Guide to the Causeway Coastal Route

Many guides will tell you that you can do the coastal route in a day, from Belfast and end up staying in Londonderry for the night.  While that it strictly true, as the distances are not that large, to truly enjoy the experience, however, and not to feel rushed at any of the points, my recommendation would be to break the journey up into at least 3 days as follows.

As Carrickfergus could take a full day in itself to explore, you could swing around to Templepatrick on your way back to Belfast (to enjoy another nights's craic!) to see Patterson's Spade Mill. The second day you could leave Belfast and maybe stay in Bushmills or somewhere in that direction that night; leaving the Giants Causeway to the 3rd day. The 3rd day you can meander from the Giants Causeway through Ballintoy, enjoy a stroll on the Benone Strand staying in Londonderry that night.  The fourth day could include a tour of the Derry city walls (a must) as well as the bogside.  From there, you could either go into Donegal or a drive the Sperrin Mountains Route.  

The Nine Glens of Antrim route is considered separately although visiting the Glens can be easily integrated into the Causeway Coast Route.  Add at least another day, though!   

The point made, however, is that although the distances are short, the unique scenery is incredible and you should give yourself ample time to truly experience the sites and the culture! 

The Causeway Coast route is very well sign posted from Belfast.  You should take the signs from Belfast to Carrickfergus (or the Coast route) which is taking from Belfast the M2, then the M5 and then the A2.  A Google map is included below to aid you in navigating this stretch between Belfast and Carrickfergus; make sure you are on the right side of the Lough!

We have broken the Causeway Coast Route into areas of interest which you can see to the left of this page.  We have started Carrickfergus with the number 1 as that is the closest to Belfast and would be the first stop on your trip up the Causeway Coast.  We thought this would be useful if you wanted to plan your trip.