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Savour the beauty of the Causeway Coast
Has there ever been a more ruggedly beautiful drive between two cities than the Causeway Coastal Route? Not only is the 190km road bookended by the Titanic city of Belfast and the walled wonder of Derry~Londonderry, but the route also meanders past showstopping landscapes and hidden gem attractions along the way. Sleepy seaside villages are nestled beside craggy coves, vast sandy beaches give way to quiet glens inland, and ancient castles stand atop cliffs.
Travelling this route by electric vehicle allows you to take your time and discover the route’s secret nooks and crannies, from charming towns that come alive with traditional music by night, to beachside restaurants where hours slip by to the rhythm of crashing waves.
Whether you base yourself in one place and explore the surrounding area, or enjoy several locations along the way, this coastline is Ireland Unrushed at its best.
So, as they say in these parts, “Go easy”.
Rathlin West Lighthouse, Rathlin Island, County Antrim
Causeway coasting
Leaving Belfast, you can choose between an awe-inspiring walk-on-water adventure at The Gobbins or opt for the heritage charms of Glenarm Castle and Gardens (where you can take some time out at the gorgeous Ocean View Pods). Our advice? Take your time and enjoy both.
Further north, edging around the glorious Glens of Antrim, you’ll reach the tip of the island of Ireland. Here, a boat trip to Rathlin Island offers the chance to explore this beautiful island, with its bounty of seabirds, craggy cliffs and unusual upside-down lighthouse. Ferries leave several times a day from Ballycastle – home to the excellent Ursa Minor Bakehouse and the North Coast Smokehouse – and the crossing only takes half an hour. If you find the laidback sway of island life hard to leave, stay awhile at the Manor House, an elegant 18th-century Georgian manor.
Back on the Causeway Coast, it’s easy to fall for the rugged charm of Ballintoy Harbour, with its craggy grass-topped sea stacks that rise from the grey-blue sea. Savour the spectacular coastal views on the short Ballintoy to Whitepark Bay walking trail.
Dunluce Castle, County Antrim
Giant experiences
Next up are the coast’s big hitters: the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. These may be some of north Antrim’s most famous sights, but a great way to explore them is with a local guide, such as Away a Wee Walk. “My guided clifftop experience of the Giant’s Causeway is the very definition of slow travel,” explains guide Eimear Flanagan. “It’s two-and-a-half hours of hiking along a spectacular coastline.”
From the majesty of the outdoors, you can retreat into the calm of the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world at Bushmills Distillery, where they’ve been perfecting the art of triple-distilling since 1608.
Before the Causeway Coast veers southwest, there’s one final showstopper to enjoy: Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. Beautiful walking trails weave through the grounds of the ruined 18th-century mansion of Downhill, but the real feast for the eyes comes with Mussenden Temple, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff overlooking Downhill Strand. Afterwards, take time out to enjoy sea views and great local seafood at Harry’s Shack, right on the edge of Portstewart Strand.
Glenshane Country Farm, County Londonderry
Wild adventures await
The Causeway Coast and the surrounding area offer so many outdoor activities that you’ll need plenty of time to try them all. Stop by Glenshane Country Farm for an authentic farm tour experience with friendly sheepdogs in tow; learn to surf on the rolling waves with Portrush Surf School; or feel the exhilaration of a horseback trek along the coastline to Downhill Beach with Crindle Stables. Fittingly, there are super-fun boat tours, too, including Carnlough Bay Boat Tours, a Sunrise “Catch Your Breakfast” Food Tour with Causeway Boats, and a fast-paced sea safari with Abháinn Cruises.
Peace Bridge across the River Foyle, Derry~Londonderry
Lazy days in Derry~Londonderry
The Causeway Coastal Route ends in Derry~Londonderry, famous for its 400-year-old city walls and much more. Cosmopolitan, compact and creative, the city pulses with life, with traditional music pouring out of pubs like Peadar O’Donnell’s, as well as a thriving art scene, and locals so warm they make you feel like family.
Join Martin McCrossan City Tours for an insight into the city’s history, or enjoy a Foodie City Cycle Tour with Far and Wild, which visits hotspots including Pyke ‘N’ Pommes Pod, and The Cottage. And if you fancy taking to the water, Foyle Adventures and Boat Tours will guide you along the story-filled banks of the majestic River Foyle – it’s the perfect way to soak up the gentle pace of the north coast, where taking it slow is part of the culture.
As Emily from Lo & Slow Wild & Fired BBQ School, explains, “Slowness isn’t a trend in Northern Ireland – it’s tradition… growing food by hand, sharing stories by the hearth, moving with the rhythm of the land. That spirit still lives on here, and it’s what makes visiting feel so unforgettable.”
Mussenden Temple, County Londonderry
A monumental train journey
After sampling the delights of Derry~Londonderry, it’s time to depart for a day trip to the nearby town of Coleraine on what has been described by travel writer Michael Palin as “one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world”. This stunning route snakes along the shimmering River Foyle before opening out with views of the North Atlantic Ocean. The Translink service runs hourly in both directions between Derry~Londonderry and Coleraine and takes just over 30 minutes.
Once in Coleraine, head to Lir Seafood for lunch, where sustainably sourced wild Irish seafood is top of the menu. Afterwards, stroll beside the River Bann to Mountsandel Fort, a striking earthen mound fortress from Anglo-Norman times. History runs deep in these parts: the surrounding Mountsandel Wood contains one of the earliest known human settlements on the island, dating back to 7900 BC!
Heading back to Derry~Londonderry by train, savour the abundance of views along this spectacular coastline. And don’t be surprised if you start planning another visit before you even leave.
Burrenmore Nest, County Londonderry
Getting around
Electric vehicles are available for hire from several providers in Belfast, including Hertz and Avis. There are numerous EV charging stations in Northern Ireland, with dozens clustered along the Causeway Coast itself.
Accommodation
You’ll find plenty of places along the Causeway Coastal Route where you can check in and tune out. Burrenmore Nest provides luxury lodges nestled deep in the nearby forest – escapes into nature rarely come so refined, with private hot tubs, campfires and waterfall-shower rooms. Head to The Salthouse in Ballycastle for an elegant take on eco-accommodation, with lodges and a hotel; or relax with some glamping at the stunning Ocean View Pods in the grounds of Glenarm Castle. In Derry~Londonderry, the City Hotel buys 100% renewable energy, as well as incorporating other eco-friendly measures.
Staying longer
The peaceful Sperrin Mountains are just a short hop from Derry~Londonderry, making it an ideal place to extend your stay. There’s plenty to enjoy, from goats at Dart Mountain Cheese to guided walks through the ancient peatlands and wildflower meadows of Butterlope Farm. Add in the historic wonder of the Beaghmore Stone Circles and the starry magic at OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory, and the next leg of your EV sojourn comes beautifully into view.
