DeirdreWalking from Carrick-a-Rede to Dunseverick, is one of the most scenic and varied terrains along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast Way. This 16 km section traverses over secluded beaches, cozy harbor towns, and rope bridges.
While the trail can be walked in either direction, most visitors start their journey at Carrick-A-Rede (or Ballycastle). With many stops along the way, this walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
This detailed guide will provide all the logistics for walking the first day along the Causeway Coast Way, from getting to the trailhead, places to eat, scenic spots and some tips and tricks along the route.
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Practical Information
- Distance 16 km
- 4-5 hours with breaks
- Difficulty: Easy
- Washrooms: Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy Harbor, Dunseverick Harbor
Getting to the Trailhead
The trailhead for this section of the journey begins at the Carrick-a-Rede bus stop on the B15, just east of Ballintoy. Since this is a multi day trek, the best option to reach the trailhead is via public bus.
Bus 402, 402a, and 172 run frequently along the northern coast from Coleraine to Ballycastle and vice versa. Tickets can be purchased at main bus terminals or on the bus with cash.
Check the bus schedules here and plan your route.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The trail begins down towards a small café, car park and washrooms for the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge attraction. Passing by the ticket booth, the gravel trail heads east and hugs the coastline. Tickets must be purchased to walk along the bridge. They can be either bought at the booth or in advanced.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is open from 9am until 5pm and costs £13.50 for adults and £6.75 for children (£15.00 and £7.50 during peak season).
At the time of visiting, the bridge was closed due to high winds. As a results, we were unable to cross to Carrick Island, but were still able to view the bridge.
The 1km trek to the rope bridge and viewing point is quite easy, with plenty of benches along the way.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which connects to Carrick Island, was constructed in 1755 by a means for fishermen to easily access the island. Wild Atlantic salmon use to be found in the waters surrounding the small island.
Today, many species of birds, including razorbills can be seen around the island, as well as dolphins and basking sharks.
Ballintoy Harbor
From the car park at Carrick-A-Rede, the main Causeway trail continues towards Ballintoy. The 3.5km journey passes alongside farmers fields, green as emeralds and filled with lambs.
Passing by a church, the trail will reconnect with the main road and head down towards the quaint harbor. Caution should be taken on this road, as it’s quite busy and lacks shoulders for walkers and bikers alike.
While it may be small in size, this harbor has an abundance of things to do or view in the area.
Ballintoy Harbor was once the setting for “Greyjoy’s Harbor” in Game of Thrones. There are several Game of Thrones locations throughout the entire northern coast of Ireland and along the Causeway Coast Way, that hikers can enjoy throughout the next three days.
Roarks Kitchen is another hidden gem in the harbor. This little kitchen offers delicious treats including black forest cake, spiced cakes, sausage rolls, donuts, and the ever-classic Victorian sponge cake. Keep in mind, this café only accepts cash.
Kayaking is another popular activity around the harbor.
Spend a few hours around the bay or explore closer to Carrick-a-Rede.
Book your tour here.
White Park Bay
Continue past Ballintoy Harbor through the green pastures. Lambs and wild rabbits are plentiful in this quiet area.
The narrow path will pass through the grass before heading towards the cliffs and coast. During high tide, this area will become inaccessible, so plan your walk accordingly. Hug the cliff while traversing over the rocks to access White Park Beach.
This spectacular beach is one of the best in Northern Ireland and along the Causeway Coast Way. Due to the strong riptides, swimming at this beach is unsafe and not recommended. There are no lifeguards or washroom facilities, making this beach even more remote and beautiful.
While you may not have crowds of people on this beach, you may encounter some cows. There is a pasture nearby and cows roam freely on the grass, sand dunes and beach.
Continue walking along the entire beach, towards a small white private residence in the distance. While this may seem like the path ends when the sand disappears, this is not the case.
The trail continues along the cliffside, once again leading along the rocks and hugging the overhanging cliffside. This area again becomes inaccessible during high tide.
It’s quite slippery in this section, so make sure all your valuables (cameras, phones, keys) are stowed safety while you use both hands to maneuver over the slimy boulders.
Dunseverick Harbour
The path leading to and past Dunseverick Harbor is beautiful, quiet, and insanely green. The black rock and sea make for quite a contrast amongst the green pastures. This area can become very slick, especially after a rainfall.
This area shows the true ruggedness of Northern Ireland. Once again, lambs can be scene roaming around the pastures, as well as little waterfalls.
Compared to Ballintoy Harbor, Dunseverick lacks the picturesque views and activities.
The views past the harbor are more scenic than the harbor itself. But perhaps I was tired from my journey to full appreciate the surroundings.
We ended our first day hiking the Causeway Coast Way in Dunseverick.
Finding Accommodation
Because my friend and I booked this trip with short notice we were unable to secure a lodging in Dunseverick for the evening. Instead, we left the coast and headed inland towards Bushmills. We settled on the Causeway Tavern. A mere 2 km off the main Causeway Coast Way path.
While cozy and cute, this bed and breakfast is secluded and far away from any other town with amenities. Your options for food (other than breakfast) are to walk, take a taxi or order takeaway to the nearest town (Bushmills).
There is a bar with board games and a pool table on the lower levels, as well as washrooms and a dining hall for breakfast. If you don’t want to walk an additional 2 km to find accomodation, here are a few options that are closer to the trail and coast.
Walking the Causeway Coast Way? Check out my full complete three day guide along the beautiful coast.
What a gorgeous hike! Love all the varied scenery, and those baked goods look to die for!
Love this walking guide from Carrick-a-Rede to Dunserick. So beautiful! Adding the Causeway Coast Way to my hiking adventures!
Love the photos, looks like a great place to visit.
Ireland is high up on my bucketlist. I’ve heard that hiking is a great way to see the scenery. I will be adding the Causeway Coast Way hike to my itinerary when I visit Ireland. The scenery is breath-taking!
This looks absolutely stunning – I’d love to do this walk one day!
I have very little knowledge of Northern Ireland, except that it is beautiful. Your detailed guide makes me want to hop on a plane and explore the area right now! Thanks for all the details. Those are always the most helpful parts of travel guides for me.