Things to do
If you're looking for an adventure, the Causeway Coast is the perfect destination.
A natural adventure playground with sandy beaches, inland waterways, winding trails perfect for walking and cycling. Explore at your leisure! From canoeing and zip-lining to abseiling, there are lots of activities to choose from. Explore the area on foot or choose from cycling, horse-back or segway. Take to the water and try a Sea Safari or Kayak trail, Paddleboarding or Coasteering.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is sited dramatically close to the edge of a headland, along the North Antrim coast. Surrounded by jaw dropping coastal scenery, this medieval castle stands where an early Irish fort was once built and where its history can be traced back to early Christians and Vikings. Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills, County Antrim BT57 8UY
Bushmills Distillery
Visitors can observe the craft and skills of making Irish whiskey. The guided tour includes the ingredients and processes, spring water from Saint Columbs Rill and the finest malted barley, to the art of triple distillation in copper stills and ageing in oak casks. Of course, no visit would be complete without enjoying a complimentary glass of Bushmills whiskey. Address: 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills, County Antrim BT57 8XH Phone:028 2073 3218 www.bushmills.com
The Jet Centre
The Jet Centre is the North Coast's #1 centre for fun, with cinema, bowling, mini-golf, arcade, soft play and more. Check out the opening hours, book online and order gift cards for a special day out. www.thejetcentre.co.uk
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
A short coastal footpath leads to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. On the way, there are wonderful vantage points to stop and take in the natural beauty. The geology, flora and fauna have won Carrick-a-Rede recognition as an area of special scientific interest. Fulmars, kittywakes, guillemots and razorbills breed on the islands close to the rope bridge. Address: 119a Whitepark Rd, Ballintoy, County Antrim BT54 6LS
Curry's Fun Park
Curry's Fun Park is the largest theme park in Northern Ireland and also the largest on the island of Ireland. It is situated in the centre of Portrush on the north coast. It is a popular family attraction for visitors to the area. Address: 16 Eglinton St, Portrush, Antrim BT56 8DX www.currysfunpark.com
Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries. It harbours a wealth of local and natural history.
Ballintoy Harbour
The small fishing harbour can be found at the end of a small narrow steep road down Knocksaughey Hill, which passes by the entrance to Larrybane and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The village itself, which is just one kilometre from the harbour, has a charming array of small shops, two churches, including the quaint white Ballintoy Parish Church on the hill above the harbour, as well as tourist accommodation, restaurants, commercial and social facilities. For those looking to capture a true sense of Irish rural life, it is an ideal stop over whilst touring the coastal route. It has been used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones. This stunning harbour location has been used for exterior Pyke shots and as the Iron Islands.
Carnfunnock Country Park
Carnfunnock Country Park offers over 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens and spectacular coastline, with panoramic views of the Antrim Coast and North Channel. The walled garden with its unique sundials and wooden sculptures is open all year round along with a maritime themed outdoor adventure playground, golf driving range and academy, way-marked walks, orienteering course, geocaching, wildlife garden, public toilets and picnic sites. Original estate features also remain including the Icehouse and Lime Kilns.
Rathlin Island
Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquility and beauty that is so unexpected. The ferry to Rathlin Island travels just six miles across the "Sea of Moyle". This island is six miles long, one mile wide, "L" shaped and home to a small population of around seventy people. In the harbour is the Boathouse, where visitors can discover some of the exciting history, learn about present day island life and see some artefacts from shipwrecks around the island. A short walk around to Mill Bay there is a colony of seals, who are fun to just sit and watch!