Explore The Causeway Coast

“Visit Dunluce Castle – 16th Century Castle, strikingly perched on rocky cliffs and overlooking the North Atlantic.”

After a long weekend of racing perhaps you want to just relax and absorb the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the North Coast before heading back home. This route will take you on a two day adventure through some of the most famous attractions in the world.

One piece advice we can give you is to bring your camera, as the scenery and sights you are about to experience will be memories you will never want to forget.

Day 1

  1. Head off to explore one of the world’s great road journeys – The Causeway Coastal Route.
  2. Visit Dunluce Castle – 16th Century Castle, strikingly perched on rocky cliffs and overlooking the North Atlantic.
  3. Visit Old Bushmills Distillery – Ireland’s oldest distillery which celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2008. This is a must and not just for whiskey connoisseurs.
  4. 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.
  5. Stop for lunch at the Giant’s Causeway or in close by Bushmills.
  6. Continue along the Causeway Coastal Route towards Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and enjoy the challenge of crossing a 24m deep and 18m wide chasm over the Atlantic.
  7. 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.
  8. Depart Ballycastle and follow the Causeway Coastal Route towards the famous Glens of Antrim. Stop off in the pretty villages of Cushendun and Cushendall.
  9. Take the inland scenic drive through Glenariff Glen towards Broughshane/Ballymena before returning to your overnight accommodation.
  10. Optional – Take time to walk around Glenariff Forest Park and take in the wonderful waterfalls.

Day 2

  1. Follow the Causeway Coastal Route towards Coleraine and then onto Ballymoney to visit the Joey Dunlop Memorial, a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest motorcyclists.
  2. When in the town of Ballymoney why not visit Ballymoney Town Hall which houses the ‘Where Motorcycling Reigns’ exhibition. You could also visit the Dark Hedges – one of the region’s most sought after hidden gems.
  3. Follow the main route back to Coleraine. Back on the Causeway Coastal Route head towards Castlerock and Hezlett House, a 300 year old thatched cottage dating back to 1690.
  4. Enjoy lunch before arriving at Mussenden Temple the 18th century folly perched on the cliff edge overlooking Downhill beach.
  5. Follow the Causeway Coastal Route towards the market town of Limavady and take in the scenic Roe Valley and Country Park.

Hidden Gems

  1. 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.