Driving the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland, we found ourselves instantly entangled in the mystery of the region. Volcanic activity created the Giant’s Causeway 60 million years ago.
The entire Causeway Coastal Route runs 212 km (130 miles) from Belfast to Londonderry. We travelled only the first 155 km (96 miles) from Belfast to Dunluce Castle, spending three days in Northern Ireland.
A must-see to believe destination, the rock formations of the Giant Causeway, the implied danger of the Carrick-a-Rede bridge, the world’s oldest continuously operating distillery, and the ruins of the Dunluce Castle (used in Game of Thrones) are each impressive, as are many of the other sites along the road.
And they are only a portion of the many sites and Game of Thrones filming locations featured below.
We loved and recommend taking a slow drive along the Causeway Coastal Route and stopping for the key sights along the way.
Map of the Causeway Coastal Route
All suggested stops in this article are featured on our map either in red (on the main road) or orange (requires extra driving).
The Giant’s Causeway
An impressive site of nature, the Giant’s Causeway includes over 40,000 oddly hexagonal basalt columns, standing side by side and formed over 50 million years ago. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, they run along the coast for almost 6 kilometres (4 miles), gently dropping off into the sea.
From a distance, they are impressive, but it wasn’t until I stood at its base, that I could begin to appreciate the Giant’s Causeway’s magnitude.
Across the Inner Seas sits its mirror, Fingal’s Cave on Scotland’s Isle of Staffa. The matching formations gave way to the legend of a giant’s bridge once connecting the two.
This is a highlight of our Causeway Coastal Route.
We opted to get here via shuttle bus from our hotel rather than driving ourselves. However, on-site fee-based parking requires a Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Center entrance ticket.
Take a tour to Giant’s Causeway from Belfast
Today, I believe the best way to get here would probably be a fully guided tour from Belfast. This would fill in all the missing stories and legends we had to dig up ourselves and take us through history more interestingly.
The tour we recommend is this top-rated fully guided day trip. It not only spends time at and explaining the Giant’s Causeway, but it also visits Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, The Dark Hedges, and Carrickfergus and Dunluce castles. Thus you will have seen just about everything we did without the hassle of driving yourself. (You will miss the rope bridge). Reserve your Belfast Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip here.
Giant’s Causeway facts or legend
Staring at the giant columns, I couldn’t help but wonder if the Giant’s Causeway legend was true. Could it be the remains of a destroyed bridge built by the giant Finn MacCool to walk to Scotland? My favourite version of the fable is told by my daughter Sarah at A Waking of Worlds.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
About 16 km (10 miles) to the east hangs the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, commonly referred to as the Giant’s Causeway rope bridge.
While not nearly as long as the Capilano Suspension bridge we crossed in Vancouver, Canada, the Carrick-A-Rede bridge has only an 18-inch wide walkway surrounded by, well, nothing.
It is so narrow you can’t help but look down to check your footing, but that also means looking into the swirling waters 30 metres below. Similarly, for only a moment, you wonder if you will make it across to the other side.
Despite the open space, to date, no one has fallen off this bridge (that is, no one yet).
I can’t say the same for the original bridge built by salmon fishermen in 1755.
Beginning in April 2017, timed tickets are required to cross this Irish rope bridge, each with a one-hour time span. The bridge was closed for a period of time after suffering from vandalism in May 2017 but has reopened to visitors.
Old Bushmills Distillery
Despite being completely engrossed in nature, we took some time to tour the Old Bushmill Distillery (as well as touring Guinness Brewery in Dublin).
Licensed to distil by King James in 1608, Bushmills Distillery is the oldest continuously licensed distillery in the world. Located in a small village in Northern Ireland, it follows the philosophy that hand-crafting small batches is the way to produce smooth-tasting Irish whiskey.
Daily guided tours take place throughout the day. Check their website for official times: Bushmills Distillery tours.
Ruins of Dunluce Castle
The ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle stand towards the western end of the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route.
Filled with historical intrigue, the site once held an Irish Fort and has been the battleground of early Christians and Vikings. Although, Game of Thrones fans will recognise it as the House of Greyjoy.
