Causeway Coastal Route

The beauty of the Causeway Coastal Route is legendary, be sure not to miss its best bits

DARK HEDGES

Game of Thrones fans, take note. This is a photo opportunity your wont want to miss. This iconic archway of intertwining beech trees has become one of our most photographed natural phenomena.

It was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century to impress visitors approaching the entrance to their Georgian mansion.

Today the site is perhaps best known as a filming location in HBO’s Game of Thrones®; it doubled as The King’s Road in Season Two of the epic series.

CAUSEWAY COAST DISCOVERY CENTRE

The Causeway Coast Discovery Centre provides workshops in language, dance, traditional music, Scots/Irish genealogy, traditional crafts and the clan history of the Causeway Coast in the 16th century.  The centre specialises in experiential Irish tourism and offers the opportunity to delve into Irish culture, heritage and history. 

The centre offers a unique brand of quality tourism where visitors meet local people and experience authentic traditional hospitality in the local community and culture. It is this quality and uniqueness that has helped the centre win an Irish tourism award for the last 4 years and a visit here really brings your onward journey through Ireland to life.

RATHLIN ISLAND

Experience the beauty of island life!

Hosting one of Ireland’s greatest bird sanctuaries, the chance to spot killer whales or dolphins off the coast, beautiful idyllic walking trails, shipwreck diving, iconic lighthouses, a vibrant history and colourful arts scene, Rathlin is a haven for those with all manner of interests. Enjoy a day in this unique location, meeting the locals in its quaint Irish village with a single pub and shop. With a regular ferry service, boats leave and return to the town of Ballycastle several times a day. Rathlin is a great place to spend a day or more with one of our local guides! Take the ferry or let us at Premier Experiences Northern Ireland organise a private boat or boat tour if it is more convenient to you.

TORR ROAD

If it is off the beaten track your clients are looking for then a trip along the Torr Road is a must do. The roads may be narrow and windy but scenery is stunning with its views out towards the Isles of Scotland and along the rest of the rugged North Antrim coastline.

On this route you must visit Fair Head a Game of Thrones film location, Murlough Bay a stunningly picturesque, secluded and sheltered cove which is another Game of Thrones site and Torr Head where you can breathe in the fresh ocean air and let the gentle wind blow the cobwebs away.

GLENS OF ANTRIM

The Glens of Antrim, is a coastal region of Northern Ireland comprising of nine glens (known as valleys) running down to the sea. Each glen contains its own history, myths and legends and along with the stunning views of the surrounding country side and coastline, it makes for one of the most beautiful driving or walking experiences that Northern Ireland has to offer.

The Glens are easily accessible for visitors driving on the Causeway Coastal Route, however we can organise a local guide for you as part of your Causeway Coastal Route tour to help bring the area to life recalling some of the history, myths and legends of this unique area, giving an insight into the areas culture and heritage and meeting the local Glens people along the way.

GLENARIFFE WATERFALL

Glenariffe is one of the Nine Glens of Antrim and is known as the Queen of the Glens.

It is on the Causeway Coastal Route running from Belfast to Derry and is a wide U-shaped valley sweeping down towards the sea. It is known for its stunning views of the mountains and Scotland beyond. Glenariffe Forest Park with its waterfalls, allows visitors to walk through the mystical surroundings and follow the waterfall walk down the wooden steps, along the boardwalks through the river gorge and past spectacular waterfalls.

RSPB CENTRE RATHLIN ISLAND

Those with an interest in all things natural are in for a treat here. Whilst hugely important for breeding seabirds, including puffin, guillemot, kittiwake, razorbill and fulmar, Rathlin Island is also home to Northern Ireland’s only pair of breeding chough and more recently corncrake.

Visitors can enjoy the West Light Seabird Centre and a cliff-top, off-road walking trail at nearby Roonivoolin.

SCULLION HURLS

The locals will tell you that hurling is the greatest sport in the world and the background to the game itself is equally as fascinating. It is an iconic and incomparable sport which entrances all who see it.

Having existed for over 3000 years, there is a vast and fascinating history surrounding the fastest field sport in the world. Scullion hurls is a working museum that has crafted fine hurling sticks, or caman, for generations.
A visit here includes a brilliant interactive workshop, an insight into the sport and a chance to see fine craftsmen at work.

JOHNNY JOE’S (MCCOLLAMS) PUB, CUSHENDALL

If it is a traditional Irish pub with some of the best live music in Ireland you are looking for then do not miss this absolute gem in the coastal village of Cushendall. Local musicians come together on a Friday and Saturday night to play together, not for money, but for the love of the music and the comradery of the get together.

The pub itself hasn’t changed much over the years and the old-fashioned furnishing and cosy rooms adds to the atmosphere which you can enjoy as you blend into the local community and enjoy the craic, music and hospitality the people have to offer.

KINBANE CASTLE

This gem is more hidden than most but once uncovered, travellers know they have found somewhere special. Kinbane castle is exceptional in its location. It is situated on a rocky headland looking out towards Rathlin Island and the western Isles of Scotland. Visitors will need to have a basic level of fitness to get the most out of Kinbane however as the roads are too windy for large coaches, the serenity, beauty and magic waiting at the bottom is worth every step. There is something about this place that you simply must experience for yourself.

MURLOUGH BAY

Old churches, Game of Throne filming location, wild deer, quaint cottages, stunning views of Scotland and another top hidden gem experience. Murlough bay is one of my favourite spots on the North Coast but again it is relatively unknown to the common traveller. Visitors can walk or drive to the bay along a windy road with numerous viewing points along the way to allow you to bask in the stunning surroundings of one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular and inspiring vistas. The roads can be narrow and windy which would be a challenge for large coaches however perfect for independent travellers.

What are you waiting for?