Roadtripping Northern Ireland itinerary (3 day)
This road trip itinerary encompasses a lot of the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland, with key sights and experiences planned out logically – perfect for a long weekend!
Why go?
Northern Ireland is a beautiful and scenic country, and while it is famous for the Giant’s Causeway, the birthplace of the Titanic, and even Game of Thrones filming locations, these aren’t the only sights worth visiting. The Causeway Coastal Route offers (perhaps unsurprisingly) incredible coastal views with many off-the-beaten-track stop-off points allowing you to feel immersed in nature too.
Need to know
This itinerary begins at Belfast International Airport, a hub for flights mainly to/from Europe and the rest of the UK. We booked a late flight the evening before (London-Belfast), and stayed in the convenient airport hotel (Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport), so as to fully maximise the time we had.
Hire car: We used Avis-Budget, but there are a range of hire car companies available. As always, make sure to check it over and take pictures before you drive away. It’s also worth mentioning that driving is on the left in Northern Ireland, same as the rest of the UK. Traffic and road conditions are similar too, as expected. This means it’s not too daunting! Make sure to follow speed limits and traffic laws as usual.
Where to stay: When I did this trip, we stayed in a holiday cottage in the small village of Dervock, but you could stay anywhere around this region (I’d say, between Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballymoney), and adapt the itinerary order if it suits better differently!
Summary:
Day 1:
- Glenariff Forest Park
- Cushendun
- Torr Head viewpoint
- Carrick-a-Rede
- Dark Hedges
Day 2:
- Giant’s Causeway
- Dunlace Castle
- Portrush
- Mussenden Temple
Day 3:
- Coasteering adventure
- Belfast (Titanic Experience)
Day One
Glenariff Forest Park
Why go?
The first stop in this itinerary is Glenariff Forest Park, which encompasses over 1000 hectares of stunning woodland, waterfalls, and conservation areas. Part of the Glenariff Glen is a designated National Nature Reserve as well, and therefore is home to a variety of wildlife. It is a great place to stop and stretch your legs, and start to appreciate the beauty of the Causeway Coast!
Need to know
It is approximately 45-50 minutes’ drive from Belfast.
The carpark is large, with a small café and toilets nearby, as well as picnic areas. There is also a tap to fill water bottles although when we went it was literally just a tap in the (outside!) wall which was a little off-putting (obviously you could buy drinks from the café though instead!). Note the carpark is pay and display, and be sure to check opening times as it depends on the time of year.
Details
The area has three main walks which are fairly well signposted, with maps. They all start from the main carpark and are as follows:
- The Scenic Trail (9 km)
- The Waterfall Walk (3 km) (with optional detour “The Rainbow Trail” which adds 0.6 km).
- The Viewpoint Trail (1 km)
I recommend The Scenic Trail, which includes waterfalls and board walks, as well as climbing the coastal heads to beautiful views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean – you can even see Scotland on a clear day. It’s a decent length hike through forests and hills, surrounded by peace and natural beauty, and it helps work up an appetite for lunch!
Cushedun
Why go?
The next stop is a tiny village on the coast, called Cushedun. There is not a huge amount here but it is home to Cushendun Caves – one of the locations used in filming Game of Thrones, if you’re a fan – and if you’re not, it’s also a quaint place just to relax and have lunch. There is a fairly long sandy/pebbly beach too, which definitely aids with relaxing.
Need to know
It is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Glenariff.
There is public parking along the main road parallel to the beach, which was surprisingly busy but easy to find.
Cushendun Caves
Why go?
As mentioned, these caves were the location for a couple of Game of Thrones scenes – firstly the scene in which Melisandre births a “shadow baby”, and later a fight scene between Jaime Lannister and Euron Greyjoy. Honestly, there isn’t a huge amount to see, so it isn’t a long trip, but it is cool to visit none-the-less.
Need to know
The caves are not super obvious to find, in my opinion. Once you cross the bridge over the river (coming from the carpark), turn right (past Johann the goat statue (a memorial from the last Foot & Mouth outbreak)) and follow the road along the river front, past a hotel and the cottage on the corner, where the road bends to the right. Ahead there are two buildings looking like garages or public toilets, but if you pass between these you have reached the cave area.
After visiting the caves, spend some time exploring the rest of Cushendun – stopping for a classic seaside lunch and relaxing on the beach if there is good weather!
Torr Head
Why go?
