3
moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • guesthouses and B&Bs
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days£880GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: JI6

Giant's Causeway Hiking Trip highlights

  • Walk the most dramatic stretch of the Giant’s Causeway Coast
  • Explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle featured in Game of Thrones
  • Bring your binoculars and spot puffins on Rathlin Island
  • Brave the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge for incredible views
  • Discover Ballintoy Harbour, one of the area’s most photogenic spots
  • Hit the highlights on this short but adventure-packed hiking trip

Explore the UNESCO Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland’s land of legends, giants, and castles in just 6 days. This undiscovered region offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and scenic coastal hiking trails. Begin in Ballycastle and take the ferry to Rathlin Island, where Robert the Bruce famously found inspiration from a determined spider before returning to battle. The island is a haven for wildlife; keep an eye out for puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and the elusive Irish Golden Hare. Follow the Causeway Coast Trail, tracing cliffs of dramatic basalt columns, said to be the handiwork of the giant Finn McCool, who built the causeway to challenge his Scottish rival, the giant Benandonner. If you have a head for heights, cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, swaying 100 feet above the ocean. An alternative diversion is a visit the Bushmills Distillery for a taste of fine Irish whiskey. The ruins of Dunluce and Dunseverick Castles are windows into the past, perched dramatically on rugged cliffs. Take time to soak in the mystical charm of this windswept corner of the world, a place of wild beauty and ancient legend.

Countries:

Northern Ireland

Starting Point:

Ballycastle

Finishing Point:

Portstewart

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive in the charming harbour town of Ballycastle, gateway to the Causeway Coast. A heritage town with a rich history, the town is very picturesque with quaint shops and historic buildings. The town also boasts some great seafood restaurants and lively pubs. Ballycastle is accessible by train and bus from Belfast International Airport and City Airport via Coleraine or Ballymena (journey time 2 -3 hours). Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer. Please request this with your travel consultant when you book. Accommodation: Two nights at a small and welcoming B&B in a Victorian guest house close to the harbour and town centre in Ballycastle.

Meals:  Nil

Start your hiking experience with a trip to Rathlin Island. Rathlin Island is a small L-shaped island with a small human population of around 150 people and a large population of nesting seabirds. Northern Ireland’s most northerly point, the island is just 4 miles from east to west and 2.5 miles from north to south. There are three lighthouses standing like monuments on the wild coastline where 40 ships have been recorded wrecked in the ocean below. Despite the tempestuous seas, the island itself is a haven of peace and tranquility and is wildlife reserve. There are 2 walk options for Rathlin Island, depending your preference for walking distance, both offering exploration and the chance of seeing nesting birds. Puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots and curlews all spend part of the summer months here. Option 1 is a 13km round trip and Option 2 is 8km. The island is a 45 minute ferry trip away from Ballycastle, and tickets (not included) must be arranged in advance. Full details will be provided when you book.

Meals:  B

Ballycastle, known as the northern gateway to the Glens of Antrim, has a rich history that dates back to around 1565 when a son of Sorley Boy McDonnell, the first Earl of Antrim, built a castle in the heart of the town's historic centre. While the castle no longer stands today, this charming area is well worth exploring on foot before heading to Ballintoy. Leaving Ballycastle, you will follow a peaceful country road to Clare Woods. After a short section of scenic forest trail, continue along quiet rural roads, passing through the farming communities of Craignagolman and Ballaghcravey. Your journey will bring you to the world-renowned Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a must-see attraction in the region. Suspended over an 100-foot chasm above the sea, this iconic rope bridge is sure to thrill if you dare cross! Tickets can be purchased on-site for those who wish to make the crossing (best purchased online in advance), while others can enjoy exploring the surrounding countryside. Accommodation: Overnight in a warm and welcoming B&B overlooking the sea in Ballintoy.

Meals:  B

High cliffs, ruined castles and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, this hike is world-class! Follow the markers for the Causeway Coast Way to reach Portbradden and then pass Dunseverick Castle and along the cliff-top path to Benbane Head. Ultimately, the Causeway Coast Way takes you to the Giant’s Causeway where you can explore the stunning hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The trail is generally easy to moderate but there are some steep and exposed sections today so care is needed while you enjoy the incredible views along the way. Visit the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre (fee payable) to learn more about the history and geology of this incredible place. Accommodation: Overnight at a comfortable Guest House close to the Giant’s Causeway with views of the surrounding landscape and out to the Sea of Moyle.

Meals:  B

On the final day of your Northern Ireland walking tour, you follow the coastal way with stunning views of Binbane Cove, Dunluce Castle, The Burnfoot, and The White Rocks as you head toward Portrush. Deviate to the small town of Bushmills if you’d like to visit the famous whiskey distillery. Descend to the beach at Curran Strand, where you can enjoy views of the nearby Skerries islands, including the Big and Little Skerries. Afterward, explore the charming town of Portrush and linger for some souvenir shopping before continuing the last leg of your journey to Portstewart. Although a longer day, the stretch of trail is beautiful and is mostly low-level walking on a mix of gravel paths, seaside promenades, quiet roads and grassy paths. Accommodation: Overnight in a small hotel in Portstewart and dine out at one of the multitude of restaurants in this friendly town in County Londonderry.

