8-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour

Arrive in the seaside town of Cushendall, your starting point for the journey. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Begin your first day of hiking with a taxi transfer to nearby Orra Beg, an intersection on the Moyle Way. Today’s route leads south through the Slieveanorra Nature Reserve, home to a dazzling range of bird species. Cross through open moorland and head for Trostan Mountain, the highest point in County Antrim.

The day ends in the spectacular Glenariff Forest Park. Chock-full of winding nature trails and clear waterfalls, this is a lovely spot to amble about and enjoy the scenery. When you’re ready to depart, ring your taxi to return to Cushendall.

Start with another quick transfer back to Orra Beg, where you’ll set off on the Moyle Way, heading north this time. The Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve is the first to greet you, another serene forest through which to enjoy your walk.

As you stroll down the country roads, keep an eye out for the Glenshesk River, Knocklayd Mountain, and the Coolaveely Wood. A wood path through Ballycastle Forest brings you into the town of the same name, your home for the evening.

After two days of forest trails, you’ve arrived at the coast! Today’s looped trail brings you east along the shores of Murlough Bay. Reaching the Fair Head cliffs, gaze straight down to the North Atlantic Ocean below, and see if you can spot the Scottish shores across the water.

If the visibility is poor, go for one of the looped walks at lower elevation, which use the Fair Head Farm as their hub. Return to Ballycastle for the evening.

Today brings an opportunity to explore the unique Rathlin Island. Hop on a ferry from Ballycastle, crossing the 10km gulf over to Northern Ireland’s northernmost point. This L-shaped island is no more than a mile across, providing stunning views no matter where you are!

A particular highlight is the RSPB West Light viewpoint. Here you’ll find a massive seabird colony made up of puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills and more – the largest of its kind in all of Europe. Complete your day by taking the ferry back to Ballycastle for the evening.

A taxi ride to the Larrybane visitor centre kicks off a fantastic day of exploring. If you’re not afraid of heights, walk across the famous Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, connecting the mainland to the island of its name. It’s strung nearly one hundred feet above the ocean, so try not to look down!

Continue your journey west along the coastline. The charming harbour village of Ballintoy is just nearby, its hilltop church overlooking the rest of the town. Pass by the ruins of ancient Dunseverick Castle, visited centuries ago by Saint Patrick himself. Your day ends at the most famous attraction of them all: the Giant’s Causeway. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a truly special basalt column formation that will take your breath away.

When you’re ready to depart, hop on the public bus into Bushmills and check into your accommodation for the evening. The village is well-known for its whiskey distillery.

A beautiful coastal hike awaits your final day along the Causeway Coast. After a quick taxi to the coastal road, strike out along the shore for the town of Portstewart. You’ll pass the Magheracross viewpoint and the striking ruins of Dunluce Castle, accessible via bridge to the mainland with steep drops on all sides.

Your route continues along Whiterocks Beach, through Portrush Harbour and Mill Strand Beach. The Causeway markers are there to guide your way. Finish the day on the Portstewart promenade and celebrate your adventure with an evening in town.

After a delicious Irish breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.