More Game of Thrones filming sites
The popularity of the coastal route has exploded in recent years thanks to HBO’s Game of Thrones. In fact, in 2016, more people visited the Causeway Coastal Route than Belfast’s Titanic Museum.
Note that many of the stops are inland.
If you are a big fan, check out this super-popular, top-rate Game of Thrones tour that also visits the Giant’s Causeway. Travelling by air-conditioned bus along the stunning coast, where you will travel by Carnlough Harbour where Arya Stark swam, pass by Magharmorne Quarry where Castle Black is located, and finish at The Dark Hedges, which was Kings Road.
In addition, the tour will visit Carrickfergus Castle, travelling through the nine Glens of Antrim, view the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge from a distance and explore the Giant’s Causeway. Reserve your Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast here.
More Key Game of Thrones stops:
- Tollymore Forest Park (Westeros’ Haunted Forest)
- Inch Abbey (War of the Five Kings began here)
- Castle Ward (Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark)
- Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre hails her shadowy demon beneath Renly’s Camp)
- Murlough Bay (home to the slavers)
- Dark Hedges (Kingsroad alongside the Night’s Watch)
- Mussenden Temple – originally built to replicate Italy’s Temple of Vesta. (where Stannis Baratheon rejects the seven old gods of Westeros)
More stops along the Causeway Coastal Route
There are several other key stops worth mentioning here, both in the section we drove and the one we missed.
Belfast to Dunluce Castle
- Belfast
The birthplace of the Titanic, there is plenty to see in Belfast. We recommend spending at least one night here before starting out on the Causeway Coastal Route. - The Gobbins
A cliff path passing over bridges, past caves and through a tunnel. - Glenarm Castle
A fairytale castle - Rathlin Island
A place for birdwatchers.
Dunluce Castle to Londonderry
- White Rocks Beach
Another stunning beach - Royal Portrush Golf Club
Host to 2019 Irish Open - Portstewart Strand
A seaside village with a lovely beach - Londonderry City
Best known for the 17-century Derry’s walls.
Driving tips for the Causeway Coastal Route
- We hired a car in London and drove through England first, then road tripped around Scotland before a ferry crossing to Northern Ireland. In retrospect, we should have returned the car in Glasgow and flown to Belfast and rented a second vehicle. It would have saved us both time and money. Either way, we use Rentalcars. We have had great success every time with them. As an aggregator, they provide us with options of different vehicles from various local companies. Check out RentalCars.com here.
- Traffic drives on the left in Northern Ireland.
- If you drive yourself, note that it will probably take longer than anticipated.
- Don’t miss our general tips for visiting the UK and Ireland.
- Tours are the best option if you don’t want to drive on the left, or you just prefer the added bonuses inherent in a tour. For starters, you won’t miss any key sites, no worries about car parking, and a knowledgeable guide adds so much to the experience.
- Want more? Don’t miss these 6 breathtaking coastal landmarks in the UK.
Which is your favourite section of the Causeway Coastal Route?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
Cindy
Wow! It sounds like it is much busier than when I was last there – tickets to cross the bridge!! Still an amazing place. Nice to see it again!
David
Love the view, the rock formations are awesome. Stunning scenery.
Kreete
How amazing is our planet Earth! The rock formations are out of this world and the route is truly scenic! What a shame that beautiful bridge was vandalized. Some people are just idiots. 🙁
eileen g
I’ve been to Ireland a few times in the 80s and 90s but during periods when travel up north wasn’t really possible. i would like to get up there, especially to the Giant’s causeway as I read lot of Finn McCool stories as a kid. i don’t know about that bridge though…
Leanne
Oh wow. Lovin the castle ruins.
Megan Jerrard
The Giants Causeway was one of the highlights of my time in Europe, as was the whole coastal route. I had no idea that tourism had exploded recently because of GoT, honestly I don’t watch it lol! But I did know that they did a lot of filming in Northern Ireland, so with such a cult following I can understand how tourism must have boomed!
