Causeway Coast Way – guide, accommodation and stages
- Christian Sommer
- 5 days ago
- 12 min read
The Causeway Coast Way in Ireland is wild and adventurous: on this route, you will explore many areas of outstanding natural beauty and world-famous sights, such as the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in the world, in Bushmills. And as if that weren't enough, the route also takes you past many filming locations from the hit television series Game of Thrones, and from the coast you often get views of the surprisingly close Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, as well as the numerous islands along the coast.
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
Causeway Coast Way
The Causeway Coast Way in Ireland is one of the most beautiful coastal hiking trails in the world. It winds its way along the Irish coast for a total of 60 km and 600 metres of elevation gain and is easily walkable in 3 stages of approx. 20 km each. The trail is classified as easy to moderate and, in my opinion, there were no exposed sections. The trail is also very well marked. The Causeway Coast Way is a linear hiking trail that can be walked in both directions. What sets the Causeway Coast Way apart is its well-developed infrastructure and simple route, which makes it very easy for hikers to enjoy the trail without any worries.
Causeway Coast Way Getting there
Getting to the Causeway Coast Way is very straightforward. The official starting point is in Bellycastle. Below you will find all the important information you need for your journey:
Airplane: The nearest airports are Belfast International Airport (BFS), George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) and City of Derry Airport (LDY). To find cheap flights, I highly recommend Skyscanner – a first-class app that gives you a quick overview of the best flight deals.
From all three airports, it takes about 2-3 hours by bus or train to get to Ballycastle.
Bus: There are regular bus services from all three airports to Ballycastle. I highly recommend the OMIO app for finding connections and making bookings.
Train: It is also possible to travel to Ballycastle by train. Again, I highly recommend the OMIO app for finding connections and making bookings.
Car: If you are travelling by car, I highly recommend taking the coastal road from Belfast to Ballycastle. It is one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world.
Parking: Parking is available in Ballycastle.
Return journey: The return journey to Ballycastle is easy by public transport (bus) or taxi.
As always, I recommend watching a video about the tour:
Causeway Coast Way stages
The three stages of the Causeway Coast Way follow the stunning Irish coastline. Each stage offers unique landscapes, from spectacular cliffs and secluded beaches to picturesque fishing villages and ruined castles. Below are the official stages of the Causeway Coast Way:
Stage 1: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (18 km and 200 m ascent)
Stage 2: Ballintoy – Portballintrae (22 km and 230 m ascent)
Stage 3: Portballintrae – Portstewart (20 km and 120 m ascent)
Tip: At the end of the second stage, or afterwards, you can also take a detour to Bushmills, where one of the oldest whisky distilleries in the world awaits you, the (Bushmills Irish Whisky Distillery).
Causeway Coast Way Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation along the Causeway Coast Way, from cosy guesthouses and hotels to campsites. I can highly recommend the following accommodation along the Causeway Coast Way. You can book your accommodation right here via the links on my partner platform ‘Booking.com’ at no extra cost. Thank you very much!
Tip: Take your time and have a good look at the accommodation options, as there are some truly beautiful and exciting places to stay in this region!
Bellycastle: starting point
Maguire Strand Camping & Caravan Park Tel: +44 28 2076 3294
Stage 1: Ballintoy
Stage 2: Portballintrae
Stage 3: Portstewart
Causeway Coastal Way experiences
My experiences on the Causeway Coastal Way in Ireland are as varied as the landscape itself. From spectacular cliffs and secluded beaches to adventurous coastal paths, this route offers unforgettable experiences. Here you will find my first-hand experiences and tips:
Stage 1: Ballycastle – Ballintoy (18 km and 200 m ascent)
The Causeway Coast Way begins in the heart of Ballycastle. The trail follows the main road for almost 1 km to the coast. Ballycastle is a charming coastal town in Northern Ireland, located on the beautiful north coast. It is known for its picturesque seaside location, access to the famous Causeway Coastal Way and proximity to impressive natural wonders such as the Giant's Causeway. The town offers a relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals and a variety of activities, including hiking, boat trips and fishing. In Ballycastle, there are also historical sights, cosy cafés, restaurants and shops offering local products.
Once you reach the coast, you will be greeted by a fantastic view to the east over Ballycastle Beach to Fair Head. A little further north are the striking white cliffs of Rathlin Island. At the beginning, the trail takes you along a short stretch of road. As there are no footpaths, you will need to take care when walking on this road. Keep to the side of the road where the cars are coming from.
Tip: Just over 1 km along this road, there is a turn-off to the right towards Kinbane Head. A worthwhile detour of 3 km takes you to the magnificent chalk cliffs and ruins of Kinbane Castle.
Back on the main road, a little further on you will find a restaurant and bar, which is ideal for a break.
Tip: It is also worth making a detour to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Then follow the coastal path to Ballintoy, where accommodation or a campsite await you nearby.
Please note: There is no supermarket in Ballintoy!
Remember to insure your trip well – because a fall or other typical hiking injury can quickly result in high rescue costs. Auras Insurance offers you worldwide hiking and trekking insurance, specially designed for active travellers.
Use the discount code HIKINGFEX to get 10% off your insurance.
Stage 2: Ballintoy – Portballintrae (22 km and 230 m ascent)
Before continuing your hike, take a look at the small harbour, which is well worth seeing. The small, sheltered harbour is still in operation and has several picturesque stone buildings, including the boathouse, O'Rourke's Kitchen and an impressive lime kiln.
