Causeway Coastal Route - 'The essential Irish journey'

128km (80mls) of breathtaking sights and rugged coastline

The world-famous Giant's Causeway, the oldest distillery on the planet, a hair-raising rope bridgecrossing, mysterious glens and spectacular scenery - just a sample of what lies in store on this magical route.

The Causeway Coast ... the very name exudes magic and mystery waiting to be explored!

To travel along this road, leading from Belfast Lough to Lough Foyle, is to experience something very special. This is an area of unsurpassed natural beauty. Drive by rugged and windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery and fabulous unspoilt beaches. It's a coastline sprinkled with historic castles, churches and forts that hold memories of a heroic past.

Around every twist on the road lies a spectacle or attraction more intriguing than the last. What memories, and photographic images, you will have to take away with you at the end of your trip!

The world-renowned Giant's Causeway, which lends its name to this route, is, of course, the star attraction. You will be spellbound by Ireland's top tourist attraction, which is also an UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its geology, flora and fauna. This is a 60 million year-old natural history phenomenon, and the site is also linked to a great Irish myth, centred on the mighty Irish giant, Fionn MacCool!

But there are many other magnificent features that will vie for your attention along the way. If you start your journey at Newtownabbey on the outskirts of Belfast, for instance, you will soon come upon Carrickfergus, with its dramatic Norman castle, Jacobean town walls and charming 12th century church.

Moving on from the major port of Larne, you will soon reach the coastline bordering the majestic nine Glens of Antrim. Each of these glens, which are famed in legend and song, are worthy of separate exploration if you have the time.

On your way along the coast through Glenarm, Carnlough and Glenariff, take in the spectacular scenery.

Don't forget to stop a while in the village of Cushendall, the 'capital of the Glens', before making a short detour to Cushendun, where pretty Cornish-style cottages line the streets. If you wish, you can continue your detour along the coast road by Torrr Head.

At Balllycastle, you can catch a ferry to mystical Rathlin Island. As you travel westwards from Ballycastle towards Coleraine and Limavady on your way to Derry, you will encounter many magical sights.

Raise your glass!
Aside from the Giant's Causeway, there's the opportunity of a lifetime to savour. Drop into the Old Bushmills Distillery Company, the oldest in the world, to learn the secrets of good whiskey making and sample a glass of the finest Irish produce!

Be adventurous... experience the thrill and excitement of crossing the precarious Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy on the North Antrim Coast Road. Enjoy the magnificent views out to sea as you cross over the 24m deep by 18m wide chasm

Portrush is the setting for the magnificent Royal Portrush golf links - one of the world's greatest. Once venue to the British Open Golf Championship, this course dates back to 1888.

Capture a truly unique image of Ireland and visit 14th century Dunluce Castle, 5kms east of Portrush. You will be spellbound by the sight of this historic castle, which is regarded as the most romantic and picturesque in the whole country.

On your drive, you will also pass the picturesque little harbours of Portbradden,Ballintoy and Portballintrae, ideal spots for a pleasant picnic.

All in all, the Causeway Coastal Drive is a magical experience... a journey of exploration where imagination meets reality and where every village and town, castle and rocky shore is waiting to be discovered.

For county profiles, suggested drives and great holiday ideas, click here

FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the area in general, please contact:

Causeway Coast & Glens
11 Lodge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1LU
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7032 7720
Fax:0044 (0) 28 7032 7719

Email: mail@causewaycoastandglens.com
Web: www.causewaycoastandglens.com