I don’t often purchase souveneirs from places I visit, though I did get a childrens book from the Causeway with the legend, and beautiful illustrations – I hope to read it to my children someday 🙂
Sandy N Vyjay
The Giants Causeway coastal route looks really mesmerizing. The rocky landscape seem beautiful and at the same time seem to haceve an aura of mystery, probably because they date back millions of years ago. The rope bridge looks like a great walk above some breathtaking views. I was reminded of a rope bridge that I walked above the rain forests of East Africa a couple of mothe back, the only difference was that it did not have the wooden support I can see at the base of this bridge, that one was only made of rope.
Hilary
We visited these places and loved them! In fact, it was our favorite day of a six week trip through Europe and the United Kingdom! Of course, it was POURING rain on the day we visited, but we loved it all the same!
Shruti Prabhu
I love myths. I like to pretend that they are true. The landscape is just breathtaking. I am a big game of thrones fan! I would love to see the Ruins of Dunluce Castle! Although I don’t like the Greyjoys 🙂
Juliette | Snorkels to Snow
Northern Ireland looks incredible. I’ll be going to the Republic of Ireland for the first time later this year and I suspect the landscape will be someone similar, very rugged and raw and green. The water along the coast looks spectacular.
Maria Ingrid | Wander with MI
I am so fascinated with your photos.. We visited these places thru Game of Thrones Tour last year.. It was a blast and informative, but since we were on tour, everything was visited quickly. We were not able to visit Danluce Castle, though we’ve seen it from afar. Thanks for sharing this post.. 🙂
Guy Crotty
Can’t wait to get back to Ireland. I worked in Dublin for a while three years ago and am kicking myself that I didn’t get out into the country to see more things like the giant’s causeway and the stunning scenery on that coast. So beautiful!
Obligatory Traveler
Wow! This looks super cool. I’d probably be terrified, but I’d have to try the rope bridge. Thanks for including all of the updated information to know ahead of time. Really great pictures too.
noel
Those rock formations are so fascinating and how they ended up shaped like that perfectly, so surreal, what a wonderful trip to visit this region
Ryazan
Perfect timing! I’ll be heading to NIre soon and this post is really helpful. It would be my first time visiting the NIre, I’m really looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing this post! 🙂 PS. Lovely photos!!
Drew
The landscape in Northern Ireland is just stunning. The rolling hills and rocky coast look amazing. I never made it up there when I was living in London, but I certainly want to make it at some point. I’m a huge GOT fan, so that is always a draw as well. Also had no idea that the Giants Causeway Coastal Route was so popular. More visitors than the Titanic in Belfast? That’s impressive.
budget jan
We’ve been to the Giant’s Causeway a long time ago and it was good to see your photos to bring it back again. It’s an amazing thing. I’m off to look at the Oregon Drive now!
Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ)
The Carrack-a-Rede bridge would scare me witless … and hope all the way that I wouldn’t be the lucky first person to fall off it 😀 I’ve often wished I DIDN’T have a fear of heights, most recently experienced at Tintagel in Cornwall, but I’d do it anyway – the fear adds a little frisson of excitement that makes an experience like this memorable!
Lolo
I have been dying to visit the Giant’s Causeway for years! Looks so fascinating! Although, I don’t know if I would handle that bridge! I’m not a fan of moving bridged!
Esther
Oooh, how I’d love to visit Northern Ireland. It looks really amazing 🙂 Thank you for hosting the linkup!
Kat
I’m afraid of heights though gradually overcoming that fear by going slow, not looking down and not multi-tasking. I am seriously amazed that you had managed to take a photo while walking across that bridge! Your photo of Dunluce Castle is breath-taking. I will be travelling to Ireland in early October for TBEX conference, haven’t decided if I want to travel to Northern Ireland post-conference – though the idea is tempting based on your images 🙂
Jo Tracey
As always, I’m in awe of your fabulous photos. As an aside, I’m positive that the Finn McCool story is the real one.
