Causeway Coast Way

Route Description

The walk starts at Portstewart Strand and follows an easy cliff-top path, known locally as the Port Path, to Portrush. For decades this thriving seaside resort has been among Northern Ireland’s favourite holiday destinations. The route continues along the golden sand of Curran Strand to the fascinating geology of White Rocks, an Area of Special Scientific Interest. This is just one of the many protected areas along the route, all of which have been designated for their geological interest or because of the valuable natural habitats they provide. Other such areas include the Bann Estuary near Portstewart, the harbour area of Portballintrae, Bushfoot Strand, the Giant's Causeway, Whitepark Bay and Larrybane Head. In fact the Causeway Coast supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna that includes some 200 species of plant and 90 species of bird so it’s no surprise to find it was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1989.

Beyond White Rocks lie the ruins of 16th century Dunluce Castle, the legacy of the powerful MacDonnell clan. The Castle is open to the public. A steady descent leads to Portballintrae where you cross the Bush River. Just upstream is the village of Bushmills, famous for its whiskey distillery which is also open to visitors.

The walk continues alongside a section of the Giants Causeway and Bushmills Railway to reach the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre. From here, you can make the short detour to the world famous site. This striking promontory of hexagonal basalt columns is now managed by the National Trust and has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. To rejoin the Causeway Coast Way, climb the Shepherd's Steps onto Benbane Head, the route continues by following a grassy cliff top path that forms one of the most spectacular sections of the Ulster Way.

From the cliffs you look out not just on the Causeway itself but also over the wreck site of the Girona, one of the ships of the ill-fated Spanish Armada which foundered here in 1588. In good visibility you can even see Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre and the Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura.

When the cliffs end, the path descends past the ruins of Dunseverick Castle and through a natural rock arch to reach the tiny hamlet of Portbraddan, home of Ireland's smallest church. Beyond Portbraddan the route follows the sweeping sands of White Park Bay around a headland of jumbled boulders and sea stacks to the picturesque harbour at Ballintoy. The adjacent tearooms are perfect for a coffee and snack.

The walk continues east past Larrybane Bay where another short detour brings you to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, raised every summer for over 250 years to allow local fishermen to access their nets. The thrill of walking across the bridge, strung between cliffs over 30m above sea level, is unforgettable.

Many walkers will choose to omit the final section from Carrick-a-Rede to Ballycastle, a distance of 10km, most of which is along the main road. However this section does have fine views especially from Kenbane Head, from which you can see the white cliffs of Rathlin Island which can be reached by ferry from the town of Ballycastle. Walking this section offers the reward of completing the route in Ballycastle with its lovely beach and variety of pubs, restaurants and accommodation. Ballycastle is the home of the Ould Lammas Fair, held during August for over three hundred years, though you're sure to find a warm welcome no matter when you arrive.