After relaxing and eating, it’s time to continue on the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. The next stop is a quiet and remote cliff head viewpoint offering, once again, incredible views of the Atlantic and Northern Irish coastline.
Need to know
It takes around 20 minutes to drive here, but word of warning – the roads are classic small, winding, and hilly country roads! Take your time and try not to be distracted by the scenery though, and it is nothing to worry about.
This is more of an “off-the-beaten-path” location; we saw only one other car in the small parking lot.
Once parked, it is a short 5 minute walk up along a footpath to an abandoned old building on the cliff head. It can be pretty windy so make sure you are dressed for the weather, even in summer. However, the views make you feel like you are truly in the wild.
It is another short stop but definitely worth it to experience the Causeway Coastal Route in all its glory. Note that there are often viewpoints mentioned on signs that have a few roadside spaces to park alongside this route, so feel free to stop as much or little as you like until you get your fill of the beauty!
Carrick-a-Rede
Why go?
Our final coastal stop of the day is the National Trust site Carrick-a-Rede. There’s a lovely walk along the coastline cliffs, but what’s most exciting is the narrow rope bridge suspended almost 100 ft above the ocean, connecting the mainland to a small rocky island. This island is home to the Fisherman’s cottage, which is over 400 years old.
Need to know
It’s approximately a 30 minute drive from Torr Head.
The car park is a decent size, with toilets, as Carrick-a-Rede is a popular tourist destination. Tickets to cross the bridge include car parking, or you can pay just for parking if the bridge looks too daunting!
This trip needs to be booked in advance currently, via the National Trust site; this page also contains the latest information on opening times and prices.
Dark Hedges
Why go?
The final stop of the day is slightly inland, and is another one primarily for the Game of Thrones fans. However, once again, even if you’re not into the show, this makes for an interesting stop-off to witness the atmospheric old trees lining the road as far as the eye can see.
Need to know
It’s around a 15 minute drive from Carrick-a-Rede.
There are several car parks near by that charge (eg, the Hotel nearby), although you’ll see some people parking for free at the top of the road. Be aware that the road itself is usually closed or it is frowned upon to drive down there. Besides, it can be very busy with people so driving would be difficult anyway! This is why I’m suggesting seeing this site in the afternoon or evening, although you could also visit earlier tomorrow morning if you preferred, so that it is quieter and you can walk down the avenue and get some great pictures.
Day Two
After a relaxing evening, you’re ready for Day 2! This is kick-started by a visit to Northern Ireland’s most famous attraction – The Giant’s Causeway.
Giant’s Causeway
Why go?
This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is on many people’s bucket lists. It comprises of thousands of basalt columns forming unique hexagonal patterns made of stone, which were made during a dispute between an Irish and Scottish giant (according to myth, at least!). However, walking and climbing over these amazing structures isn’t the only thing to do here – there are also several beautiful coastal walks to explore, and a Visitor Centre with exhibitions.
Need to know
When I visited, it was required to book a time slot on the National Trust website; now however, it is only “recommended” (if you would like the “Visitor Experience”; if it is just the coastal walks you are after, there is no need to book). This website also contains the latest information on opening times and prices.
The carpark is fairly big. If you are there early, the cars queue out onto the road until the carpark is opened in the morning. Note that it is only for National Trust members or those who have booked the “Visitor Experience”. If you’re just after the walking, there is an alternative carpark (Innisfree Farm).
There is a café and gift shop here too, as expected.
Depending on the time of year you visit, remember to wrap up warmly! There is a sloping path (5-10 min walk) down to the Causeway after you’ve seen the Visitor Centre, and then you will likely be exploring around for a few hours.
Dunlace Castle
Why go?
This ruined medieval castle is a lovely stop-off halfway to our lunch location (Portrush). Back on the Causeway Coastal Route, it has a dramatic ocean backdrop and the ever-present beautiful views. The castle ruins can be explored, and there is also a cave beneath it, which can be visited. Finally, it is also apparently the inspiration for Castle Greyjoy, in Game of Thrones.
Need to know
The castle is approximately 10-15 minutes’ drive from the Giant’s Causeway.
When we visited, the car park was not very big at all, and was also at the end of a single-track road, which made getting in and out tricky, especially when tour buses are put into the equation!
Portrush
Why go?
Portrush is included in this itinerary as a lunch destination, primarily. In all honesty, it is a little too touristy in my opinion. However, it is a classic seaside town with a range of food options, and if the weather is right you could stop off slightly before town to visit Whiterocks Beach, an apparently (unfortunately didn’t get to visit) beautiful beach that frequently wins the Blue Flag award.
