Causeway Coastal Route Northern Ireland ~ Self-drive
Stretching from bustling Belfast to the historic city of Derry~Londonderry and taking in some of Ireland's most incredible sights, the Causeway Coastal Route is sure to get your heart racing. Studded with sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys and fuchsia-edged clifftop paths.
Spend some time in the glittering city of Belfast and delve into where it all began for the Ship of Dreams at the Titanic Quarter Belfast Museum. You can see Titanic’s little sister, the SS Nomadic, the HMS Caroline a Royal Navy ship used during both World War 1 and 11. Explore St George’s Market a Belfast foodie Institution where you’ll find everything from chocolate to cheese. Fan of Game of Thrones (GOT)? Head down to Count Down and visit Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle “The Haunted Forest” then head to Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, better known as Rob Starks’ Camp Riverrun. Travel eastwards to more scenes from the Blockbuster Series to National Trust Castle Ward and see “GOT Winterfell in the North”.
Walk on water at The Gobbins....
The Gobbins cliff walk has clung to the enormous basalt cliffs of the Islandmagee peninsula for over one hundred years. The path is a one-of-a-kind experience: walk along the tubular bridge (33ft/10 metres above the sea) and marvel at the spectacular vistas and abundant wildlife. Cross striking bridges, climb stairways carved into the cliff face and explore hidden smuggler caves as the wind howls and the mighty ocean waves pound the rocks below. Then head into the busy town of Larne to Billy Andy's bar.
Want to visit a storybook castle? You've come to the right place. Glenarm Castle in the heart of the Glens has been home to the McDonnell family since the 1600s. Take a wander through the castle gardens, too: they are among the oldest in Ireland, and the perfect spot to while away an afternoon in the sunshine. Try their cream tea or a light lunch.
Fans of GOT will recognise the Cushendun Caves almost immediately. This is where the infamous "shadow baby" scene was filmed and it's one of the many GOT locations scattered around the Causeway Coast. Whether you're a fan of the show or not, it's well worth detouring to Murlough Bay (in GOT it’s better known as “Slavers Bay, Essos and the Stormlands”) to get a look at the big picture: a seemingly endless stretch of coastline and, on a clear day, maybe even a glimpse of Scotland. Just a few miles away lies Glenariff Forest Park, a gorgeous nature reserve in the heart of the glens, with three spectacular waterfalls and a choice of peaceful riverside walks.
Don't miss the chance to visit Northern Ireland's only offshore inhabited (140 people) Rathlin Island. Chug across the picturesque Church Bay by ferry before landing in the harbour and exploring this marvel. Rathlin is home to some incredible legends, take a tour of the "upside down lighthouse", Rathlin West Light, one of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland. You can also discover some wonderful wildlife here like puffins and seals.
Sway above the waves at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Suspended almost 100ft/30 metres above the sea, the bridge has linked tiny Carrick Island and the County Antrim mainland for around 350 years. Take a deep breath, step onto the sturdy, wooden slats, and you'll be rewarded by some of the best views on the Causeway Coastal Route. If you have more time it’s a short hop to Ballintoy Harbour, one of the many breathtaking GOT filming locations dotted along the Causeway Coast.
Head to County Antrim’s Giant’s Causeway in time to watch the sun set – it's absolutely breathtaking. If you have more time tackle the, Cliff-top Experience Walk, with a local guide. The five-mile walk takes you along quiet routes that allow the best views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway.
The Old Bushmills Distillery is the island’s oldest working distillery. It’s been in operation since 1608, and the company’s distinctive single malt whiskey is still produced here today. Take a guided tour and you'll discover how the whiskey is made using traditional copper pot stills and a triple distillation process. Try a tutored whiskey tasting or a meal at the in-house restaurant, which serves Northern Ireland fare with a Bushmills twist.
Ancient ruins at the end of the world... Dunluce Castle is possibly one of the most dramatic places on earth. The ruins of a 14th century castle are perched 100ft/30 metres above the wild ocean. In the 17th century, part of the castle simply crumbled into the sea during a monumental storm. Nowadays, Dunluce remains only in ruins, but it’s still utterly stunning.
Portrush and Portstewart are two gorgeous seaside villages with lots to keep you occupied. The towns are wonderful spots for beachgoers, Blue Flag white sand beach, and foodies alike. GOT site - is Portstewart Strand” Coast of Dorne”. Head to Morelli’s ice-cream parlour for a sundae; while in Portrush, the restaurants in the Ramore complex, such as the Harbour Bar, are perfect spots for an evening meal.
Take a stroll along Downhill Demesne, and look up: standing over the beach is one of Northern Ireland's most iconic landmarks Mussenden Temple was originally built as a replica of the Temple of Vesta in Italy. It’s a seriously impressive sight, particularly as the sun sets behind it: pack a picnic, ramble along the beach and then head to the temple for unparalleld views bathed in gold. GOT site - is Downhill Beach is “Dragonstone”.
Stand on the city walls in Derry~Londonderry and you’ll feel the history is all around you. But there’s more to this place than its past. This is a vibrant modern city with a cutting-edge food scene, an exciting cultural life and a pretty impressive ability to enjoy life.
Causeway Coastal Itinerary- ° Based on 11 nights, travelling 1st August 2020 - 12th August 2020 *Various dates*
° Return Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast.
° 11 day Car Hire Belfast-Belfast
° Board Basis B&B
° Maldron Hotel Belfast, 3 nights
° Glenn Eireann House, near Cushendun, Ballymena, 1 night
° Rest A While Guesthouse Bushmills, 3 nights
° Inn On The Coast Portrush, 2 nights
° Maldron Hotel Derry, 2 nights
Total price from £830.00 per person based on 2 adults sharing.
Please contact me for a tailored quote ~ Tel: 01773 318470 Mob: 07926 371 062 Email: julia.broadhurst@travelcounsellors.com https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/julia.broadhurst#contact