15th-century Friary of Bonmargie. The Moyle Way, a 26-mile marked trail, links five of the glens together, passing ancient standing stones, river valleys and coastal viewpoints. It is easily broken into day-walk sections, making it accessible for hikers who prefer shorter distances.
Coastal Landmarks & Seaside Towns
The coastline is punctuated by dramatic headlands, sweeping sandy bays and working harbours. Dunluce Castle remains one of the most photographed ruins in Northern Ireland, its stone walls clinging to a basalt promontory above the Atlantic. A short drive south brings you to Mussenden Temple, an 18th-century classical folly perched on Fair Head’s chalk cliffs, reachable via a steady coastal path.
The towns along the route balance resort charm with local character. Portrush and Portstewart offer wide promenades, sandy beaches and a steady stream of cafes and pubs. Further east, Ballycastle serves as a gateway to the glens, with a compact town centre, a working harbour and the Ballycastle Museum detailing the area’s fishing and maritime heritage. For those interested in the region’s industrial past, the Ballycastle Railway site preserves the legacy of the narrow-gauge line that once connected the coast to inland settlements. The Ballycastle Heritage Trail links these historic points with a self-guided walk through the town centre.
Historic Sites & Cultural Stops
Beyond the natural scenery, the area holds layers of Irish history. The Mountsandel archaeological site near Coleraine dates to roughly 5,900 BC, marking one of the earliest known human settlements on the island. The ancient kingdom of Dalriada once linked north-eastern Ireland with western Scotland, leaving a legacy of shared folklore and place names across the glens.
Inland, Glenarm Castle showcases the landscaped grounds of the McDonnell family estate, recently recognised for its historic gardens. The Bushmills Distillery, founded in 1608, operates as the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, offering guided tours that trace the production process from malt to barrel. For fans of modern pop culture, the Dark Hedges near Ballymoney and the harbour at Ballintoy gained international recognition as filming locations for Game of Thrones, drawing visitors who combine heritage walks with screen-tourism stops.
Walking, Cycling & Outdoor Activities
The Causeway Coastal Route is well-suited to active travel. Road cyclists frequently tackle the full 100-mile loop, which alternates between quiet country lanes and exposed sea-edge sections. Bike hire is available in Portrush, Ballycastle and Coleraine, and the route’s pull-outs make it easy to stop for photography or short coastal strolls.
For walkers, the Gobbins Cliff Path offers a structured, engineered route through sea caves and tunnels, with safety railings and viewing platforms. The Carrick-a-Rède Rope Bridge provides a more exposed experience, spanning a 30-metre drop to a sea stack. Both sites require advance booking during peak season, and visitors should be prepared for wind and spray. White Park Bay, a protected dune system between Ballintoy and Portbradden, offers a flat, traffic-free stretch ideal for birdwatching and family walks, with regular sightings of terns, oystercatchers and summer puffins.
Events & Seasonal Visits
The region’s calendar aligns closely with the seasons. Spring brings the North West 200 motorcycle race in early May, drawing spectators to the coastal roads. Summer months feature the Giant’s Causeway fireworks display, local seafood festivals in Ballycastle and Portstewart, and the traditional Ould Lammas Fair in August. The Portrush Ford Fair, held in June, supports local charities while showcasing classic and modern vehicles. Visitors planning around these dates should book accommodation early, as the coastal towns fill quickly during festival weekends.
Practical Information
- Getting there: The A2 and A26 form the main coastal arteries, with regular bus services linking Coleraine, Ballymoney, Portrush and Ballycastle. Rail services operate to Coleraine from Belfast and Derry, with connecting buses to coastal villages.
- Parking & Access: Major sites like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rède and Dunluce Castle have designated car parks. The Causeway car park operates a pay-and-display system; smaller trailheads and village lots are often free but fill quickly on weekends.
- Visitor Centres: The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre provides interpretive exhibits, a café and guided walk bookings. Glenariff Forest Park and the Carrick-a-Rède site also staff information points during peak season.
- Weather & Footwear: Atlantic weather shifts quickly. Waterproof layers, sturdy walking shoes and wind protection are essential, even in summer. Coastal paths can be slippery when wet, and some sections near Fair Head and the Gobbins require a reasonable level of fitness.
- Booking Ahead: High-demand attractions such as the Gobbins, Carrick-a-Rède and popular distillery tours require timed tickets. Purchasing online in advance saves time and guarantees entry during busy periods.
Plan your route around the coastal towns, allow extra time for waterfall walks in the glens, and check tide tables if you intend to explore sea caves or low-water rock pools. The combination of volcanic geology, maritime history and well-maintained trails makes this stretch of the Antrim coast a reliable base for a multi-day itinerary.