What to do and see in Causeway Coast & Glens, Northern Ireland: The Best Sights & Landmarks

December 23, 2021 Terina Blouin

Discover the best top things to do in Causeway Coast & Glens, United Kingdom including Causeway Coastal Route, Coast Road, Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House, Bonamargie Friary, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Cushendun Village, The Dark Hedges, Kinbane Castle.
Restaurants in Causeway Coast & Glens

1. Causeway Coastal Route

Glenstaughey Road, Ballintoy BT64 6NE Northern Ireland +44 7415 751828 [email protected] http://www.causewaycoastalroute.com
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
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5.0 based on 2,114 reviews

Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is a designated tourist drive around the coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. The route follows the coast and takes you to several major tourist attractions including The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the Glens of Antrim. There are a further nine shorter scenic routes that loop off the main Coastal Route. These are : Islandmagee, Slemish Mountain, Glenariff, Glendun, Torr Road, Glenshesk, Bann Valley, Binevenagh Mountain and the Roe Valley.

Reviewed By nyackgirl47 - New York City, United States

We rented a car at the airport in Belfast, and drove to Derry. Very inexpensive way to see everything if (a) you can drive a stick shift car, and (b) you can acclimate to driving on the opposite side of the road (we're American, so we had to acclimate!). We spent a couple of days in Derry, and then took the Causeway Coastal Route straight down until we picked up the highway just outside Ballygally (spent the night there enroute). We sought out several of the Game of Thrones sites enroute, so we kind of did our own tour (saw the dark hedges, the caves, and a couple of the doors - one at Mary McBride's pub and the other at the Ballygally Castle). You will see so much along this route - the seaside resort town of Portrush (where the British Open golf tournament is currently being played), the remains of the Dunluce castle, the Carrick rope bridge, adorable little towns. It's wonderful!

2. Coast Road

Coast Road, Larne Northern Ireland
Excellent
86%
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5.0 based on 210 reviews

Coast Road

Reviewed By 816johna - Belfast, United Kingdom

The Antrim Coast Road drive is a must do activity for anyone visiting Northern Ireland. Start at Larne and drive northwards towards Ballycastle for the best views...they just keep getting better and better. Stop off at any of the small villages and towns along the way to relax and take in the sights. It's a lovely way to spend a day.

3. Giant's Causeway

Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU Northern Ireland +44 28 2073 3419 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway
Excellent
69%
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4.5 based on 11,147 reviews

Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland's most popular tourist destination: this large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago.

Reviewed By Orrix55

A one kilometer walk or bus ride (£1 each way for the bus - free for walking) gets you to this fascinating attraction created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. There is a very entertaining audio guide that provides information on the various features on the landscape, such as the camel and organ pipes etc. The walk down could be a bit challenging, the road and path down is quite steep so I would suggest the bus for those with any problems. We walked down and took the bus back. Make time to visit the visitors centre at the end, it has something for everyone, especially children, coffee, drinks and food available.

4. Dunluce Castle

87 Dunluce Road Co. Antrim, Portrush BT57 8UY Northern Ireland +44 28 2073 1938 http://discovernorthernireland.com/Dunluce-Castle-Medieval-Irish-Castle-on-the-Antrim-Coast-Bushmills-P2819/
Excellent
54%
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4.5 based on 2,607 reviews

Dunluce Castle

Reviewed By TheIrishtourguide - Belfast, United Kingdom

Great place to stroll and just to soak up the history of one of Ireland’s great castles ,hear stories from , C.s.lewis , yo the game of thrones , led zeppelin and Sorley boy McDonnell .. take your time 30 mins is enough. But take 40 mins

5. Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House

Mussenden Road, Castlerock BT51 4RP Northern Ireland +44 28 7084 8728 [email protected] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/downhill-demesne-and-hezlett-house
Excellent
56%
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4.5 based on 479 reviews

Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House

Mussenden Temple is one of the most iconic buildings in Northern Ireland, and is situated within the grounds of Downhill Demesne, a once magnificent manor house owned by the Earl Bishop of Derry, Frederick Hervey. The site is always open, but please see our National Trust website for details of when the facilities are open.

Reviewed By pmam76 - Castlerock, United Kingdom

Lovely walks up to Mussenden and round walled garden great views of Benone and over the Foyle to Donegal fuelled by Al’s Coffee best on the coast

6. Bonamargie Friary

Cushendall road, Ballycastle Northern Ireland
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4.5 based on 80 reviews

Bonamargie Friary

Reviewed By DaveBealing247 - Ballycastle, United Kingdom

Lovely place to stop for a gentle walk in the sunshine amongst the ruins of the old priory. A lovely peaceful and atmospheric site

7. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

119A Whitepark Road, Ballintoy BT54 6LS Northern Ireland +44 28 2073 3335 [email protected] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede#Overview
Excellent
54%
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4.5 based on 4,581 reviews

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Important notice - From Friday 16 April the car park at Carrick-a-Rede will reopen with a Pay By Phone system. Due to social distancing requirements, the Rope Bridge remains closed at this time.

Reviewed By D14QAkatiep

We visited the rope bridge one afternoon last week, however due to bad weather we were told the bridge was closed. We were partially expecting this and were impressed that we were told at the gates the bridge was closed. We were told that we could still have a walk down (a nice 2km walk along the cliffs) and also pre-book a ticket for the next day. We did both of these. We were lucky that we had time to go the next morning, and booked in for the 9:30 bridge crossing. The view that day in the rain was nice and the walk is a nice walk, although we were glad we were wearing walking boots and raincoats unlike many visitors in sandals. The next morning we returned with better weather, and again did the walk and crossed the bridge. As we were early there were only a few of us crossing, meaning we didn't have to share with many people and were able to take nice photos and enjoy the views without rushing. The views surrounding the area were incredible, and crossing the bridge was an exciting (if a little scary) experience, being able to feel the bridge move in the wind. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and this is now one of my favourite National Trust places I have visited.

8. Cushendun Village

Glenmona House, 10 Glendun Rd, Ballymena BT44 0PH Northern Ireland +44 28 2176 1382 [email protected] http://www.cushendunweb.co.uk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 166 reviews

Cushendun Village

Reviewed By 816johna - Belfast, United Kingdom

Cushendun is probably the nicest small town/village on the coastal drive. It is set in a conservation area managed by the National Trust at the mouth of the Glendun river and attracts many visitors annually. Anyone travelling the Antrim Coast road northwards should make a point of reaching here for a break to enjoy the tranquility.

9. The Dark Hedges

off Bregagh Road, Ballymoney Northern Ireland +44 28 2766 0230 http://www.visitballymoney.com/the-dark-hedges.aspx
Excellent
49%
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4.5 based on 1,823 reviews

The Dark Hedges

Reviewed By ykk87 - Toronto, Canada

The dark hedges can be extremely crowded, so try to visit early morning or late evening. It is a wonderful spot to admire these beautiful trees. A short walk from the Hedges hotel which has parking. Many tour busses and cars park along the road but space is limited. Definitely worth a stop on your drive.

10. Kinbane Castle

Ballycastle Northern Ireland http://www.causewaycoastalroute.com/kinbane-castle.html
Excellent
72%
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4.5 based on 251 reviews

Kinbane Castle

Reviewed By DavidM7175

Great view from car park, it’s a long staircase down and a hard slog back to the car park. But worth it

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