Meals:  B

Enjoy a final Irish breakfast and pack your bags ready to depart. From Portstewart, you can travel via local bus to Coleraine from where there is an express bus service to Belfast (1hr 40mins). You may wish to extend your stay in Ireland to visit Londonderry or travel further south. Please discuss options with your travel consultant when you book.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 nights accommodation in hand-selected guesthouses and b&bs
  • 5 Irish breakfasts - Irish breakfasts usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/sausages, tomato, toast, coffee, tea and juices
  • Digital Information Pack including navigational app and maps
  • Luggage transfers (max one bag of 15kg per person)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Lunch, dinner and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to start and from end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers during the trip
  • A supplement applies if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • Excess luggage fees (max weight 15kg)

Accommodation

Hand-selected guesthouses and B&Bs

During your trip you will stay in friendly local B&BS that have selected on account of the warmth of the welcome and proximity to the walking trail. The character of the local area will shine through your hosts and your Irish breakfast. Most rooms are ensuite and generally include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby but please appreciate options are limited in this remote corner of rural Ireland.

Trail Surface

Coastal paths, country tracks & minor roads

The Causeway Coast walk is comprised of different walking trails. Most of the route follows coastal paths and some of the time you will walk on quiet rural roads. There are some sections of beach walking where your pace may slow, either to enjoy the views or because of the sand. As you will spend a lot of time on the coast, and on clifftops, be aware that the route can feel exposed to the elements. Weather here can be changeable! Good boots are a must as is clothing for all weathers. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on rocky, mountainous and sandy paths is required. You need good boots with ankle support. The trail is generally obvious and well-trodden, but can become slippery in wet weather.

Suitability

moderate

3

This walk in Ireland is graded Moderate. Distances range from 8 to 23km (5-14 miles) and you can walk at your own pace. The terrain is undulating, other than the last day which is largely flat. Most of the route follows coastal paths or countryside trails and some of the time you will walk on quiet roads. There are some sections of beach walking where your pace may slow. As you will spend a lot of time on the coast, and on clifftops, be aware that the route can feel exposed to the elements. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on sandy and rocky paths is required. You need good boots with ankle support. The trail is generally good and well-trodden, but can become slippery in wet weather. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun and the rain.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 10 Oct

Notes

DN1
We also offer an 8 day Causeway Coast trip if you would like to explore the beautiful Antrim Glens too.

Priceper person from

£880GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£460
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£540
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all | Collapse all

If you are short on time or prefer a shorter walking holiday, we recommend this walking trip that includes the best hiking on the Causeway Coast with a visit to Rathlin Island to see the seabirds. On this trip you will see the most dramatic sections of the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the ruined castles and Dunluce and Dunseverick, pass close to the Bushmills Distillery (deviate if you want to visit) and get a real flavour of this beautiful and wild part of Northern Ireland. If you would like to extend your time to a full week and include walking in the remote and lovely Antrim Glens, then the 8-day version is for you. Whichever trip you choose, Northern Irish people are incredibly friendly and welcoming and their land is one of rich history and culture so you will have a great time!

All visitors are encouraged to pre-book bridge crossing tickets online before they wish to visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to avoid queues. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction in high summer. You can book via the UK National Trust website at https://www.nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk/event-tickets/. National Trust members must still book but their fees are reduced or waived.

This trip runs from east to west, starting in the harbour town of Ballycastle. Ballycastle is accessible from Belfast by a combination of train and bus. Note that Belfast has 2 airports - Belfast City and Belfast International. The International airport is way northwest of the city near Antrim. From Belfast International you can take a bus or taxi to Antrim from where you can take a train or bus to Ballymena. From Belfast you can also take a train or bus to Ballymena or Coleraine. Change here for buses to Ballycastle or take a taxi (ask your consultant for details). The Northern Ireland transport website is an excellent resource for journey planning and for buying tickets www.translink.co.uk. If you would like to arrange a private transfer from Belfast, please discuss the options with our team.

The Rathlin Island ferry runs from Ballycastle daily. The journey takes 45 mins each way and a return ticket is £16 per person. This is not included in your holiday price to give you the flexibility to choose to take the trip and the timings of your visit. If you plan to take the trip to Rathlin (a highlight of the holiday and recommended) then you should book your ticket in advance at https://www.rathlin-ferry.com/ or by calling 00 44 28 2076 9299. We suggest you book the 10am sailing from Ballycastle to give plenty of time on the island. Note that the last ferry back is at 1530 but please check this on the day.

The weather on the coast of Northern Ireland is changeable! There is a reason Ireland is called the Emerald Isle – the fields are a beautiful green on account of the rainfall. However, weather systems pass through quickly and it is not unusual to feel that you have experienced four seasons in one day. You can go from full waterproofs to shorts and t-shirt in minutes. Although good weather cannot be guaranteed, travelling from May to September is traditionally the best time as temperatures are warmer.

Giant's Causeway Hiking Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.