Road Tripping Northern Ireland: The Places You Won’t Want to Miss!

When it comes to road trips, Northern Ireland has some pretty spectacular landscapes to boast, and the best way to enjoy these is by driving the Causeway Coastal Route. This drive follows the coastal areas between Belfast and Londonderry and it covers a total distance of more than 300 kilometres (with a few additional detours here and there). It’s the equivalent of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, and it has everything from castles to frightening bridges to natural wonders along the way.

I didn’t have enough time to drive the full Causeway Coastal Route, but I did get to see many of the highlights. For anyone else planning a trip to Northern Ireland, here’s a look at some places you won’t want to miss:

Top Places To Visit In Northern Ireland On Your Next Road Trip

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most spectacular sights in all of Northern Ireland, and the tale behind it is just as fascinating. This geological wonder made up of more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns is the result of intense volcanic activity, however, legend has it that the causeway was a bridge built for giants.

The story goes that Finn MacCool was an Irish giant and he was challenged to a fight by Benandonner, a Scottish giant. Finn accepted and he then built the causeway so that he could cross the North Channel and the two could pull out the punches.

What happens next is a little hazy. One story says that Finn defeated Benandonner, but another says that Finn disguised himself as a baby and hid in a cradle once he realized that Benandonner was much larger than he anticipated. Benandonner then came looking for Finn, but when he saw the size of the ‘baby’, he ran away thinking the real Finn must be an even larger giant, and he destroyed the causeway in the process.

Cool little fact – the same basalt columns that you see along the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland can also be found at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa. That may be how the tale originated.

Address: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, Antrim, BT57 8SU

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was originally built by fishermen more than 350 years ago. Because the chasm between the mainland and the island of Carrickarede was an ideal spot for salmon fishing, the fishermen needed a way to be able to cast and check their nets, so a rather terrifying rope bridge with only one handrail and a few too many gaps between the slats was devised.

The bridge continued to evolve over the years, and while today you won’t catch any fishermen in this very spot, you will see many tourists who come to walk the 20 meter bridge. Hanging 30 meters above the water, this is definitely not one for those who fear heights, but it does lead to some pretty nice views once you reach the island.

I personally found the bridge to be much smaller than I had envisioned, but apparently it was scary enough as some people needed a little encouraging while others crossed with their eyes closed.

Address: 119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LS

The Dark Hedges

While the Dark Hedges aren’t exactly on the Causeway Coastal Route, they are only a short detour away. And since this is one of the most beautiful tree tunnel drives in Northern Ireland, it’s really worth going the few extra miles.

So how did this place come to be? Well, the avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family back in the eighteenth century in order to impress guests who approached their mansion, Gracehill House. Fast forward 200 years later and these trees have continued to grow and twist their branches in impressive ways.

They are such a sight to behold that even the location scouts for Game of Thrones decided that this needed to be one of the show’s filming locations – they transformed it into the King’ s Road in Season 2, Episode 1.

Address: Bregagh Road, Ballymoney BT53 8TP

Dunluce Castle

The ruins of Dunluce Castle sit perched on a rocky outcrop along the shores of the Antrim coast and they are surrounded by steep drops all around. The first castle at Dunluce was built back in the 13th century by Richard de Burgh, the 2nd Earl of Ulster, however, it later ended up in the hands of the McQuillan clan, and later the MacDonnell clan who also added to it and made changes.

There are many tales about the castle involving mermaids, spirits, and even a mysterious kitchen collapse that left the lady of the house so startled that she moved back to London and refused to live in Dunluce any longer. The castle is also said to have provided inspiration for Cair Paravel in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia.

Address: 87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8UY

Mussenden Temple

Another place to visit along the Causeway Coastal Route is Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House. Here you’ll find the ruins of Downhill House, a mansion built in the 18th century for Frederick Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol. Unfortunately, the home was first destroyed by fire, and though it was rebuilt, it fell into disrepair after the Second World War. All that remains today are the walls, but you can still walk through and imagine what this grand mansion would have once looked like.