Lyndall
I haven’t visited Northern Ireland as yet, but it’s definitely high on the travel wishlist. We are planning a visit there in 2019, so will definitely include a trip to all of these sites. Thanks for the tips Rhonda 🙂
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
I’ve never watched Game of Thrones, but I’d still love to visit these sights. The columns of Giants Causeway remind me a bit of Devils Tower in Wyoming. I kind of want to cross that bridge, but I’m a bit of scaredy cat and my chicken out at the last minutes. Thanks for the tip about flying versus renting a car to get there. #WkendTravelInspiration
Ruth | Tanama Tales
Rhonda, I knew about the Giant’s Causeway but not about the entire driving route and the gorgeous coastline. I am convinced this is one of those spectacular drives that you have to experience. #wkendtravelinspiration
Laura
If you enjoy hiking the coastal path between Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is spectacular!
Fiona Maclean
I’ve been here pretty recently. The causeway is just stunning. I didn’t walk the rope bridge because it was too late at night, but I loved seeing all the Game of throne sights. Did you visit Dark Hedges too?
Rhonda Albom
We stayed for a couple of nights, so we had several opportunities, only taking up one though. That’s enough.
David
This is definitely the part of Northern Island I’m most excited about seeing. The Giants Causeway has been on my bucketlist for a while now and Dunluce Castle also looks pretty interesting and scenic. Can’t wait!
Robin Valentine
My gosh this is soooo gorgeous.. def. want to visit there someday. The photo’s are so pretty <3
Fiona
That bridge looks terrifying!
beatravelling
I was made aware of this thanks to Pinterest 🙂 This looks so cool! I am going someday!!
Kavey Favelle
I really love when unusual land formations give rise to fascinating local legends about the origin, so intriguing to view the site and learn the stories at the same time. Your photos really bring the landscape and coastal views to life, particularly that scary rope bridge and the drop beneath it!
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
David and I are tossing up right now whether to go to Ireland or Newfoundland in mid 2019. I know, the two places have almost nothing in common. I am attracted to the idea that Newfoundland has no connection whatsoever to Game of Thrones. I am a fan of the show but it seems to be having a huge effect on where people travel and both David and I have something of a contrarian streak. Anyway, your photos are stunning as usual and every bit of information helps with our decision.
Kathy Marris
What a spectacular area with rugged rock formations, steep cliffs, and old castles perched on top of coastal cliffs. We have only driven Southern Ireland and would love to see the rest of it one day. Did you know there is a Giant’s Causeway at Fingal Head just over the Qld border in NSW? I’d say it was named after the one in Ireland.
Rhonda Albom
I didn’t know there was a Fingal Head in Queensland, although I have crossed the state line a few times in the Gold Coast.
Anda
This place looks so majestic! I am not a great fan the rope bridges, but sometimes they are the only way you can cross over. The first and only one I’ve walked was the Capilano Suspension bridge, but this one feels scarier (although shorter). #WeekendTravelInspiration
shere
Beautiful pictures!! the giants causeway is very high in our bucket list 🙂 I don’t know if would be able to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
Beautiful photos! This route and area have been near the top on my travel wish list for awhile. Even more so now as a Game of Thrones fan. The landscape looks incredible. I would totally cross that bridge since we survived crossing Capilano Bridge.
Rhonda Albom
It is very different that Capilano. In Canada, it was the length and the sheer number of people on the bridge, moving it as they cross. In Ireland, it is short but narrow. Looking down, you can see the water. But, there are never more than eight people on the bridge at any one time.
Jill
I don’t watch Game of Thrones but I still want to go here! It’s been on my list for awhile now. Great photos!
Sharon
What an awesome place to explore! I WANT to walk across that bridge!
Heidemarie Traut
Liebe Rhonda,
es sind ganz herrliche Bilder, die Du uns da von Irland zeigst.
Es muss ein unglaublich interessantes Land sein.
Danke für so viel Inspiration!
Alles Liebe
Heidi
Lucy Bladen
Wow, these are some great photos – this looks like a fantastic place!
