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As we head onto the Coastal Causeway Route, I catch my first glimpse of Scotland’s West coast, reachable by ferry from both Port of Larne and Belfast. The route hugs the Irish sea as we make our way through green rolling hills and small villages.

Stretching for 120 miles between Lough Foyle and Belfast Lough, the Coastal Causeway links small coastal villages including Ballintoy, Cushendun, Cushendall, Carnlough and Glenarm.

With a day to explore northernmost Ireland, we took in several stops between Belfast and Derry along this stunning scenic route.

[Glenarm Castle gate]

Glenarm is the first of nine glens along the Antrim Coast Road, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is one of the oldest chartered towns in Ulster and has retained its historic street pattern. The Glenarm Conservation Area boasts over 50 listed buildings.  

[Carnlough, one of many Game of Thrones shooting locations throughout Ireland]

Carnlough, from the Irish Carnlach (place of cairns), is a village in County Antrim with a picturesque harbour on the shores of Carnlough Bay used by both pleasure boats and small fishing vessels.

[Londonderry Arms was at one time owned by Winston Churchill]

The Londonderry Arms Hotel was built in 1848 as a coaching inn by Frances Anne Vane Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry, great grandmother of Winston Churchill.  

[Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge; photo credit Qole Pejorian on Flickr]

First used by fishermen 250 years ago to check their salmon nets, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge spans 20 metres and is suspended 30 metres above the rocks below. I imagine crossing it would be a similar experience to North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge, albeit with a different body of water in a different land.

The views of Ballintoy’s rocky coast are stunning! Sadly the bridge was closed on the day of our visit due to high winds.

[Dunseverick Castle ruins]

[Where the Atlantic meets Ballintoy]

Ballintoy (from the Irish Baile an Tuaigh meaning “the northern townland”) consists of a section of small shops and two churches. Situated at the end of a small narrow steep road,  the picturesque village harbour has featured in several movies, but is perhaps best known for Game of Thrones. The charming, coastal nook is where Theon Greyjoy returns to the Iron Islands (Lordsport Harbour) and meets his sister Yara.  

[A hearty lunch served at Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy]

[The ruins of Dunluce Castle, aka The Castle of Pyke in Game of Thrones]

[Giant’s Causeway]

Formed over 60 million years ago, when molten lava cooled suddenly on contact with water, Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a geological wonder consisting of over 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns. Key formations to spot are the Camel, the Wishing Chair, and the Harp. 

[A smile in the wind: Imagining the photo shoot for the Houses of the Holy]

Led Zeppelin fans will be walking over the same stones used in the cover photo shoot for 1973’s Houses of the Holy.

[Elephant Rock Hotel]

Where to Stay

Charming and colourful, Portrush’s Elephant Rock Hotel is a sweet boutique property facing the sea. Its bright and colourful Art Deco interiors with modern touches make an ideal base for exploring the Coastal Causeway.

[My Oceanview room]

Opened in February 2022, there are 18 rooms to select from, all individually designed.

Bathrooms include both a bathtub and shower area with Ireland-inspired Field Day toiletries.

The lobby restaurant features stone baked pizzas, plus a varied lunch and dinner menu. There’s also a cocktail bar open 11:30 am to late.

[The lobby is a great place to unwind after a day exploring the coast]

A continental breakfast is offered daily, together with a selection of hot dishes. 24-hour room service is also available and e-bikes can be rented to guests per half or full day.

Nearby

Founded in 1608 (and trademarked in 1784), Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, and offers daily tours. See how whiskey is made, from grain to glass, then enjoy a taste of over 400 years of expertise and innovation in the 1608 bar.

Back in the early days, before pubs and bars, people would arrive with a donkey and cart to pick up their spirits, filling up with stoneware jars.

While various production methods may have changed over the centuries, Bushmill’s incorporates water from St. Column Rill (a tributary of the River Bush) in the distilling process, as a fresh water source is key to making whiskey.

East Strand, West Strand, and White Rocks beaches are all within a mile of the hotel. Further out are Portstewart Strand, Whitepark Bay, and Downhill Beach (featured in Game of Thrones as Dragonstone). Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne were home to Earl Bishop in the 18th century, including the Temple, Lions Gate, Lady Erne’s Seat and the Walled Garden.

Elephant Rock Hotel is located at 17 Lansdowne Crescent in Portrush, Ireland.

My tour and overnight stay were provided by Tourism Ireland for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own.