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