Causeway Coastal Route is one of the world’s great road journeys

Causeway Coastal Route is an epic tour of the Northern Ireland coast. Known as ‘one of the world’s great road journeys,’ the route offers epic views of the wild and dramatic coast of the country following a majestic coastal road. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Causeway Coastal Route

How many miles is the Causeway Coastal Route?

The road, also known as Giant's Causeway road, is 212 km (130 miles) long running along the rugged and spectacular coast of Northern Ireland. The route takes in a rich tapestry of legendary landmarks, fantastical locations used by HBO’s Game of Thrones, and into the culture-filled villages of the Glens of Antrim. This route has no tolls, but it is always a good idea to have cash available in case of emergencies.

Where does the Causeway Coastal Route start and end?

This is a remarkable road trip. Remember to bring your camera. It’s listed as one of the Lonely Planet's Top 50 Epic Drives of the World. The drive follows the A2 for most of the trip, running from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry. Start your journey in Belfast, and follow the coast road through the nine Glens of Antrim, winding between various picturesque villages and unforgettable scenic locations. The route peaks at the Giant's Causeway on the North Antrim coast, before continuing west toward the walled city of Derry~Londonderry. The drive follows the coast and includes the dramatic stones of the Giant’s Causeway, the waterfall at Gleno and the sand dunes of Magilligan Beach. The most spectacular attraction along the route is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site roughly halfway between the start and finish points of the drive.

Is the Causeway Coastal Route worth it?

It is one of Ireland's most scenic and varied drives. The views on this drive are in many ways similar to the ones of the Wild Atlantic Way because the shores were molded by the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you’ll see rugged cliffs, isolated sandy beaches, whisky distilleries, and, if you watched Game of Thrones, you’ll recognize many old castles featured in the show. In summary, the route showcases the most amazing landscapes, mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, and golden sandy beaches along the north coast of Northern Ireland.

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

The drive is around three hours without any stop. But plan 4-6 days to complete the tour visiting the most interesting sights along the road. Make sure you leave enough time to make plenty of stops along the way and feel free to take any detours you think would make your journey more enjoyable.