Road‑Trip Itinerary: Driving the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry

The Causeway Coastal Route is one of Europe’s great road trips, stretching from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry.  Here’s a suggested itinerary highlighting the best stops and hidden gems, inspired by our earlier guide.

Starting off - Belfast to Glenarm & Carnlough

Start in Belfast and head north past Carrickfergus Castle.  Your first scenic stop is Glenarm, a picturesque village with a marina and historic castle grounds.  Continue to Carnlough where colourful fishing boats bob in the harbour .  Have lunch at a local café and stroll along the pier.

Cushendun Caves & Torr Head

Drive through the Antrim Glens to Cushendun, a charming village famed for its caves, which doubled as the Stormlands in Game of Thrones .  From here, take the narrow road to Torr Head for panoramic views of Scotland.

Carrick‑a‑Rede, Ballintoy & Giant’s Causeway

Walk across the Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge and explore Ballintoy Harbour .  Spend the afternoon at the Giant’s Causeway, marvelling at the basalt columns.  Stay overnight in a Nestled property in nearby Bushmills or Portrush.

Dunluce Castle, Portrush & Portstewart

Visit the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle, then head into Portrush for surfing, shopping and dining.  Continue along the coast to Portstewart and take a stroll on its famous promenade or along the Portstewart Strand.

Mussenden Temple & Derry/Londonderry

On your final day, stop at Mussenden Temple and the sweeping sands of Downhill Strand.  Drive up Binevenagh Mountain for one last vista before arriving in Derry/Londonderry.  Wander the city’s 17th‑century walls, visit the Peace Bridge and enjoy the cafés of the Craft Village.

Tips for Your Drive

– Take your time – the beauty of this route is in the detours.  Stop at viewpoints, beaches and cafés along the way.

– Check opening times for attractions; some sites have reduced hours in winter.

– Book your accommodation in Portrush or Portstewart early during summer, especially when big events like the North West 200 take place.

For a deeper dive into this journey, read our Exploring the Causeway Coastal Route post.  Ready to hit the road?  Book your Nestled stay and start planning your adventure.