Causeway Coast Way – Scenic Coastal Walk in County Antrim

Overview

The Causeway Coast Way is the premier long‑distance walking route that hugs the north‑eastern shoreline of County Antrim. Stretching 53 km (33 mi) from Ballycastle in the north to Portstewart in the south, the trail follows the historic Ulster Way and the popular Causeway Coastal Scenic Drive. It threads together two of Northern Ireland’s flagship attractions – the Giant’s Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge – while offering a constantly changing seascape of cliffs, sandy bays, limestone arches and dramatic headlands.

History & Background

The route was formalised as part of the Ulster Way network, but its origins lie in centuries‑old coastal pathways used by fishermen, traders and pilgrims. The modern trail was promoted in the early 2000s to showcase the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that runs along the coast, as well as the many Areas of Special Scientific Interest that protect its unique geology and wildlife. The 16 km section from Carrick‑a‑Rede to the Giant’s Causeway, highlighted by ActiveME, is often walked as a day‑long highlight because it packs the most dramatic scenery into a moderate‑length hike.

What to See & Do

Key Points of Interest

• Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge – a 1 m wide suspension bridge spanning a 30 ft chasm, offering a thrilling perspective of the Atlantic.
• White Park Bay – a pristine white‑sand beach that must be crossed within three hours of low tide; tide times are available at the Tide Chart website.
• St. Gobhann’s Church – the smallest church in Ireland, perched at the western end of White Park Bay.
• Dunseverick Castle – 16th‑century ruins that overlook the sea, reachable after a 1.5‑hour walk from White Park Bay.
• Hamilton’s Seat – the highest point on the 16 km walk, offering 360° views of the coastline.
• Port na Spaniagh – the site where the 50‑gun Spanish galleon Girona sank in 1588.
• Shepherd’s Steps – the final descent to the Giant’s Causeway, where the iconic hexagonal basalt columns rise from the Atlantic.
• Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience – guided tours, audio guides in 11 languages, café, shop, and a network of four colour‑coded walking trails (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow).
• Port Path (6.5 mi) – an integral section of the trail between Portstewart and Portrush. Highlights include St Patrick’s Well, an historic ice house, the natural sea‑pool Portnahapple, the Dominican Convent (1917), a Jimmy Kennedy sculpture, and the Harbour Hill viewpoint. Accessible toilets and boardwalks make this stretch suitable for families and visitors with reduced mobility.

Wildlife & Geology

The coastline is a living laboratory: basalt columns formed 60 million years ago, limestone arches, and sea‑stack formations provide habitats for seabirds, including puffins on Rathlin Island (visible from the higher points). The area is also rich in marine life, with occasional dolphin sightings from the rope‑bridge and cliff‑top paths.

Practical Information

Getting There

• Airports: Belfast International Airport (BFS) and Dublin Airport (DUB) are the main gateways. From either airport, hire a car or take a bus to Ballycastle, Bushmills or Portstewart.
• Public Transport: Ulsterbus services run regularly along the coast (e.g., Service 172, Goldliner 221, Causeway Rambler 402, Open‑Top 177, Antrim Coaster 252). The Translink Accessible Bus shuttles between the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and the Grand Causeway.
• Park & Ride: For campervans, use the Dundarave Car Park in Bushmills and purchase a ‘Green Ticket’ at the Bushmills Visitor Information Centre for discounted bus travel.

Parking & Fees

Opening Times & Tickets

• Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience: 09:00 – 17:00 (last admission 16:00). Pre‑booking is recommended, especially in summer. National Trust members and Neighbour Pass holders receive free entry.
• Port Path: Open year‑round; no gate‑keeping. Facilities (toilets, refreshments) are available in both Portstewart and Portrush.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair‑friendly routes are available at the Giant’s Causeway (shuttle bus, wheelchair hire, disabled toilets). The Port Path features boardwalks and off‑road paths suitable for wheelchairs, with accessible toilet facilities at the start point.
• The Clifftop Experience (5 mi guided walk) is wheelchair‑accessible only via the shuttle; the guided walk itself involves uneven terrain and is best suited to able‑bodied walkers.

Accommodation & Refreshments

The trail passes several villages with a range of lodging options – from boutique B&Bs in Ballycastle to the award‑winning Harry’s Shack in Portstewart (sea‑front seafood) and the Ramore Wine Bar in Portrush. On‑site cafés at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre provide hot drinks and light meals; the Port Path offers refreshment kiosks in both towns.

Safety & Tides

White Park Bay can be cut off at high tide; plan to cross the beach within three hours of low tide (check the tide chart link above). In adverse weather, the cliff‑top sections can become windy; the trail is well sign‑posted, but a map and compass or the ActiveME GPS app are advisable.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Start at Carrick‑a‑Rede, walk to White Park Bay, explore St Gobhann’s Church, continue to Dunseverick Castle and Hamilton’s Seat.
• Day 2: Descend via Shepherd’s Steps to the Giant’s Causeway, spend the afternoon at the Visitor Experience, then follow the coastal path to Portstewart, finishing the Port Path loop to Portrush.
• Optional Extension: Add a day to explore the Glens of Antrim, Rathlin Island (ferry from Ballycastle) or the historic Dunluce Castle.

Useful Links

• Official Causeway Coast & Glens tourism site
• Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience tickets
• JustPark app for parking payments
• Translink bus timetables
• ActiveME walking route map & GPX files

The Causeway Coast Way offers a seamless blend of natural wonder, mythic history and modern hospitality. Whether you tackle the whole 53 km in two days or sample a single section, the trail delivers unforgettable vistas of the North Atlantic and a deep sense of place that has inspired legends from Finn MacCool to Game of Thrones.