The Causeway Coastal Route spans the stunning Atlantic coast from Londonderry/Derry to Belfast – or vice versa, depending on which direction you want to travel!

Studded with sandy beaches and festooned with fishing villages, this renowned route is perfect for Xplorers craving sea air and experiencing the lands of legends! Whether you start or end in Belfast, you’ll love this vibrant city, with its cool blend of Victorian charm and striking modernity – including, of course, the epic Titanic Belfast.

Along the coastal route you’ll discover hair-raising cliff walks and breathtaking castles. Fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones will recognise the Cushendun Caves, where the infamous ‘shadow baby’ scene was filmed. This is just one of the many GoT locations scattered around the Causeway Coast.

Lace up your walking boots and get to grips with The Gobbins! On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and the dolphins dancing off the coastline, to the squawking native sea birds and the salty air as it hits your lips.

Feeling braver still? Wobble above the waves at Carrick-a-Rede. Suspended almost 100ft above the sea, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge has linked tiny Carrick Island and the County Antrim mainland for around 350 years. (Booking ahead is essential).

Nearby, at Ballintoy, try Coasteering. Explore the coastline in a thrilling way, combining rock climbing and swimming in the sea. As well as experiencing big thrills, you definitely get a whole new perspective of the NI coastline. You get to explore areas that very few people get the opportunity to! Book your Xperience with https://www.coasteeringni.co.uk/ … you’ll love it!

You’ll be spoiled for choice, too, when it comes to watersports. There are several surf and SUP schools in Portrush if you’re taking the splash for the first time – or simply want to rent kit. Whether you’re up for a day of bouldering, boating or boogie-boarding, this stretch of coast has it all, by the bucketful! Check out Discover Northern Ireland’s website for your dose of water-based adrenaline: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/outdoors-nature-and-wildlife/water-activities

Giant’s Causeway itself is an unmissable part of your Causeway getaway. This wonder was formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago, but the myth persists that the Giant’s Causeway was built by the hands of warring giants!

The Old Bushmills Distillery is the island’s oldest working distillery. In operation since 1608, the company’s distinctive single malt whiskey is still produced here today.

Walk – or run - along Downhill Demesne beach and above you is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks: Mussenden Temple. Originally built as a replica of the Temple of Vesta in Italy, the temple provides a stunning backdrop to the end of your epic roadtrip. Cap it all off with an Insta-perfect sunset picnic and watch the world become bathed in gold.

Suggested sleeps: Check out the choice of caravan and holiday parks en-route: https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/.../caravan-parks

Suggested eats: Harry’s Shack, sitting right on the Portstewart Strand beach front, does brunch, lunch and dinner – or grab a coffee from 10am. Discover Northern Ireland even has a suggested ‘Cycle Routes for Foodies’, which is well worth checking out: https://discovernorthernireland.com/blog/read/2020/06/cycle-routes-for-foodies-b132

Don’t miss: If you want to tag a gig or festival onto your Xplore getaway, check what’s on at: https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/music-events