Northern Ireland is known for its natural beauty, idyllic scenery and breathtaking coastal views, which is why so many people choose to explore it on four wheels! You’ll never be bored, and there’s plenty to see and do, so buckle your seatbelts and get ready to explore the great north at its best!
1. Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route
No trip to Northern Ireland is complete without an exciting journey around
the Causeway Coast, which stretches over 120 miles of scenic loops, crashing waves and rugged cliffs.
The Giant’s Causeway is just one of the fantastic sights you’ll see along the way, and you’ll also have the opportunity to cross the famous
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which dangles 100 feet above the crashing waves below.
2. Seaside Villages
The Bushmills Inn is just a stone's throw away from the stunning seaside towns and villages of Portstewart, Portrush and Portballintrae. All three are an absolute must-see in the height of summer.
Portstewart is an upmarket tourist haven with a spectacular beach, a gorgeous harbour, promenade, championship golf courses and much more. With many places where you can relax and just watch the world go by, Portstewart is the perfect place to grab an ice cream and catch some rays!
The fun loving seaside town of Portrush has grown from a small fishing village into a very popular holiday destination for Northern Ireland locals and those further afield. The town is well known for its three sandy beaches, the West Strand, East Strand and White Rocks, where you can partake in a wide range of water activities, as well as the Royal Portrush Golf Club which will be hosting the Open Championship next year.
While, ideally set just outside of Bushmills and only minutes from the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle, you will find a quaint fishing village called Portballintrae. This seaside destination is just like stepping back in time with its cluster of whitewashed cottages nestled around the horseshoe-shaped Ballintrae Bay.
3. Rathlin Island
In the mood to get off the map for a while and “be one with nature”? If this sounds like you, then head to
Rathlin Island for views of an old lighthouse and the Rathlin West Seabird Centre. The island is known for its bird colonies including magnificent puffins, guillemots and razorbills (to name a few!).
4. The Gobbins
Soak up some rich Irish heritage with a visit to
The Gobbins. You can drive around the area and enjoy the fantastic views before stepping out and exploring secret caves, suspension bridges and tunnels carved through rocks. The high cliffs are fascinating, and you can stop for a break at the Visitor Centre before you return to your car to explore the rest of the Antrim Coast.
5. Wild Atlantic Way
Planning on exploring the famous
Wild Atlantic Way? The journey begins just after the Causeway Coast ends, in the most Northerly point of Ireland at Malin Head and you can be there in just under 2 hours by car from The Bushmills Inn.
The ruggedly beautiful Northern Headland region of the Wild Atlantic Way is untouched and virtually unexplored. From the sheer granite walls of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs to the Northern Lights dancing in the skies, this area is a must-see!
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