Top stops along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast

Northern Ireland is enjoying an extended period in the travel spotlight, in no small part thanks to its starring role as the backdrop to the phenomenally popular tv series, Game of Thrones.

To enjoy Northern Ireland’s most impressive scenery, take the Causeway Coastal Route, a journey that takes you past mind-boggling natural rock formations and historic villages with stories of giants and fairies.

Here are the top 5 highlights in this wild and extraordinary part of the world.

Ballintoy, County Antrim

The scenery surrounding the tiny fishing harbour of Ballintoy is so arresting that many major film crews have set up shop here. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a popular filming backdrop and tourist attraction, first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755 and now maintained by the National Trust. Bridging the gap between the rocky cliffs of the mainland and Carrick-a-Rede Island, where a fisherman’s cottage is the only building, it sways precariously in the wind above the choppy waves.

Where to stay: Booking.com reviewers recommend The Castle Bed & Breakfast.

Rostrevor, County Down

Lying at the foot of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s tallest peak, Rostrevor is a bucolic village of moss-covered houses, historic churches, and folk tales. The banks of the gently-flowing river here are supposedly inhabited by fairies, and local legend states that the village’s main attraction (a stupefying 30-tonne boulder perched on a mountainside) was thrown there by a giant.

Where to stay: Booking.com reviewers recommend Seaview Guesthouse.

Cushendall, County Antrim

The village of Cushendall looks out to the velvety-green, flat-topped mountain of Lurigethan. Cushendall sits at the convergence of three Glens (valleys) and is a great place to go hiking past waterfalls and gorges, enjoying fabulous views. The town itself has changed little over the centuries, bar a huge mural commemorating 100 years of the local Gaelic Athletic club.

Where to stay: Booking.com reviewers recommend Cushendall Cottages.

Ballycastle, County Antrim

A traditional harbour town and holiday resort along the Causeway Coast, Ballycastle has an impeccable sandy cove of a beach and a thriving food scene. Fresh seafood cooked to order is a staple here, whether it’s in the form of a creamy cod chowder or a crispy, battered batch of fish and chips.

Where to stay: Booking.com reviewers recommend Maghernahar House B&B.

Bushmills, County Antrim

Though humble coastal village of Bushmills in County Antrim is home to two of the Causeway Coast’s biggest attractions. Firstly, the Bushmills distillery is the oldest distillery in the world, having been producing smooth, triple-distilled Irish whiskey since the 13th Century. Today, you can take fascinating tours detailing the process and the history of the place, including a sample of your choice.

Secondly, the Giant’s Causeway is less than two miles from Bushmills. Possibly the most famous part of this entire coastal route, it’s a coastal rock formation of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Rising out of the sea at different heights, these columns look utterly spectacular with the waves of the North Atlantic crashing over them.

Where to stay: Booking.com reviewers recommend Village Cottage.