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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. Standing at its base, I could begin to appreciate its 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.

As the name Causeway Coast implies, the route runs along the Northern Ireland coast from Belfast to Londonderry. We drove the segment from Lorne, where we entered Northern Ireland via ferry, to Coleraine. Our highlights were the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the ruins of Dunluce Castle.

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.

We visited on our own and took a shuttle bus back. Most of the story and legend we needed to learn independently. If I were going back, I would opt for a Giants Causeway tour from Belfast, most likely this one from Viator:

⇒ Click here to check pricing on this Giant’s Causeway and
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Day Trip from Belfast

Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
Look closely. You can see our girls standing on the top of the columns.
Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
The rock formations were oddly hexagonal. Are they the former base of a giant’s bridge from Northern Ireland to Scotland?
Just before we reached the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland
Along the path on the way to the Giant’s Causeway.
One of many Giant's Causeway images from Northern Ireland
A shot from down below.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

About 16 km (10 miles) to the east hangs Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, commonly referred to as the Giant’s Causeway rope bridge. It is so narrow you can’t help but look down into the swirling waters 30 metres below, as you wonder if you will make it across to the other side. While not nearly as long as the Capilano Suspension bridge we crossed in Vancouver Canada, Carrick-A-Rede bridge has an only 18-inch wide walkway surrounded by, well, nothing. Aware of the open space, one can’t help but look down, all the while remembering that to date, no one has fallen off this bridge. I can’t speak for the original bridge built by salmon fishermen in 1755.

Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland
Our first view of Carrick A Rede rope bridge in the distance. Can you see it?
Walking across Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland. Often called the Giant's Causeway bridge, it is one of the most famous bridges in Ireland
Walking across the bridge.
Looking down from the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland
I looked down. That was my mistake.
Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland
Another view of this Northern Ireland bridge.

Game of Thrones Coast

The popularity of the coastal route has exploded in recent years thanks to HBO’s Game of Thrones. Last year more people visited the Giant’s Causeway than Belfast’s Titanic Museum. Game of Thrones fans can go it alone, or have plenty of tour options. Based on the reviews, the three most appealing tours to us are:

Ruins of Dunluce Castle – Game of Thrones

The ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle stand towards the western end of the Giant’s Causeway Coastal route. Fans will recognise it as the House of Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. Filled with historical intrigue, the site once held an Irish Fort and has been the battlegrounds of early Christians and Vikings.

Dunluce Castle - Game of Thrones - ruins in Northern Island

Dunluce Castle ruins in Northern Island is now used in Game of Thrones

The landscape along the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route

For me, the lush hills reflecting green into the turquoise waters held my attention. Both from the road and the long walks to each site, the journey was a part of the adventure that I will never forget.

View from Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge in Northern Ireland
View from Giants Causeway coastal route in Northern Ireland

Travel Tips for the Coastal Route

Driving Tips

The route featured on this page is one of our three favourite coastal drives to date. The other two are the Great Ocean Road in Australia and the Oregon Coast in the United States.

  • We hired a car in London and drove through England and Scotland before a ferry crossing to Northern Ireland. In retrospect, we should have returned the car in Glasgow and flew to Belfast and rented a second vehicle. It would have saved us both time and money. Either way, we use Rentalcars.com. We have had great success every time with them. As an aggregator, the provide us with options of different vehicles from various local companies. We usually pay less going through Rental Cars than had we purchased on our own.

⇒ Click here to check availability and prices at Rentalcars.com or Book Now 

  • Traffic drives on the left in Northern Ireland.
  • If you drive yourself it will probably take longer than you anticipated, as you will want to stop often to enjoy the endless scenery.

Location Tips

  • Giant’s Causeway: The on-site parking is not free and requires a Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Center entrance ticket. We opted to leave our car and take a bus from Coleraine.
  • Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge: 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.
  • Dunluce Castle is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. There is a fee for entry.

Tours

Get Your Guide offers a variety of interesting tours from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway. While some focus on the natural scenery, others are based on adventure, or on the Game of Thrones sights.

Accommodation Tips

We found Premier Inns to be clean, comfortable and affordable. They are the ideal place to stay if travelling through the UK on a budget. The Premier Inn in Coleraine is perfectly situated to visit Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Dunluce Castle, and even Bushmills Distillery. We always check prices at Booking.com.

Have you driven the Giant’s Causeway coastal route? Would you cross the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge? Do you love old castle ruins? Are you a Game of Thrones fan?

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Comments

  1. 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!

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  3. 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. 🙁

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  4. 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…

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  6. 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 🙂

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  7. 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.

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  8. 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! #theweeklypostcard

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  9. 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 🙂

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  10. 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.

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  11. 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.. 🙂

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  12. 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!

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  13. 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. #weekendwanderlust

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  14. 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

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  15. 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!!

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  16. 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.

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  17. 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!

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  18. 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!

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  19. 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!

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  21. 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 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard

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  23. 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 🙂 #TeamLovinLife

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  24. 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

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  25. 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

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  27. 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?

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  28. 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!

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  29. My gosh this is soooo gorgeous.. def. want to visit there someday. The photo’s are so pretty <3

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  32. 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!

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  33. 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.

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  34. 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.

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  35. 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

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  36. 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.

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  37. 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.

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    • 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.

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  40. 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

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  42. 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!

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  43. 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!

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  45. 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

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  46. 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

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  49. 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!

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  50. 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!

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  51. 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!

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  55. 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!

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    • LOL – crossing that bridge makes everyone nervous. Some people make it to the island, but fear grips them and they can’t get back, so they have to take a boat.

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  62. 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.

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    • I seem to be getting over a lot of fears on this trip. I wasn’t even going to get a ticket to cross, but the family ticket made my incremental cost tiny, so I figured I could decide after the mile hike to get there.

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      • 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!

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        • Adare Manor is amazing. I am so jealous you got to stay there (although we never even checked it out, as the budget for this trip would never allow something like that place.) Thanks for sharing your story.

          Reply

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