Ireland’s North Coast is a place of stunning beauty. Rugged coastlines and cliff tops fall away into the emerald green Atlantic Ocean. The Causeway Coastal Route runs from Belfast to Londonderry and is around 190 kilometres in length. The route winds around the northern coastline, often referred to as the Antrim Coast, and incorporates just as much of the scenic countryside as it does incredible beaches and seascapes. For years visitors have come to see Belfast, the home of the Titanic, and Giant’s Causeway, but the Causeway Coast offers much more.
In 2018, it was voted as Lonely Planet’s best region to visit, and it is not hard to see why. The true magic of the Emerald Isle is finally starting to garner some worldwide attention but that doesn’t take away from it’s charm. The locals absolutely love having people visit from the far corners of the globe and you can guarantee you will get a warm welcome when you visit. The Irish people have a well-earned reputation as some of the friendliest people in the world. Sit in any pub, café or restaurant and you will feel like you have known the locals forever. The hospitality you will be shown here is second to none.
By the way, I am Luke, one of the creators of The Coastal Campaign. I have been traveling extensively with my partner Roxy, for the past 10 years. But more importantly for this story, I hail from Ireland, so I kinda know some local secrets. In fact, I wrote A Local’s Guide to Ireland’s North Coast.
A visit to this unique corner of the world should be high up on your bucket list of destinations. The friendly welcome you will receive is matched by the raw, natural beauty that this spectacular stretch of coastline offers. While visiting Northern Ireland there are some activities that are a must-do and will really serve to make this a trip to remember.
Things to do on the Causeway Coast
– Surf in Portrush
Ireland is known locally as being a cold water paradise. But don’t let that put you off going for a dip in the Atlantic. Ireland is home to some of the best waves in the world and Portrush offers some great waves for both beginners and experts alike.
Troggs Surf Shop has been operating for over 30 years and is run by Andy Hill, a 6-time Irish national surf champion. He has more knowledge and expertise than most when it comes to the local surf. As well as providing wetsuit and board rentals, he is always more than happy to advise on the best place to surf that day. So head into Troggs to get the local lowdown, and to get the right gear to ensure you don’t freeze in the chilly water.
-Explore the ancient ruins along the coast
Ireland is well known for it’s many ancient buildings and ruins. These are always pretty amazing to see first hand. What makes this region even more special is the fact that there are many ruins perched on the magnificent cliff-tops and overlooking the ocean.
Dunluce castle, in the cover photo, is located about 5 minutes’ drive east of the town of Portrush. Built in the 1500’s by the MacQuillan family, part of this ancient ruin has already been lost to the sea due to coastal erosion. The local tourist board works tirelessly to ensure the cliffs remain stable and no more of these historic ruins are damaged.
Located 15 minutes west of Portrush is Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne built by the Bishop of Derry in the 1700’s. While the cliff top temple has been well maintained the old Bishops house has long been in ruins. The large gardens that contain these buildings offer stunning walks along the coast, overlooking nearby beaches, Downhill and Castlerock, which are both worth a visit.
-Seek out some filming locations from Game of Thrones
The popular HBO series has used a lot of the North Coast as filming locations throughout the series. Many locals have featured in the series as extras and the stars of the show are often found in the local pubs while filming in the area.
Dunluce Castle, mentioned above, is used as part of Castle Greyjoy, of the Iron Islands. Another location that features heavily in shots of the Iron Islands, is Ballintoy Harbour. This picturesque little harbor is also where Theon Greyjoy first meets his sister Yara. Venture inland slightly and you will find the Dark Hedges, which has been used on several episodes as a part of the King’s Road.
Whether or not you are a fan of the show, each location is worth taking the time to visit as it offers something different. Take your time to explore each place, and I am sure you will not find it hard to see why they were used as filming locations for such a big hit TV show.
-See the coast from a different perspective
The best way to truly experience the best of the North Coast, is to go coasteering. This involves climbing, cliff jumping and swimming your way around the rocky coast. You will get to see parts of Northern Ireland that very few people take the time to see, all while having an action packed and thrilling few hours.
The best way to do all this is with Causeway Coasteering. Matt, the owner, is a born and raised local, and has been exploring the area since he was a kid. I would say he probably knows the area better than most. This means that he knows all the real hidden gems the area has to offer and which area will be best, based on the conditions that day. You will swim through secret, underground tunnels, splash around in natural wave pools and jump from cliffs into the cold seas. If that is a bit too adventurous for you, you can also try the busier Gobbins Cliff Path.
-Have a pint of the black stuff at one of the local pubs
The Harbour Bar located in Portrush Harbour is known as the best place to have a pint of Guinness and enjoy some local music. The bartender, Willie Gregg, is a bit of a local legend and is a prime example of the local hospitality mentioned earlier. He will make sure you have a great time and a whole bunch of laughs. Live music is on 7 nights a week so grab some friends, have a pint or two, and enjoy what Ireland is truly famous for…Guinness.
Ready to drive the Causeway Coastal Route?
Ireland’s North Coast has so much to offer. As well as the natural beauty of the landscape, you can surf, explore, drink and eat until your heart’s content. It’s a very special corner of the world and it won’t take you long to fall in love with the country. The charming locals and spectacular views will be sure to rival the world’s best. So visit Belfast, and revel in Giants Causeway, then be sure to add this unique corner of Ireland to your Ireland itinerary!
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Luke and Roxy are the faces behind The Coastal Campaign. They are both twenty-somethings who met while traveling. With around 10 years of experience as full time travelers, they we have learned a thing or two on the road. Their desire is to share our knowledge with others while sharing some of the beautiful aerial photos they have taken along the way! You can find Luke and Roxy on The Coastal Campaign, on Facebook, and on Instagram.
