Causeway Coast Way

Walk the Causeway Coast Way

The Causeway Coast Way follows the north coast of Northern Ireland from Ballycastle to Portstewart, connecting cliffs, beaches, harbours, dunes and coastal settlements along approximately 33 miles of the Causeway Coast.

From Ballycastle, the route heads west along the County Antrim coast towards Ballintoy, passing a landscape of rocky headlands, small bays and open views across the North Channel. The coastline around Carrick-a-Rede forms one of the distinctive early sections of the route before the trail continues towards Ballintoy Harbour.

Beyond Ballintoy, the route follows the coast towards the Giant's Causeway, passing beaches, cliffs and the basalt landscapes for which this part of Northern Ireland is known. The Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognised for its geological significance and distinctive basalt formations. recognised for their geological significance and distinctive basalt formations.

The trail continues west towards Bushmills and Portrush, with coastal paths connecting beaches, headlands and historic sites. Dunluce Castle stands on the cliffs between Bushmills and Portrush, overlooking the Atlantic and the surrounding Causeway Coast.

West of Portrush, the character of the route changes again as the coastline opens onto broad beaches and dune systems. The final stretch continues towards Portstewart, where the Causeway Coast Way finishes beside the Atlantic coast close to the mouth of the River Bann.

Ballycastle, Ballintoy, Bushmills, Portrush and Portstewart provide useful bases for exploring different parts of the route, making the Causeway Coast Way suitable both for a continuous multi-day walk and for shorter coastal walks and walking breaks.

Overview

Distance: 33 miles / 54 km
Typical duration: 2–4 walking days
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Ballycastle, County Antrim
Finish: Portstewart, County Londonderry
Terrain: Clifftop paths, beaches, grassy headlands, dunes and short road or lane sections