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Causeway Coastal Route
🇬🇧 Northern IrelandAntrim CoastCoastal Road

Causeway Coastal Route

From Belfast around the Antrim Coast to Derry. Hexagonal basalt at the Giant's Causeway, a knee-knocking rope bridge to Carrick-a-Rede, and Game of Thrones filming sites in every glen.

At a glance

The Causeway Coastal Route is a 195 km coastal road in Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland. It runs from Belfast to Derry in about 5 hours of driving. Highlights include Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Giant's Causeway. Best driven April – October; rated easy difficulty.

Road length
195 km
Duration
5 hrs
Vehicle
Car
Difficulty
Easy
Best season
April – October
Likes
8,400

Road length is the scenic route itself — your actual door-to-door driving distance depends on where you start and which stops you take.

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When to go

Best time to drive

Recommended window

April – October

What to expect

Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light.

General guidance only — always confirm local road and weather conditions before departure.

Plan your days

How many days for Causeway Coastal Route?

Driving pace per day
Suggested plan

This route fits comfortably in a single day.

With 4 recommended stops along the way, you can still take it leisurely and enjoy the scenery.

Estimate based on total driving time — actual pace depends on stops, traffic, and breaks.

Map preview

The route at a glance

Itinerary

Stops along the way

  1. ●
    Start
    Belfast
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  2. 01
    Carrickfergus Castle

    12th-century Norman castle.

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  3. 02
    Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

    Cliff-edge thrill.

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  4. 03
    Giant's Causeway

    40,000 basalt columns.

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  5. 04
    Dark Hedges

    Beech tree tunnel.

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  6. ◆
    Finish
    Derry
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Field notes

Travel tips

  • ★Park at the National Trust lot for the Causeway.
  • ★Book Carrick-a-Rede tickets ahead.
  • ★Add Slieve League cliffs across the border.
Soundtrack

Music for the road

AI-curated mood for this route — open in your favorite player.

Coastal cruise
Coastal Drive Sunset
Indie surf · dream-pop · synthwave
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Common questions

Frequently asked

How long does it take to drive the Causeway Coastal Route?

The Causeway Coastal Route takes about 5 hours of driving non-stop to cover its 195 km. Actual trip length depends on how often you stop at viewpoints and towns along the way.

How long is the Causeway Coastal Route?

The Causeway Coastal Route is 195 km long, running from Belfast to Derry.

When is the best time to drive the Causeway Coastal Route?

Best driven April – October. Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light.

Is the Causeway Coastal Route hard to drive?

The Causeway Coastal Route is rated easy difficulty. It is classified as a coastal road.

What are the main stops on the Causeway Coastal Route?

The route runs from Belfast to Derry, with key stops including Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges.

Where is the Causeway Coastal Route?

The Causeway Coastal Route is located in Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland. It runs between Belfast and Derry.