- Travel Safety App – Help You Home App & Emergency Wristband – Equipment Review - 10 August 2026
- Strangford Lough Islands Northern Ireland – Half-Day Itinerary - 30 March 2026
- Blend and Brew Portglenone Northern Ireland – Foodie Review - 9 February 2026
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is one of those roadtrips that grabs you by the eyeballs from the very first mile. Starting in the industrial port of Belfast and ending in the seventeenth century walled city of Londonderry, it is a 125 mile trek that is the longest, but most scenic, way to travel between Northern Ireand’s largest two cities.
Here is my 1-day itinerary and recommendations for cool places to stop along the Causeway Coast Route in Northern Ireland.
08:00 Breakfast at The Bushmills Inn
The Bushmills Inn is one of my favourites. My advice on what to order – an Ulster Fry. It will set you up all day, with no need for lunch. But, you could also try The French Rooms Bushmills.
Depending on your time, you could simply follow breakfast with a coastal cliff walk, the Portballintrae Causeway Loop. Start at the Beach Road carpark in Portballintrae. It is not recommend for kids as there is no rail and the trail is close to the edge.
However, if you have a full day, read on for more ideas.
09:15 Magheracross Viewpoint
Stop off for a windy 5 minute photo opportunity at Magheracross Viewpoint. It may be a little earl in the day, but you be lucky enough to grab a coffee or an ice-cream at one of the many trendy camper foodie vans that frequent this route.
10:00 Benone to Downhill Beach Walk
Drive another 30 minutes up the coast to Benone, taking in the stunning view through the cliffs down the steep Mussenden Road. Carry on past the main entrance to Downhill Beach along the coast road and turn right into the pristine white sands of the award-winning Benone Strand. Park on the entrance to the beach, wrap up warm, and walk back down the sand (right) toward Downhill Beach.
You’ll enjoy an ever-looming view of the colossal Mussenden Temple perched on the cliff above, with views of Portrush and Portstewart resorts in the distance.
Beyond the headland lies the next beach along, Castlerock, from where you can also view the other side of the temple. You’ll have to take your shoes off about 4/5 of the way there to ford the little river (Downhill Burn, shown). It starts up in the Binevenagh cliff waterfalls on your right as you walk and runs right under the road and railway behind the sand dunes then across the sand and out into the Atlantic.
Take as many pictures as you like. It’s simply impossible to take a bad one with with the seemingly larger-than-life expanse of sand, sea and sky. This easy 2.9 mile trek is especially blissful in the windier ‘shoulder’ seasons with crashing waves – although on most days, a hoodie is recommended. The Atlantic wind coming off the sea can be very chilly.
Tell me if your soul isn’t better after that walk.
13:45 Gortmore Viewing Point & Irish Sea God, Manannan Mac Lir
Next, take a drive up the very steep Bishops Road and carry on just a couple of miles to Gortmore Viewing Point where you’ll find free, if windy, parking. Make sure you take in both upper and lower viewing points. The upper viewing platform is at the trig point with useful signage showing you the surrounding peaks. The Irish sea god, Manannan Mac Lir, stands with hands extended to the sea. (He was once kidnapped – by an iconoclast, no doubt!)
The lower viewing point has stone bench seating and a viewing platform, providing astonishing views out over Magilligan Point, Donegal and even two of the Hebridean islands – Isley and Jura. It’s a great place for budding ornithologists too. Pack your binos!
If you’re feeling energetic, you could try the Gortmore to Hell’s Hole trail (I’ve not done it).
14:45 Mid Afternoon Munchies With Free Roaming Peacocks
Drive back down the steep Bishop’s Road toward Downhill beach and then straight up the Mussenden Road in the direction of Castlerock and Coleraine. Make a pit-stop on your way back at any of the inexpensive cafes or coffee shops along the route.
- Sea Shed Coffee and Surf at Benone Strand
- Willow Garden Tea Room at the Pretty Crafty Design Studio and Cafe (bonus art!) – peacocks roam and honk in the garden as you brunch, magical!
- The Surf Shack, Castlerock
15:30 Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne Estate and Bishop’s Gate
If you’re up that way already, be sure to check out the glorious Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, with amazing views over Donegal. There is a bonus dovecote and ice-house on the same site. The estate closes at 17:00
Check the maps, as you can also enter further down the road through the gardens at the Bishop’s Gate entrance, so you can enjoy the gardens that lead up through an alternative forest trail entrance to the temple and demesne.
17:00 Gentle Walk Through Downhill Forest
Assuming you’re visiting in the summer, the skies will be light until aorund 11pm. So, you can round off your If you’re not a culture-vulture or on a tight budget, take in the free Downhill Forest across the road instead.
Causeway Coastal Route Northern Ireland – 1 Day Itinerary
Many more celebrated locations such as the Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle, will feature heavily on other itineraries. But, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my suggestions for alternative places to walk and explore along the route.
