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A mini guide to
The Causeway Coast: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Check the rope bridge
Carrick-a-Rede's bridge is owned by the National Trust and has been open all year since 2009, subject to weather, according to Wikipedia. Check the Trust's page for tickets and any closures.
Dark Hedges access
Bregagh Road has been pedestrianised and closed to general traffic since October 2017 to protect the trees. Plan to walk in.
Giant's Causeway visitor centre
Much of the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site is cared for by the National Trust. Check the Trust's page for parking, visitor centre and access arrangements.
Spread it over two days
Bushmills, Dunluce and the Causeway are close together, but Ballycastle and Rathlin are further east and Downhill and Portstewart further west.
Weather changes quickly
The coast is exposed. Bring a waterproof, and check ferry and footpath information before you set off.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Causeway Coast?
The Causeway Coast is in Causeway Coast and Glens District, Northern Ireland. Basalt columns, ruined castles and sea cliffs between Portrush and Ballycastle. Nearby stops and stations include Portrush, Coleraine, Causeway Coastal Route.
How long do I need in The Causeway Coast?
Two days to cover the main sights without rushing. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dunluce Castle. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Portrush (Trains); Coleraine (Trains and buses); Causeway Coastal Route (Driving route); Ballycastle (Ferry). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 18 places to eat and drink in and around The Causeway Coast, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 12 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is The Causeway Coast accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in The Causeway Coast
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Dunluce Castle
Ruined medieval castle, seat of Clan MacQuillan, on a basalt outcrop reached by a bridge from the mainland.
Old Bushmills Distillery
Irish whiskey distillery in Bushmills; the company that built it was formed in 1784.
The Dark Hedges
Avenue of beech trees on Bregagh Road, planted around 1775, which meet overhead to form a tunnel.
Northern Ireland
More areas to explore
Derry~Londonderry
A walled city on the River Foyle with museums, cathedrals and a footbridge across the water
Open the mini guide →
The Mournes & Newcastle
Granite mountains, forest parks and a seaside town at the foot of Slieve Donard
Open the mini guide →
Fermanagh Lakelands
Lough Erne islands, National Trust houses and limestone caves around Enniskillen
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Ballycastle: Dean Molyneaux, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dunluce Castle: Aph-ch (uploader), Public domain, source
- Old Bushmills Distillery: Dr Neil Clifton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- The Dark Hedges: Colin Park, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Derry~Londonderry: Mario Falcetti, CC BY 4.0, source
- The Mournes & Newcastle: Ardfern, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Fermanagh Lakelands: Joli, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Belfast city centre & Cathedral Quarter: Bryn Holmes, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Titanic Quarter & East Belfast: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Northern Ireland