Ireland's Causeway Coastal route | 5 CHEAP + FREE unique things to see + do!

June 20, 2023

After packing our bags for our epic adventure to Canada we set sail for our next destination; Ireland! Ireland is one of those places that truly make you feel right at home! Rolling green hills, epic long sheer cliffs and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, really sets the scene for a magical place!

The Causeway coastal route is one of the most popular driving routes known for its striking sea & cliff views & numerous lookout points. Although there are so many amazing places to see, we narrowed it down to our top 5!

We recommend watching our YouTube video below to see everything we got up to here in Northern Ireland.

WHAT IS THE CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE?

The Causeway coastal route is a journey where you can immerse yourself in the outdoors and experience the beauty of nature. This route will take you around the north coast of Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry with nine additional scenic routes to explore. The route connects with two other key tourist drives, Wild Atlantic Way and the Mourne Coastal Route at Belfast. Although there are so many amazing places to see, we narrowed it down to our top 5! Here are five spots we highly recommend you check out during your next Ireland road trip…

1. The Giant’s Causeway:

The Giants Causeway is one of the natural wonders of the world. It’s natural beauty will take your breath away. Imagine thousands of hexagonal rocks randomly placed right next to the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by massive cliffs and green hills. Rumour has it that the rocks appeared when two giants had a fight. Finn McCool, the Irish giant had a biff with the Scottish giant, Benandonner. An angry Finn McCool threw chunks of the Antrim coast into the sea to create a path for Finn to teach Bennandonner a lesson! When Finn McCool reached the Scottish giant he quickly learnt that it was a bad idea. His quick thinking wide quickly disguised him as a baby. Bennandonner saw the baby and quickly retreated as he thought that if the baby was that big, then the dad must be huge!!!

Giants Causeway in Ireland Bec and Conor

*Legend has it that this above photo is Finn McCool's giant shoe!

Although this rumour would be awesome if it was true, there is a scientific version. The Causeway is the aftermath of volcanic crashing, burning and cooling. It dates back to 60 million years ago. Whichever version you chose to believe, this place is an epic place to visit and tick of the bucket list!

Location: 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills

Price: This is a tricky one. You need to pay to park in the main car-park. If you pay the fee it gives you access to the Visitor centre. Alternatively, you can park along the side of the road for free. Unfortunately, these car-parks are usually taken. If you aren’t interested in seeing the visitor centre you can park at the hotel/restaurant and if you spend £15 the hotel staff will issue you with a ticket to see the Giants causeway for free. This can be done prior to or after seeing the Giants Causeway as you only show your ticket as you leave the site.

2. Kinbane Castle:

You can’t travel to Ireland and not explore a castle! Northern Ireland has so many stunning castles to explore but our favourite has got to be Kinbane Castle. Due to the tiny road leading to the castle, it means you have a good chance of enjoying this castle all to yourself! When you arrive at the car-park, you will follow a track that leads you steeply down steps to the castle ruins. The castle ruins are situated on the base of a limestone headland where you have incredible views of epic waterfalls on the basalt cliffs ad of course the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re brave enough, you can climb right to the tip of the headland as we did. We only recommend this on a calm day as the tiny track is very narrow and has a sheer drop into the ocean on either side. We highly recommend this place for its natural beauty as well as the history behind the castle!

Location: 81 Whitepark Rd, Ballycastle

Price: Free

Kinbane Castle Northern Ireland Bec and Conor

3. Dunluce Castle:

Dunluce Castle is a must-see place when exploring Northern Ireland. Its ancient castle runes date back to the 13th century! In 1639 there was a big bloody battle and apparently, the whole kitchen of the castle fell into the ocean! Dunluce Castle was used in Game of Thrones to film House Greyjoy’s Castle at Pyke. Location: Dunluce Castle, Bushmills – County Antrim Price: Adult (18+) – £6.00, Child (age 5 – 17) – £4.00, Child under 5 – Free

4. Vanishing lake:

Known to locals as the Vanishing Lake, however, called the Lake of Loughareema. Not technically a location along the Causeway Coastal route, however, the Vanishing Lake was situated on our drive to Glenariff Forest and felt like it needed to be added to our must-see places! The Lake is truly mind-blowing! One day it could be empty, and the next completely full! The lake has three streams flowing into it but none out. Legend has it that the place is haunted. In the 19th century, a coach and horses drowned in the lake. It’s one of those places that is a true wonder of nature. Make sure to check it out!

Location: Loughareema, Ballycastle

Price: Free

Vanishing Lake Northern Ireland Bec and Conor

5. Glenariff Forest:

Just a short drive off the Causeway Coastal route is Glenariff Forest. Glenariff Forest Park is an 1185 hectare forest in County Antrim. If you love waterfalls this is definitely the place for you to explore! The park displays a range of walking trails, waterfalls, rivers and rapids! If that wasn’t enough, the park also caters to horse riding and touring. It also has picnic and barbecue areas and a tea house. The forest is truly magical and the perfect spot for the perfect Instagram photo!

Location: Glenariff Forest, County Antrim

Price: Free