Stay a While Route 2 - The Coastal Route to Belfast
Probably one of the best coastal drives in the world, this is a must if you want to explore the sophisticated city of Belfast and want to have fun on the way there. Starting off from the famous NW200 town of Portstewart you have a adventure filled two days of exploring thorugh the Giants Causeway, Carrik-A-Rede rope bridge and the mysterious Glenariff Forest to name but a few. In between each of your stops you have a truly spectacular view of constant coastline that will take your breath away.
Once you arrive in Belfast let the city entertain you and if you want to read up on the sites before arrival check out www.gotobelfast.com for the latest news on the city’s events.
Day 1
10.00
Head off to explore one of the world’s great coastal roads - The Causeway Coastal Route.
10.30
Visit Dunluce Castle - 16th century castle, strikingly perched on rocky cliffs and overlooking the North Atlantic.
T: (0) 28 2073 1938
Website: www.ehsni.gov.uk
11.30
Explore the Giant’s Causeway; recognised as one of the natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of thousands of hexagonally-shaped basalt columns, some up to 160 meters high, formed 60 million years ago from volcanic lava.
T: (0) 28 2073 1855
Website: www.giantscausewaycentre.com
13.00
Stop for lunch at either the Causeway or in close by Bushmills
14.00
Don’t miss Bushmills Distillery - Ireland’s oldest distillery which celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008. This is a must and not just for whiskey connoisseurs.
T: (0) 28 2073 3218
Website: www.bushmills.com
16.00
Head towards Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and enjoy the challenge of crossing a 24m deep and 18m wide chasm over the Atlantic.
18.00
Continue along the route to Ballycastle where you can enjoy a great meal and experience traditional music in one of the many bars and pubs. This is a good place for an overnight stay.
Day 2
10.00
Leave Ballycastle and head and follow the coast down to the famous Glens of Antrim. Make sure you take the Torr Head Rd for some spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Scotland.
Stop off in the pretty village of Cushendun with its National Trust cottages.
12.00
Arrive at Glenariff Forest Park and take time to walk around and take in the wonderful waterfalls.
T: (0) 28 2955 6000
Website: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
13.30
Head down to Carnlough or Glenarm and stop for some lunch
14.30
After lunch head inland to Slemish Mountain where according to legend St Patrick tended livestock as a slave boy in the 5th century.
T:(0) 28 2563 8494
Website: www.ballymena.gov.uk
15.30
Back on the Coastal Route and continue towards Belfast with a stop at Carrickfergus Castle, Ireland’s oldest Norman Castle built in the 12th Century .
T(0) 28 9335 1273
Website: www.ehsni.gov.uk
17.30
Either stop in Carrickfergus for Dinner and overnight or continue along the Coastal Route to Belfast.
The Dark Hedges - 10 minutes out of Ballymoney near Gracehill Golf Club is one of the regions most sought after hidden gems. A small road where the trees practically come together to cut out the sunlight – a truly amazing sight.
T: (0) 28 2766 0230
Website: www.visitballymoney.com
Hidden Gems
Mid Antrim Museum – located within the Braid in Ballymena this museum really brings the Myths & Legends of the region to life and is a great place to get an understanding of the history of Ulster.
T(0) 28 2565 7161
Website: www.thebraid.com