The property also has beautiful gardens, a small arboretum, and a mausoleum to the Earl’s brother, however, the attraction that everyone comes for is Mussenden Temple.  Mussenden Temple was built as a library and it was meant to resemble the Temple of Vesta in Italy. The Earl had it built in the memory of his cousin Mrs. Frideswide Mussenden ‘whose beauty he greatly admired’.

Today the temple stands at the very edge of the cliffs. It is said that at the time of its construction a carriage used to be able to drive a full circle around the temple, but the years of erosion brought it ever closer to the precipice. In 1997 the National Trust carried out a massive cliff stabilisation project to prevent the loss of the building, so thankfully you can still visit it today.

Address: Mussenden Road, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

The Gobbins Cliff Path

The Gobbins is a modern cliff path that only recently reopened to the public. It is located on  Islandmagee in County Antrim, which is just a short drive outside of Belfast. The Gobbins is an experience that leads you across bridges, past caves and through a tunnel, all the while you’re feeling the sea breeze and sea spray in your hair. And did I mention there’s the chance you may see puffins?!

I thought I would just drive up while I was in Belfast and see if I could join a tour, but this place is incredibly popular at the moment, and they were already booked well in advance! Sadly, I didn’t get to experience it firsthand, but I’ve seen the pictures and I’ve read the recent news articles and I think this place is worth all the hype.

If you do decide to visit, keep in mind that The Gobbins can only be visited with a guide and therefore there is no individual access to visitors. Tours last anywhere between 2.5 – 3 hours.

Address: The Gobbins Visitor Centre, Middle Road, Islandmagee, BT40 3SX

Causeway Coast Road Trip Planner: How to See All the Good Stuff

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route is one of those drives where you’ll want to stop the car every five minutes for “just one more view.” The trick is stitching the icons (Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dunluce) with tiny detours (tree tunnels, cliff temples, secret beaches) and still having time for a hot bowl of chowder. Here’s our road-tested planning section you can tack onto your itinerary.

How to Use This Guide

• Base & loop: Most travelers start in Belfast and finish in Derry~Londonderry (or reverse). You can do it as an out-and-back, but a loop lets you avoid backtracking.
• Driving rhythm: Plan 2–3 major stops per day (+ spontaneous lay-bys). The coast is single-track in places; slow is normal and lovely.
• Timing the icons: Go early or late for the big hitters (Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede). Midday crowds are real, and golden hour light is chef’s kiss.

3-Day Causeway Coastal Route Game Plan

Bonus swaps:

• Bird lovers: trade Ballycastle evening for Rathlin Island (May–July puffins; allow half/full day).
• Waterfalls: add Glenariff Forest Park (three waterfall loop) to Day 1 or 2.
• GOT fans: pepper in The Dark Hedges (Bregagh Rd) either sunrise Day 2 or on your way inland.

Seasons & What to Pack (Coast Edition)

Rule of thumb: Dress like an onion—thin layers you can peel on/off. The weather turns on a dime, and that’s part of the charm.

Essential Driving & Visiting Tips

1) Left-side driving, right-side etiquette.
Northern Ireland drives on the left. On single-track stretches, use passing places (small lay-bys) to let oncoming cars by—whoever reaches it first pulls in. A friendly wave goes a long way.

2) Park smart.
Many headline sites have official lots signed from the road. If a car park is full, don’t wedge into verges—cliff edges and soft shoulders are unforgiving. Wait for turnover or pick your second-choice stop and circle back.

3) Aim for first/last slots.
You’ll get parking, softer light, and the hum of the sea instead of crowds. For the Causeway, the stones glow at sunset; for Carrick-a-Rede, rope-bridge crossings feel calmer right at opening.

4) Wind wins.
Those photogenic cliff edges? They’re windy. Tie hair, secure hats, and keep tripods low. Give edges a respectful berth.

5) Tickets & memberships.
A handful of sites are managed (or co-managed) by heritage organizations. If you’re stacking several pay-in venues in one day, consider day passes/memberships that can soften costs—especially helpful if the weather makes you pivot and return later.

6) Accessibility notes.

