House of travel UK & Ireland Brochure 2017 | Page 46

Causeway Coastal Route
It’s been known for its turbulent past but this all morphs
into the background when you hit the road and travel
around the far north. You will see unspoilt scenery
including the granite Mountains of Mourne and more
than 320 kilometres of coastline with beaches and
hidden coves, rivers and spectacular lakes.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
6 days/5 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Day 1: Belfast – Island Magee – Ballygally (44km)
Spend today discovering The Gobbins. Start your adventure at the
Visitors Centre where you learn all about the story of this rugged coastal
pathway. For those not able or keen to undertake the full journey, there
are other cliff-top walks to enjoy in the same location.
Day 2: Ballygally – Cushendun – Bushmills (80km)
Take the coastal route north, stopping at the quaint village of Cushenden
with its idyllic Cornish Cottages and caves on the beach made famous as
a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Day 3: Bushmills – Portrush – Giant’s Causeway – Bushmills (26km)
Head to Portrush exploring the cliff facing castle of Dunluce dating back
to the 14th century. In the afternoon, explore the World Heritage Giant’s
Causeway. Marvel at the unique rock formations and learn of the myths
and legends that surround this famous landmark.
Day 4: Bushmills – Derry (65km)
Visit the world’s oldest whiskey distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery.
Get there early as this is a hugely popular attraction. Continue on to the
medieval walled city of Derry and enjoy a walking tour of the town.
Day 5: Derry – Donegal (77km)
Drive the scenic route through the top of the Glenveagh National Park.
Follow the coast through traditional fishing villages, stopping along the
way for a brisk beach walk or even a surf, before reaching Donegal.
Giant’s
Causeway
Derry
Portrush
Donegal
Bushmills
NORTHERN
IRELAND
Rathlin Island
Carrick-a-Rede
Cushendun
Ballygally
Island Magee
BELFAST
Sligo
IRELAND
DUBLIN
Highlights worth seeing along the way
The Rinkha, Island Magee – Stop by at this family owned store and
choose one of 24 flavours of delicious creamy ice cream.
Rathlin Island – Located just 20 kilometres off the North Antrim coast
and halfway between Ireland and Scotland, this is a fantastic island to
visit. Known for its spectacular scenery, the best time to visit is May and
June when the puffins have settled back onto the island.
Mary McBride’s Bar, Cushendun – Stop here for great pub food. It’s one
of Ireland’s smallest pubs, it’s authentic and full of character.
Day 6: Donegal – Sligo – Dublin (224km)
Stop in Sligo to view or walk to the top of Knocknarea, a limestone hill
dominating the skyline and offering wonderful views across Sligo Bay to
the lakes and mountains. Pack a picnic and stop lakeside for lunch. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge – If you’re up for a challenge, cross the
precarious bridge which crosses a 24 metre-deep and 18 metre-wide
chasm along the north coast.
Explore more of the south or join the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal. Causeway Specialty Market – This is held in Coleraine on the 2nd
Saturday of every month and is very proud of its locally grown fresh
produce and handicrafts.
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $34 per day Slieve League Cliffs, Donegal – Locals, (and others) say these cliffs rival
the Cliffs of Moher. At 601 metres, they are spectacular and boast some of
the highest sea cliffs in the whole of Europe.
Our favourite places to stay:
•
Ballygally Castle, Ballygally
•
Causeway Lodge, Bushmills
•
Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Londonderry
•
Lough Eske Castle, Donegal
Giant’s Causeway © Tourism Ireland
42
Glenveagh
National
Park
Flash in the Pan, Portballintrae – Savour award winning Fish ‘N Chips.
Silver Strand, near Donegal – Make sure to include a stop at this remote
unspoilt beach.
Rathlin Island © Tourism Ireland
The Gobbins
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 6-13 day hire rate. Price shown does not include Ea