Need to know
Parking was a nightmare – it was absolutely rammed on the day we visited. To be fair, I think we were unlucky enough to have shown up on some kind of event day, so I’d recommend checking beforehand to avoid if that’s the case! Note also that the aforementioned Whiterocks Beach is not on the end of the peninsula, as Google maps suggests, but has a carpark slightly before the town, off the Coastal Causeway Route you’ll be driving from Dunluce castle.
Mussenden Temple
Why go?
This scenic temple and the surrounding beaches and woodland are the final stop on today’s itinerary. It’s another National Trust site, featuring an eighteenth-century mansion and estate, as well as the Italian-influenced clifftop temple. This part of the itinerary involves a 9.2 km circular walk that starts and ends in the nearby village of Castlerock and takes in a variety of scenery and landscapes, but there are other shorter or easier walk options available.
Need to know
It’s about 25 minutes’ drive to Castlerock, or a few minutes longer onto Mussenden National Trust parking (if you’d like to skip the long walk and just visit the grounds – there are smaller circular walks covering this too).
There isn’t really designated parking in Castlerock. We just chose a random road close-ish to the beach which worked well and was free.
The circular route we took encompasses beach, road, and forest sections. It was not the best signposted or easy to follow route, but a pleasant walk none-the-less.
After this, you should feel like you’ve had a great day out in nature exploring another section of the Causeway Coastal Route, and ready for the final day!
Day Three
Coasteering adventure activity
Why do it?
The final day of this trip calls for another level of adventure. Coasteering is an adrenaline-filled activity essentially involving swimming, jumping, climbing, and exploring along the coast! It’s a great way to get the heart pumping and see Northern Ireland’s wonderful coastline from another perspective.
Need to know
First things first – this is obviously an activity that needs pre-planning or organising with a reputable and responsible company which can guide you through it and also provide the necessary equipment. It could be dangerous to attempt this by yourself without any knowledge of the coast or currents. I’m sure there are multiple great companies to choose from, but we went with Coasteering NI, which begins the adventure in the tiny village of Ballintoy. We had a great experience with them, and would definitely recommend if you are considering this!
In Ballintoy, there is a carpark and toilets where you can change into your wetsuit etc too, although I recommend having your swimming stuff on to begin with, under your normal clothes. If you do this, however, remember to bring clean fresh warm clothes and underwear with you for afterwards, as well as a towel!
The time of year of your trip is also worth taking into consideration here – naturally, it could be too cold or dangerous to do this activity in winter (meaning the activity providers may not run sessions). However, if you’re worried about the cold in summer, I’d like to reassure you that it really won’t be as bad as you think! For starters, you will be wearing a wetsuit and buoyancy aid, and then the adrenaline coursing round your blood will help boost your temperature as well!
Finally, if you are not a fan of cliff-jumping, don’t worry. There are different height jumps and if you don’t want to do one, you don’t have to! I definitely sat out a few of the more crazy ones. Overall though I would recommend just having fun and testing your limits with a unique experience!
Note that we brought a packed lunch which we ate after this experience before beginning the next leg.
Belfast (The Titanic Experience)
Why go?
After your hair-raising morning activity, it’s time to begin the drive back to Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city and where this whole trip began. Belfast’s main draw (in my opinion) is that it is where the Titanic was designed, built, and launched in 1911. The Titanic Experience is a visitor attraction and monument dedicated to telling the story of the famous ship, from conception through to the fateful maiden voyage.
Need to know
Driving to Belfast from Ballintoy takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
There is car parking beneath the Titanic Experience (pay per hour). I’d recommend this as we used a free car park but in hindsight I think that paying a couple quid for peace of mind and not having to walk an hour into the city is much better!
I pre-booked an entrance ticket through TripAdvisor, but even so there were timed entry slots so if you do this I’d recommend getting your ticket from the foyer as soon as you arrive, as you may be waiting for the next entry time. The ticket is for a self-guided experience through the different exhibits (including a fun theme-park style ride through the “construction” phase), and also for the SS Nomadic ship which is outside of the main building.
Also note: there are food places nearby if you wanted to have lunch before this experience; as mentioned, we ate a packed lunch in Ballintoy, but then had a snack in Belfast too!
This concludes my roadtrip itinerary for Northern Ireland! If you have more time, you could check out the city of Belfast some more, but if not, it is time to return your hire car to the airport and check in ready for your flight home.