DeirdreThe Causeway Coast Way is a stunning 54 km walk located along the coastline of Northern Ireland. This route offers walkers and hikers spectacular views of the coast, natural landmarks (including the Giant’s Causeway), quaint seaside towns and secluded beaches.
The trail runs from the eastern town of Ballycastle and hugs the coastline to Portstewart and can be reached by public transport. The terrain varies from day to day, but it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The Causeway Coast Way is actually one section of a larger trail called the Ulster Way, which spans the entire Northern coast. While the Ulster Way is a significantly more demanding endeavor and spans 1000km, the Causeway Coast portion is typically completed over the course of 3 days.
This complete guide will provide you with details on trail overviews, places to stay, maps and helpful tips along the way.
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The Causeway Coast Way Practical Information
- Where: 50-60 km Northern Ireland
- How Many Days: 3 days
- Route: Carrick-a-Rede to Portstewart
- Facilities on Route: Multiple washrooms/food establishments
- Accommodations: Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, Hostels
- Fitness Level: Easy/Moderate
Typical Walking Route
The Causeway Coast Way can be completed in either direction and is commonly broken down into three suggested sections:
- Ballycastle to Dunseverick
- Dunseverick to Portballintrae
- Portballintrae to Portstewart
Typically, most hikers begin their journey in Ballycastle. While this town is charming, the trail leading from the seaside passes along a busy road with no sidewalks or shoulders.
For this reason, my friend and I chose to start at Carrick-a-Rede which cut out approximately 6 kms.
Those wishing to start their journey off without the hassle of fast-driving cars should avoid this area. This guide details the journey from Carrick-a-Rede.
For those still wanting to explore Ballycastle, opt to stay there for an evening to explore the beautiful town before catching a bus to Carrick-a-Rede.
We were unable to find accommodation near or in Dunseverick and Portballintrae as we booked this trip on a whim about a week before going.
Because of this, we ended up walking an additional 2 km on day 1 and 2 to find accommodations. While the places we chose were amazing, it did require some road walking, which isn’t ideal.
Dunseverick and Portballintrae do have suitable accommodations, but they sell out rather quickly. If you plan to stay in either location don’t make the same mistake we made and be sure to book well in advance.
Day 1: Carrick-a-Rede to Dunseverick
- Distance: 15 km
- Time: 4-5 hours with plenty of stops
Highlights
- Carrick- a- Rede Rope Bridge
- Ballintoy Harbour
- White Park Bay
- Dunseverick Harbour
The coastal journey begins at the Carrick- a-Rede Rope Bridge. This 1km detour leads to a 20m suspension bridge over the Atlantic Ocean that connects to Carrick-a-Rede Island. At the time of visit, crossing was prohibited due to strong winds.
Kayaking under the bridge is possible during favourable weather conditions. This unique experience combines both bridge excursion and water excursion and avoids the crowds.
BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE
Retracing your steps, the trail will pass by Ballintoy, which is home to some famous harbors showcased on the television series Game of Thrones. Greyjoys Harbour is set to a backdrop of a quaint hidden cove.
Passing through meadows with rabbits, flowers and lambs, the trail will lead towards White Park Bay.
This 2.3 km beach is secluded and boasts soft sand, wild cows, and beautiful waves. It is important to note that this area may be inaccessible during high tides.
Dunseverick Harbour is the final highlight on day one. This tiny harbor has a car park that’s popular with caravans and tents.
- Places to Eat: Roarks Kitchen (Harbour Rd, Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT54 6NA, UK)
- Washrooms: Carrick a-Rede, Ballintoy Harbour
Accommodations near Dunseverick
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL DAY 1 TRAIL GUIDE
Day 2: Dunseverick to Portballintrae
- Distance: 21.75 km
- Time: 7-8 hours with stops
Highlights
- Dunseverick Castle
- Giant’s Causeway
- Runkerry Beach
- Bushmills Town
From your accommodation, make your way towards Dunseverick Castle. Perched upon a hill, the remains of two pillars stand of this old fort.
Visiting this castle is free, as there is not much to view. The grounds and cliffs around the castle are more impressive than the two pillars themselves.
7 km from Dunseverick Castle is the world-famous Giants Causeway. Notable natural wonders include the Giant’s Boot, the Organ, and the Causeway.
This area is free to explore but will require payment if you park or want to explore the visitors’ centre. Tours can also be arranged for a price.
Runkerry Beach is a short distance from the Giant’s Causeway and is very popular with surfers. Eerie mansions are set in the distance and the Bushmills Historic Railway runs behind the sand dunes of the beach.
Some travellers will end their journey for the day at Portballintrae, but I would recommend venturing further inland and visiting the little village of Bushmills.
Restaurants, bus connections, ATMS and supermarkets can be found here.
- Places to Eat: Causeway Hotel (40 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, UK)
- Washrooms: Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Causeway Hotel
Accommodations near Portballintrae/Bushmills
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL DAY 2 TRAIL GUIDE
Day 3: Bushmills to Portstewart
- Distance: 21.8 km
- Time: 6-7 hours
Highlights
- Dunluce Castle
- White Rock Beach
- Portrush
- Portstewart
Dunluce Castle is a preserved ancient castle and town dating back to the 15th century. The picturesque ruins sit upon cliffs, with the sea crashing at its base.
