A Northern Ireland causeway coastal trip should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s renowned for being one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world, with many scenic stops along the way. Its stunning castles, geological wonders and magical coastline provide the ultimate road trip. Because my day here was so incredible, I love sharing my recommendations for Ireland’s Causeway Coast Tour of Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Dark Hedges. For Game of Thrones fans, this is a special trip to two of the filming locations of the hit series.
causeway coastal route Travels 193 kilometers (120 m) along the northern coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. My day trip from Belfast included iconic sights such as the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges. Other stunning stops on the route include Carrick-a-Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle, Gobbins Cliff Path, Ballintoy Harbour, Glenham Castle and Tor Point.
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Causeway Coast Tour from Belfast
my check in Belfast I work as an acupuncturist on a cruise ship. So, I only had 9am to 5pm to explore. I booked the Ireland Causeway Coast Tour online Paddy’s Wagon Ride. From the cruise port I took an Uber to the Europa Hotel in Belfast city center, our bus departed at 9:45am. We then drove an hour to our first stop, Dunluce Castle. Next we explore the Giant’s Causeway and enjoy lunch at the Giant’s Barn Cafe. Finally, on our last stop, we wandered among dark hedges.
We returned to the hotel at 4:30. Since the three of us were on a cruise ship, the tour guide arranged a shuttle bus to take us back to the ship and return on time. Overall, I give Paddywagon Tours two thumbs up. The bus took us to these 3 iconic destinations and gave us free time to visit each location. This tour costs just £40 and is also available from Dublin to the Causeway Coast.
The Geology and Legend of the Giant’s Causeway
this Giant’s Causeway It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to one of the most famous basalt lava flows in the world. It consists of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns located along 29 kilometers (18 m) of coastline. They were formed 50 -60 million years ago by the eruption of ancient volcanic fissures. The molten basalt cools and shrinks, forming vertical polygonal columns. They vary in height, up to 12 m (39 ft). At first glance, the anomaly looks almost like a man-made cement pillar. However, this is a great example of a natural wonder designed by Mother Earth.
In a nutshell, legend has it that the Irish giant Finn McCool built the causeway pillars to reach Benandonna, another giant. This giant lives on the island of Staffa Fingal’s Cave In Scotland there are basalt columns from the same lava flow. Benandonna claimed sovereignty over Ireland and feuded with Finn McCool. This included stone-throwing and causeway-building duels. When Benandonna arrived, he mistakenly thought Finn was larger than him. He then tore up the causeway so that Benandonna could not follow and return to Scotland.
Giant’s Causeway Tickets and Activities
The shoreline is free and open from dawn to dusk. It’s about a 15 minute walk from the parking lot. There is a shuttle bus for 1 pound. this visitor center There is a fee, and visitors are encouraged to book online in advance. It provides audio guides in 11 languages to help you understand history and geology. this Causeway Coast Road Car Park Always open for parking. However, staff can only provide assistance at the Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It can get crowded during peak hours, so arrive early or later in the day if possible.
The best things to do at the Giant’s Causeway are walking along the coastline and rock climbing. It was amazing to immerse yourself in the adventure of exploring this site. This is definitely the most Instagrammable location imaginable. Still, be aware and careful of splashing waves and slippery rocks.
The iconic areas of the Giant’s Causeway worth exploring
this causeway It’s the largest of the 3 rock formation areas you can’t miss! The top of the middle causeway is wishing chaira natural throne designed by a set of pillars. It’s fun to sit in this famous seat that was made for Finn McCool as a child. Interestingly, a few years ago, only ladies could sit here. Now, anyone can sit down and make a wish. In Port Novo there is a path leading to the bay where the famous Giant’s Boots (size 93.5) Finn McCool lost to him. Also, at Portnabob, Finn McCool’s camel was turned to stone. Geologically speaking, it is a basalt vein formed by cooling lava.
There are incredible cliff-top trails to experience the Giant’s Causeway from above. The trails vary in difficulty and are marked in four colors: red, blue, yellow and green. Birdwatchers can keep an eye out for cormorants, fulmars, petrels, red-footed guillemots, rock pipits, cormorants, razorbills and wagtails.
Later, for lunch we had Giant’s Barn coffee shop A buffet style restaurant located on Causeway Road. Only 5 minutes away from the Giant’s Causeway car park. I enjoyed a delicious classic meal including Irish stew, Guinness and beer! I loved my meal and highly recommend this cafe as it’s convenient and delicious!
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Dunluce Castle ruins
Irish Causeway Coastal Route Tour
Only 5 picturesque miles from the Giant’s Causeway Dunluce Castle ruins. The setting on the edge of a basalt outcrop is breathtaking, with steep escarpments. You can pay to walk around the ruins. There are spectacular views everywhere. In addition, there are 115 steps to reach the observation deck of the coastline under the bridge, and then you can reach the castle. This is the most visited castle in Ireland. So plan to go outside of peak hours if possible.
The feuding MacQuillan and Macdonald families lived in the castle. This goes back to 16 yearsth and 17th century. Dunluce is famous for providing the inspiration for Greyjoy Castle in Game of Thrones Series 2 with the help of CGI.
Close to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle is Old Bushmills Distillery. It is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. We drove by it and would have loved to visit if we had more time.
Game of Thrones movie location The Dark Hedges
Ireland’s Causeway Coast Tour
In addition, the nearby Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle are also popular dark hedge From Game of Thrones. It appears in the first episode of Season 2: “The Road to Kings.” Built in 1775, this Georgian manor house is accessed by an attractive road lined with 150 beech trees. Local legend has it that Cinderella’s ghost wanders among the beech trees by the roadside at night. Some believe she is the ghost of a maid who died an unusual death nearby hundreds of years ago.
Other Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland
Our guide explained that Northern Ireland offers great tax breaks for Game of Thrones filming locations. So, as well as Dunluce and The Dark Hedges, other filming locations in Northern Ireland include Ballintoy Harbour, Cushenden Caves, Ward’s Castle and Murrow Bay.
Enjoy a trip along the Northern Ireland Coastal Route!
Truly, it was one of the most magical days of my life. I would love to come back and spend more time exploring this scenic route. Please share your experience comments here, along with any suggestions or tips on how best to explore this incredible Northern Ireland causeway coastline.
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