Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route

Embark on an epic journey along Northern Ireland’s ruggedly beautiful coastline – take in the sights, explore the locations and soak up the culture of this breathtaking region.

This 4-day itinerary highlights the sights on Northern Ireland’s most famous coastline, from majestic cliff-top castles and swaying sea bridges, to a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the jewel of the route tumbles into the sea.
 
Potential visitors can see what’s ahead of them across this exciting landscape as they find out how to travel along the Causeway Coastal Route...
 

Fast Facts:
 

1.  The Giant’s Causeway was formed over 60 million years ago, when molten lava from the earth’s core came into contact with the sea, crystallising into the 40,000 hexagonal basalt pillars we recognise today. Or some prefer the legend that tells of two warring giants. The star of the show is Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) – an Irish giant who picked a fight with Scottish big man Benandonner. Legend has it that the giants loathed each other. And so one day after enduring insults from Benandonner, Fionn built a path to use as stepping-stones to reach Scotland, which was then ripped up by Benandonner. The result was the Giant’s Causeway. 

 
 
 

2.  The Cushendun Caves were used as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones®. You’ll recognise them from the scene where Melisandre gave birth to a shadowy creature that would eventually kill Renly Baratheon.

 

3.  Rathlin Island is the most northerly inhabited island in Ireland – it’s also home to colonies of seabirds, and a curious ‘upside-down’ lighthouse that glows red at night.

 

4. Overlooking Downhill Beach, Mussenden Temple was once used as a private library. It’s modelled after the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy. Oh, and did we mention they carry out wedding ceremonies here?

 

5. Leading to Carrick Island, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was initially set up by salmon fishermen who wanted to make use of the abundant waters around the rocky outcrop.

 
For more information about visiting Ireland, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Or visit Ireland.com to find out more.