It’s worth the small detour to visit the ruins, as you can walk through the bridge, gatehouse, inner ward, and northeast tower.
A short distance from Dunluce will lead you to the beautiful White Rock Beach. This beach is popular for young surfers and is around 2 km in length.
Jellyfish are common in this area, so be cautious swimming and walking along the beach.
As you proceed along the beach, the small coastal town of Portrush will come into view. This resort seaside town is filled with restaurants, hotels, shops and is home to Ireland’s largest amusement park, Curry’s Fun Park.
The trail will continue weaving along the road and coast until you reach the town of Portstewart. This town feels significantly larger than Portrush but lacks its charm.
One of the more popular attractions to explore in this area is the Portstewart Strand, a golden sanded beach that stretches over 3.2 km long.
- Places to Eat: 55 Degrees North (1 Causeway St, Portrush BT56 8AB, UK)
- Washroom: Dunluce Castle, White Rock Beach
Accommodations near Portstewart
Waymarkers on Route
Throughout the Causeway Coast Way, travellers will be guided with blue/yellow trail markers. These markers can be small circles or rectangular signs. They can often be found on fence posts.
These trail markers are also for the Ulster Way.
Black and white markers are used sporadically and often indicate popular landmarks through the trail.
How to reach the Trailhead
Northern Ireland is public transit friendly for the most part, and links all the highlights along this beautiful long-distance hike. Most people begin their journey to the Causeway Coast Way from Belfast. There are multiple connections to both Ballycastle and Portstewart.
I found the most convenient and affordable way to reach the trailhead was to take the bus, instead of the train. Bus tickets can be purchased at Belfast Europa Station.
If bought after 9:10am, the ticket price drops from £14 to £10. This ticket will give you access unlimited journeys in Northern Ireland for the entire day.
Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on the bus. Make sure you have cash though, as the public transit does not take debit or credit cards.
Getting to Carrick-a-Rede
You will need to catch two different buses to reach Carrick- a-Rede
Segment 1:
- Route: Belfast to Giant’s Causeway (exit The Nook)
- Bus: 221
- Time: 1.5 hours
Segment 2:
- Route: Giant’s Causeway to Ballycastle (exit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge)
- Bus: 402
- Time: 17 mins
After the detour to the bridge, head back towards the washroom and café. There will be a small path that follows the road. This is where the trailhead continues from Carrick-a-Rede.
Plan your bus route here.
When to Walk the Causeway Coast Way
The Causeway Coast Way can be enjoyed between March to October. While weather is unpredictable in Northern Ireland, I would suggest planning your route during the summer months of July and August. The sea temperatures and coastal breezes will be much warmer.
I visited during the end of July. The weather was fantastic, with only 1 day with intermittent rain. Temperatures hovered around 15 degrees each day and we had plenty of sunshine on the beach days.
While it was harder to find accommodations (especially near the trail), the trail itself was not overpacked. The only landmark that had an abundance of tourists was the Giant’s Causeway.
Helpful Tips for the Journey
- Cash is key! Most places from Carrick-a-Rede to Bushmills only take cash as payment. If starting at Carrick-a-Rede, make sure to stock up before heading on the journey. There are two ATMs in the main square of Bushmills, one beside the clocktower, the other in the supermarket Centra
- There is wild nettle on the trail, including the roadside. Make sure to wear long pants
- Compass jellyfish may be on White Rock Beach. Be careful as they can still sting even after being beached
- Pack your rain gear
- Nature lovers might appreciate the abundance of wildflowers and birds along the pathway
Further Exploring
If returning to Belfast from Portstewart, take the Ulsterbus at The Promenade. Route 140/140b will head towards Coleraine. From Coleraine, buses (and trains) run frequently back to Belfast Europa Station. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus.
I love the Causeway Coast! Have done road trips along it but would love to do a hike like this – thank you for sharing!
I hadn’t heard of this, but I would love to do this walk one day. You’ve given a great overview of what to expect. Thanks for sharing.
You find the most amazing hikes to do. It astounds me. I would love to do this walk in a Ireland. I will add to my wish list.
Aw thanks! More adventures to come soon
I haven’t been to the Giant’s Causeway since I was a child. This looks a great hike and would love to do it. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like a great adventure! Such pretty photos too. Would love to do it.
This sounds like such an amazing adventure and the scenery is absolutely stunning!
Looks fabulous! I have explored some of this coastline, including Giant’s Causeway, but not all of it and would love to do this hike. Actually heading to Ireland next month in the campervan to drive the Wild Atlantic Way. We will hike along the way, but not to the same extent as your itinerary here. That is for another time!
This looks so beautiful! I’ve visited Giant’s Causeway before, but that was just a day trip and I’d like to go back and spend more time in the area. This 3-day trail would be perfect
What an incredible spot! I spent several weeks in Ireland, but sadly didn’t make it up this far. I would love to return and walk the Giant’s Causeway Coast!
[…] The Causeway Coast Way is a thrilling multi-day walk along Northern Ireland’s emerald coast. This famous 54km trail takes around three days to complete and traverses over some of Northern Irelands most unique land formations, beaches, and quaint seaside towns. […]