Awesome blog as well 🙂
Andrea
OH MY GOD, those are indeed spectacular incredible natural architectures! I also wonder if the previous “giants”who first peopled the earth (i read all Seccharia Sitchin’s books) built those structures. They include the Stonehenge and the likes that are plenty in those parts of the world, the runways in South America, etc. Anyway, whatever, i cannot cross that hanging bridge or maybe if there is a blindfold. Thanks for the tour!
Marie-OR
LOVE the castle! I have always wanted to go to the Giants Causeway. I’ve been to the Republic of Ireland but not Northern Ireland. Will go if I ever get back over the sea! 🙂 Don’t watch Game of Thrones. I like the real histry so much, and your photos and information were wonderful!
Carol
Wow! That’s a gorgeous post. Don’t think I’d make it across that rope bridge tho.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Oh my God! This place is amazing especially the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. I don’t know if I would be able to walk this bridge especially without looking down. Who took the photo of you sitting down on the column? It was pretty good. I think someone is trying yo take your job away from you. Ha,ha,ha. No one could be better then you Rhonda.
Have a great day my friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
LOL Paul, I can set up a shot and anyone can click the button. My job is safe and secure 🙂
Peabea
No, never been. Yes, think the ruins would be awesome to explore. Definite nope…knees would be way too weak for doing the bridge. haha Did a very small one once and just wanted to lay down and stay there because could hardly keep moving.
I so enjoyed your sharing. If anywhere if I were traveling, Ireland would definitely be a place I’d love to visit. Today, I visited it through your wonderful photos. Thanks.
Peabea@Peabea Scribbles
Kym
Incredible beauty! I would so love to visit Ireland! Yes, I’d cross the bridge, but I’d be terrified the entire time. 🙂
indah nuria savitri
It’s wonderful indeed! We have been driving along the coastal as well in Indonesia and in Cote d’Azur as well Florida, Rhonda..happy to do that again
Rehlat
Love this! I had not seen such s detailed post before and it made me feel like I was there, such a fascinating culture, can’t wait to visit I one day!
Barb
Wow, the landscapes in Scotland look magical. That bridge looks so scary. I was in Scotland, when I was about 13 years old. Perhaps, it is time to return!
Janice
That looks like a magical place – like something our of legends. How exciting that you got to go there. It’s my hope to travel and visit places like this someday!
Nano @ Travel With Nano B.
The views of the castle ruins perched atop of the cliff look breathtaking, although I don’t think I’d dare to walk along that bridge! xoxo, nano | http://www.travelwithnanob.com
Patrick weseman
Very beautiful and what a great walk. I would truly love to do that.
Teresa Kindred
Love the looks of those rocks.
Pat
I’ve visited all these places and crossed the Carrick a Rede bridge three times! I loved this area of Ireland and the city of Belfast. I see you also got a good photo of the mermaid caves along the coast—so mysterious!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
It would be so amazing to see that in person.
stevebethere
Now these are nice photos Rhonda this made me laugh “I looked down. That was my mistake.” haha!
Have a adventuroustastic day 😉
Sandee
Now here’s a country I would love to visit. I would be all over the place too. Great shots.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Alissa Apel
I love the shape of those rocks! WOW!!! Crossing that bridge makes me nervous!
Tony Payne
Looks wonderful. I couldn’t have done the bridge years ago but would love to now. Don’t think Debbie would though.
Joyce
Mitchell, Bev, my mom, and I went to Ireland years ago. It was a wonderful trip!
Constance Reed
Wow! What a breathtaking view! Sad to say, I can’t go with that hanging bridge, I have fear of heights. I might faint when I do that.
Janis
Cool!
Lynne
My camera and I would love to spend some time there!
Lynne
Yes we did. Twice to Ireland and once to Northern Ireland. We were invited to spend Christmas with a family in Enniskillen to the west of Belfast one year and had a wonderful time. We also had the opportunity to stay at Adair Manor in County Clare for a weekend through my work. The weekend we were there the manor was also used for some Anglo-Irish talks. There were men in black suits with sunglasses and walkie-talkies everywhere. One night we as a group of about ten walked into to town to the pub and as we were returning we were confronted by security who wanted to ask our life histories before allowing us back onto the property. It was very exciting!