• Giant’s Causeway: There’s a bus for the downhill/uphill stretch from visitor centre to stones; the last bit is uneven rock.
• Carrick-a-Rede: Steep approach path + stepped sections; the bridge itself can sway.
• Mussenden Temple/Downhill: Broad paths to clifftops; some grass sections can be soft after rain.
  Check individual sites for the latest route options.

7) Food & fuel cadence.
Carry water, a thermos, and snacks. Coastal villages can be happily sleepy between lunch and dinner. A pastry in the pack turns a viewpoint into a picnic.

Bite-Sized Eats & Coffee Stops (Northbound)

• Whitehead & Islandmagee: Cinnamon buns and flat whites before The Gobbins; chowder after.
• Cushendall: Cosy cafés for soda bread, soups, and traybakes.
• Ballycastle: Harbour fish & chips (watch those gulls), ice cream on the promenade.
• Ballintoy: Tea rooms near the harbour—perfect after the rope bridge.
• Bushmills: A village cluster of pubs and bistros; reservations help on weekends.
• Portrush & Portstewart: Seaside staples—seafood, ice cream, and proper coffee bars.

Detours Worth the Wiggle

Rathlin Island (from Ballycastle)
A short ferry to cliffs alive with seabirds (puffins May–July), lighthouse views, and a slower tempo. Bring layers; it’s wind-kissed even on sunny days.

Glenariff Forest Park
Waterfall trails under a green canopy. Good on a mixed-weather day when cliffs are socked in.

Kinbane Head
A quiet ruin on a knife-edge headland. Steep steps down, a workout up, and photo spreads for days.

Portstewart Strand
Boardwalks through dunes, long beach strolls, a hot chocolate reward at the end.

The Dark Hedges
Best at sunrise when the beech trunks glow and the lane is still. Park a short walk away; the road itself is for local access.

Budget Snapshot (Per Person, Mid-Range)

• Car hire & fuel: $35–$55/day split between two.
• Rooms: $80–$150/night for a double in small hotels/guesthouses along the route.
• Food: $30–$50/day (one sit-down + coffee/ice cream + picnic fixings).
• Admissions & tours: $10–$20 per paid site; The Gobbins guided experience sits higher—worth the splurge for many.
• Treats: A whiskey tasting, a surf lesson, or a ferry to Rathlin can be your “big” add-on.

“Choose Your Own Adventure” Day Themes

• Legends & Ruins: Dunluce → Kinbane → Downhill Demesne → Mussenden sunset.
• Bridges & Cliffs: The Gobbins → Carrick-a-Rede → Ballintoy Harbour → coastal ramble.
• Stones & Stories: Giant’s Causeway (late day) → Bushmills village evening → Causeway at dawn for a second, quiet look.
• GOT Trail: Cushendun Caves → Ballintoy Harbour → Dark Hedges (sunrise/late light).

Quick Logistics Cheats

• Reservations to make first: The Gobbins (limited slots), rope-bridge time windows in peak season, small coastal inns for weekend nights.
• What to download: Offline maps, tide times (useful for beach/arch shots), sunrise/sunset app for your dates.
• What to throw in the boot: Compact umbrella, microfiber towel (sea spray happens), spare socks, reusable cup/thermos, a small trash bag (leave no trace).

Northern Ireland Causeway Coast: Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need to drive the Causeway Coastal Route?

Three days is the sweet spot for an easy-going trip with time to linger at the big hitters (Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dunluce) and sprinkle in detours (Kinbane Head, Portstewart Strand, The Dark Hedges). If you only have one day from Belfast, you can still see a highlight reel, but expect a long, busy outing. With 4–5 days you can add Rathlin Island, Glenariff Forest waterfalls, and unhurried beach walks.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Late spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) bring fewer crowds, lots of color, and photogenic, changeable skies. Summer offers long daylight and the widest opening hours but is busier—book ahead for popular stops. Winter is moody-magical and quiet, though daylight is short and storms can close cliff paths; pack warm waterproof layers.

Do I need to pre-book any attractions?