The path continues past a cottage and joins a coastal path. You will soon discover the first rock needles. One of the last rock towers in the series is known as ‘Elephant Rock’ because of its obvious resemblance. At this point, there is a narrow passage along the cliffs from which you can reach White Park Bay. This section may not be passable at particularly high tide. After crossing a bridge over a stream, the path continues for another ½ km to the main coastal road at Dunseverick Castle.
Then follow the grassy path that winds around each headland. There are many beautiful viewpoints to discover here.
The next significant landmarks are Benbane Head and Hamilton's Seat. Beyond Benbane Head, you cross the border into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Causeway. At the foot of the cliffs, just off the coast, you can see the easily recognisable shape of Horse Shoe Harbour. The rock formation known as ‘Nurse and Child’ can be seen at the tip of the horseshoe. It is a large, upright rock enclosing a smaller rock.
Next, you will pass the Amphitheatre. The Amphitheatre itself is an impressive collection of vertical basalt columns embedded in the rock face. Keep an eye out for the large rock known as the Giant's Chair.
Then follow the path to Portballintrae or Bushmills
There is a small supermarket in both villages!
Stage 3: Portballintrae – Portstewart (20 km and 120 m ascent)
Portballintrae was a beautiful village. Bushmills, with its whisky distillery, was also very nice. Today, your hike continues to Portstewart.
On the main road in Portballintrae, the Causeway Coast Way turns right and follows a footpath along the side of the road. After a short while, you will reach Dunluce Castle, the highlight of the third stage.
There is an admission charge for Dunluce Castle, which includes access to the exhibition rooms, gardens and ruins. Guided tours are also available. Access below the castle is free of charge and you can visit Mermaid's Cave there.
If you follow the road towards Portrush, after ½ km you will reach a large car park, where you will have a great view of Dunluce Castle.
The Causeway Coast Way continues along the cliff formations of the White Rocks, of which the ‘Giant's Head’ is one of the most famous.
Continue along the beautiful coastal path to Portstewart, the end point of the trail. You have reached your destination – congratulations! If you made it, you have my utmost respect. It wasn't too difficult a journey, but it was unforgettably beautiful. This tour is one of my favourites!
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
To prepare yourself optimally for your hikes, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel.
Causeway Coast Way Ireland – further information
Below, I have compiled some useful information about the Causeway Coast Way for you.
Money: I was able to pay cashless everywhere. However, as always, I recommend taking some cash with you.
Mobile phone reception: I had continuous network coverage.
Food: There is no supermarket in Ballintoy.
Taxi: Bolt and Uber work perfectly.
Water: There are campsites and popular tourist destinations along the way where you can find water. However, it is best to take 2 litres with you from your accommodation. This is usually enough for 20 kilometres.
Wildlife: Along the Causeway Coast Way, you will encounter fascinating wildlife. Here you can observe seabirds such as puffins, gannets, northern gannets and guillemots. On boat trips along the coast, you have the chance to spot dolphins, porpoises and even the occasional whale. If you are interested in nature and wildlife watching, you are sure to make many exciting discoveries here!
As there is little shade on the trail and you are constantly exposed to the wind, I recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sun cream with lip care SPF 50+, as well as my ultra-light sun hat and windbreaker.
• Sun capÂ
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Causeway Coast Way Difficulty
The route is well developed and suitable for most walkers, but the difficulty varies depending on the section. In my opinion, the trail is mostly easy and rarely moderately difficult. Some parts of the route are relatively easy and flat, ideal for families or less experienced walkers. In places, it can be steeper, uneven or rockier, requiring sure-footedness and a certain level of fitness.
Weather conditions: The weather on the Causeway Coastal Way can be very changeable, as the region is located on the north coast of Ireland. In general, the climate is temperate, with mild winters and cooler summers. Temperatures in summer are usually between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. However, the weather can change quickly, and it is not unusual for it to be sunny, cloudy and rainy on the same day. More rainfall is to be expected, especially in autumn and winter.
Waymarking: The Causeway Coastal Way is signposted throughout.
Children: Due to the proximity to steep cliffs, the walk is not recommended for small children. However, young people with hiking experience can easily manage the tour.
Causeway Coast Way packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note:Â These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking bootsÂ
Â
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun capÂ
• Water filterÂ
• Camping matÂ
• Sleeping bagÂ
• Hut sleeping bagÂ
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPEDÂ - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• CompassÂ
• Power bankÂ
• HeadlampÂ
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Food as neededÂ
• Energy-gel
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
• GascookerÂ
• Plastic fork/spoonÂ
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Blister plasterÂ
• TapeÂ
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
• Tick tongsÂ
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Fire steel
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• CameraÂ
• 14mm LensÂ
• 24-105mm Lens
• DroneÂ
• Tripod
• ClipÂ
Causeway Coast Way GPX
The GPX files are available for download from the following providers.
Outdooractive: https://out.ac/3wckdK
Komoot:Â
Causeway Coast Way map
Here you will find a map for the Causeway Coast Way in Ireland. It will help you plan and find your way along the route.
Causeway Coast Way Conclusion
The Causeway Coast Way is a breathtaking route along the north coast of Ireland, offering impressive nature, historical sights and picturesque landscapes. Perfect for nature lovers, hikers and culture enthusiasts. The varied route is well signposted and offers unforgettable experiences. A wonderful journey that allows you to experience the beauty of Ireland up close! If you want to hike the Causeway Coast Way, you should book accommodation well in advance. I wish you a wonderful time and good luck ;)
As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback via one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave me a comment here.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.