Causeway Coast

The most scenic coastal road in Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coast stretches for about 50 km along the Antrim coastline between Ballycastle and Portrush, and it is one of the finest stretches of coastal scenery in the British Isles. The road passes cliff-top castle ruins, volcanic rock formations, a rope bridge suspended above the sea, a beach of white sand backed by basalt cliffs, and the Dark Hedges — the tunnel of ancient beech trees that became globally famous as a Game of Thrones filming location.

All of these are genuine, not manufactured. The Causeway Coast was drawing visitors long before HBO discovered it, and it will continue to draw visitors long after the series is forgotten.

Entry requirements for non-EU visitors

The Causeway Coast is in Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. US, Canadian and Australian visitors require a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter — £10, applied for online at gov.uk before travel. EU passport holders and Irish citizens can cross from the Republic without formalities. Northern Ireland uses pound sterling (GBP).

Getting there from Dublin

The coast is about 250 km from Dublin — three hours by car via the M1 north and then the A2 coastal road. Without a car, the most practical option is an organised day tour.

The Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge tour from Dublin covers both headline attractions in a single long day from Dublin, returning in the evening. This works well if you have one day for the north and want to see both the rope bridge and the causeway.

If you have flexibility, basing yourself in Belfast overnight lets you do the causeway coast more comfortably — you are 75 km closer and can drive at your own pace.

Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

The National Trust rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede connects the mainland to a small island that was once used by salmon fishermen. The bridge sways above a 30-metre drop into the sea below and is 20 metres long. For most people it is a memorable 10-minute crossing and a genuinely stomach-tilting experience; for those with severe vertigo, it is optional.

Booking in advance is essential in summer — the National Trust limits numbers and the rope bridge sells out on busy days. Booking is online at nationaltrust.org.uk. The surrounding cliff top walk is free and worth doing regardless of whether you cross.

Dark Hedges

The avenue of intertwined beech trees on Bregagh Road near Armoy was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century. It became internationally famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones, and social media has amplified that fame considerably. The trees are genuinely beautiful, particularly in morning light when mist sits in the avenue. Arrive before 9am to have them largely to yourself; by mid-morning in summer there is a queue of photographers.

The road is now closed to traffic to protect the roots — park in the nearby car park and walk in.

The coastal drive

The recommended route runs west from Ballycastle through Ballintoy (the fictional Lordsport harbour from Game of Thrones) and White Park Bay (a beautiful arc of white sand backed by basalt cliffs) to the Giant’s Causeway. Continuing west, Dunluce Castle ruins perch dramatically on their cliff before the road reaches Portrush, the main resort town.

Ballintoy Harbour. The small harbour at Ballintoy is photogenic and peaceful when the tour groups have moved on. The Church of St Gobhan at the top of the hill above the harbour is one of the most atmospheric small churches in Ireland.

White Park Bay. A sandy beach accessible only on foot, with a short walk down from the car park. Worth 30 minutes if you have time.

Dunluce Castle. See the Giant’s Causeway page for detail on Dunluce — it is on the causeway coast route and most tours include it.

Planning context

The causeway coast combines naturally with Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway. A two-day Northern Ireland trip from Dublin might be: day one in Belfast (Titanic, black taxi tour, Cathedral Quarter); day two driving the causeway coast (Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce). The Northern Ireland 3-day itinerary builds in Derry as a third day. See the day trip guide for detailed timing on the causeway coast loop.