Yes for the Gobbins cliff path (guided, limited slots) and strongly recommended for Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (timed crossings). The Giant’s Causeway stones are open access via public footpaths, but the on-site visitor centre/car park operates ticketing—if you want the exhibition, parking, and shuttle, book a centre ticket; otherwise arrive early and use alternative parking or local buses. Always check the site’s pages the week of travel—wind or maintenance can trigger closures.

Is driving the route difficult if I’m not used to the left side of the road?

It’s very doable with a little patience. Traffic is light once you’re past Belfast, but expect narrow lanes, blind crests, tractors, and sheep. Drive left, use signed passing places on single-track sections, and give yourself extra time so you’re never rushing a bend. If tight roads stress you out, base in Ballycastle or Portrush and do short out-and-back day trips.

What should I pack for a coastal road trip in Northern Ireland?

Think layers: a waterproof shell, warm mid-layer, hat, and gloves year-round (even in July the cliffs are breezy). Add sturdy shoes with grip for wet rock and grass, a compact umbrella, sunscreen, a thermos, and a microfiber cloth for sea-sprayed lenses. Toss a small first-aid kit and snacks in the boot—café hours in tiny villages can be delightfully old-school.

How do crowds and parking work at the main sights?

Arrive at opening or late afternoon for Carrick-a-Rede and the Causeway—parking is easier and the light is kinder. Use official car parks; avoid verge parking near cliff edges or farm gates. If lots are full, don’t force it—loop to a secondary stop (Ballintoy Harbour, Kinbane Head) and circle back after the midday crush.

Can I visit if I’m afraid of heights or have mobility concerns?

Yes, with some tailoring. Giant’s Causeway offers a shuttle between the visitor centre and the stones (final stretch is uneven rock). Carrick-a-Rede has a steep approach and a swaying bridge—many enjoy the coastal path views without crossing. Mussenden Temple/Downhill Demesne is mostly open grass paths with big views. The Gobbins is spectacular but physically demanding with steps, narrow sections, and exposure—only book it if you’re comfortable with that.

Where should I base myself—one hub or multiple?

Two bases keep driving short and sunset options flexible: Ballycastle/Ballintoy/Bushmills for Day 1–2 icons, then Portrush/Portstewart or Derry~Londonderry for temples, dunes, and city walls. If you prefer unpack-once travel, pick Bushmills or Portrush and accept a little extra back-tracking—distances are small.

What are some easy add-ons if I have extra time?

• Rathlin Island (ferry from Ballycastle): puffins (May–July), lighthouse cliffs, slow-island energy.
• Glenariff Forest Park: waterfall loops under emerald canopy.
• Kinbane Head: quiet ruin on a dramatic headland (steep steps, huge payoff).
• Portstewart Strand: boardwalks through dunes to a long golden beach.
• The Dark Hedges: beech-tree tunnel—best at sunrise; park a short walk away and respect residents.

Any photography tips for these locations?

For the Causeway, go low and wide to exaggerate the hexagons; blue hour and long exposures make the Atlantic silky. At Carrick-a-Rede, shoot the bridge from the approach and again from the island looking back. Dunluce is beautiful framed through the sea arch at lower tides. A circular polarizer tames glare; carry a spare battery and a cloth—salt spray is part of the fun.

What’s a realistic budget?

Mid-range travelers typically spend $80–$150 per room (double) in coastal towns, $30–$50 per person/day on food (one sit-down meal + café stops + snacks), and $10–$20 per paid site (The Gobbins tours cost more; worth the splurge for many). Split car hire and fuel between two and it’s great value. Mix free landscapes (beaches, cliff walks) with one paid site per day for a happy wallet.

Any etiquette or safety basics I should know?

Leave gates as you found them, keep dogs on leads near livestock, and pack out all rubbish—cliff edges are fragile habitats. Give cliff edges a respectful margin in wind, and never turn your back on waves on rock shelves. In villages, park considerately, wave thanks at passing places, and keep drone use well away from people, livestock, and heritage sites (check local rules).

What are your favourite spots in Northern Ireland?