Giant's Causeway

If you drive out of Belfast say 100 km, just for a day, and you want follow the Giant's Causeway, is this a nice day out or do you need to be further away from Belfast to make the trip worthwhile?
Thanks for your honest answers.

Martin (from the Netherlands)

Hi Martin

The Causeway Coastal Route which spans 193km, (120 miles) is an amazing coastal route from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry that will captivate your heart. From incredible must-see attractions, endless outdoor activities, stunning landscapes and fascinating history and culture, it’s no wonder that the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the greatest scenic drives in the world.

Discover the Causeway Coastal Route

It'll be a day out that you will cherish forever!

Kind regards
Claire
B&B Ireland

Hi Martin,

That is a lovely trip to do. And like B&B Ireland said, the coastal route is absolutely amazing. Funnily enough the Giant's Causeway at Bushmill's is a 98km drive from Belfast. It's very doable to have a day trip there.

Are you staying in Belfast for your visit to Ireland?


We wensen je een hele fijne reis!
Corine

Hi Martin,

Do come and explore the Causeway Coastal Route!  It is well worth it, especially when you have made it to Belfast.

I would encourage you to get up and on the road earlier rather than later in the morning.  This will give you more time to stop and take in the beauty of the drive, get a coffee or ice cream en route, explore a village like Glenarm or Cushendun, eat fish and chips in Ballycastle…  

Head out along the shore of Belfast Lough towards Carrickfergus and basically follow the road around the coast.   Here is a map which you may find useful, as well as places of interest along the way. http://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/Portals/0/downloads/CCRMap2018.pdf

I would encourage you to buy your entrance ticket for the Giant’s Causeway online in advance; it is also cheaper to do this.  You will also need a ticket to cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.  Even if you have to wait a little before your allocated time comes to cross the Bridge, you can explore Larrybane and Ballintoy Harbour, both locations used in the filming of Game of Thrones.   

After exploring the amazing hexagonal stones and columns of the Giant’s Causeway, you can assess how much time and energy you have left.   You may visit the whiskey distillery in Bushmills or decide to stop off at Dunluce Castle.  Or head for the seaside town of Portrush, with its restaurants around the harbour, or to Portstewart to watch the sun set into the sea, before heading up to Coleraine and returning to Belfast on the main A26 and M2.

Go for it!  It will be a day to remember.  Maybe you will find yourself wanting to return and stay for longer in this stunningly beautiful part of Ireland!

I wish you a pleasant trip.

Mary.

Hi Martin

As Claire and Corine have stated, the Causeway Coastal Route has beautiful scenery and there are many points of interest along this journey. The initial journey of the Causeway Coastal Route, leaving from from Belfast, will include the Glens of Antrim which provides excellent landscapes. This is something you may be interested in. However, if you are making this journey along the Causeway Coastal Route, you may consider visiting the Walled City of Derry-Londondonerry.

The Walled City of Derry-Londonderry is an excellent cultural location with a series of visitor attractions steeped in history. These include the likes of the 17th Century City Walls, Guildhall, World Famous Murals, St Columb’s Cathedral as well as many fascinating museums and exhibitions. The city also provides great options for tours, leisure, shopping and dining as well as excellent accommodation options should you choose to spend the night here. The city provides the perfect base for exploring Ireland as we are located on the gateway to Donegal/Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route. More detailed information on what the city has to offer can be found in our official visitor guide here. We would also invite you to contact us should you have any inquiries or questions at all. We are more than happy to help.

Kind Regards

Barry 

Web: www.visitderry.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 7126 7284
Email: info@visitderry.com 

Thanks all folks that replied. We will drive it in a day starting very early and be back in Belfast late I suppose!

Hallo Martin, 

We'd love to hear about your day trip along the Causeway Coast! Did you make it all the way from Belfast to the Bushmills Distillery? :) 

Groetjes, 

Melin