TRAVEL INSPIRATION
ROAD TRIP HEAVEN: THE CAUSEWAY COASTAL
ROUTE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Bringing something inviting and new at every turn of the
wheel, the Causeway Coastal Route runs from Belfast to
Derry~Londonderry, wonderful bookends to the world-
renowned attractions like the Giants Causeway, the Old
Bushmills Distillery and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that
lie on the road between.
Think ‘easy to navigate route’ and a comfortable, relaxed
pace – bike, bus and train included – and it’s the perfect
recipe for a do as you like indulgence along a long and
winding road.
The Antrim coast is about exploring and doing whatever
takes your fancy. With an array of scenic drives looping
off the main route and as much history, architecture,
natural wonder and local culture as you want to take in, the
Causeway Coastal Route can be as long as you want it to be.
By day, follow in the footsteps of saints, giants, warriors and
poets through the beautiful Glens of Antrim and along the
coastline, where man first settled on the island of Ireland.
Then at night duck in to the luxurious city view apartments,
secluded B&Bs, hotels, farmhouses, country houses,
mountain cottages, beach houses and camping pods that
can all be found along the way.
72 wirrallife.com
The road runs over bridges and under arches, past secluded
bays and beaches, crazy rock formations, hills and valleys,
dramatic scenery and historic sites steeped in myth and
legend.
A key stopping point for most is the Giant’s Causeway, the
iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised globally
as a geological wonder.
Its highly unusual polygonal basalt columns were formed
from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago – ‘apparently’.
Chat to the locals and get the ‘real’ story… which is that
celebrated giant Finn McCool built the Causeway as
stepping stones for a walk across the seas to Scotland.
The award-winning Visitor Centre at the site has world-
class ‘imaginative interpretations’ of the area’s mythology,
history, geology and biodiversity, as well as souvenir
hunting and café areas and a viewing gallery with stunning
views of the coastline. There are also superb walking trails
along dramatic coastal paths.
A Causeway Coastal Route journey is not to be hurried.
Walking, cycling, surfing, pleasure boating to explore new
places, sampling the local food and wine, checking out the
local festivals and events – the choice is huge.