August 26th is the final summer bank holiday of 2019. As we say goodbye to the summer holidays, make it a special weekend with a visit to Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route! Here’s some inspiration for the long weekend ahead:

1. Explore the ruins

With Medieval castles, abandoned friaries, and desolate mansions, the Causeway Coastal Route is home to some of Northern Ireland’s richest historical sites. Be sure to check out Dunluce Castle, Bonamargy Friary, Kinbane Castle and Downhill Demesne to learn about the tales behind these iconic attractions and what led to their abandonment.

2. Experience Ireland’s oldest fair

Every year thousands flock to Ballycastle for The Ould Lammas Fair. Traditionally held on the last bank holiday weekend of the summer, the seaside town bustles with street trading, bargaining, traditional music, dancing, horse trading, amusements, artisan markets and much more!

3. Have a picnic

What better way to relax and unwind than enjoying your favourite foods with a side of stunning scenery? Choose from mountain tops, lush green fields, sandy beaches and tranquil country parks for a relaxing afternoon of al fresco dining. Don’t forget the Prosecco!

4. Go to the beach

The Causeway Coast is well known for its pristine beaches and it’s easy to see why. From blue flag winners, to secluded pebble shores, you’re guaranteed to make memories you won’t forget when you discover the seascapes and sandscapes of the Causeway Coastal Route.

5. Try hovercrafting

Situated in Myroe, just outside the town of Limavady, Foyle Hovercrafting offer a truly unique day out for the whole family. As Northern Ireland’s only Hovercrafting activity centre, you can be guaranteed a thrilling adventure as you whizz and glide around the track in their specially designed Eagle 447 crafts

6. Find a cosy coffee joint

Ahh caffeine, how would we survive without you? Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make us truly happy, like finding the perfect morning roast. Luckily, that’s a task that’s pretty easy to achieve in Northern Ireland – there’s trendy coffee shops, quaint tea rooms, and bustling cafes, all ready and waiting to serve you your morning caffeine fix before a day of exploring the Causeway Coast and Glens

7. Get lost in the woods

Ok, we don’t mean you should literally get lost in a forest, but getting close to nature and taking in those beautiful sights, sounds and smells is a great way to switch off and escape the pressures of busy day-to-day life. Try the Waterfall Walk at the epic Glenariff Forest Park, or take a stroll along the river at the Roe Valley Country Park in Limavady.

8. Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast

The most important meal of the day: Breakfast. It’s essential, especially when exploring somewhere as diverse as the Causeway Coast, where mountains, forests and beaches are waiting to be explored on foot. Choose from a wide range of cafes and eateries to start your day. Ulster fry, anyone?

9. Experience waterbiking

New to Ballycastle is Sea Haven Therapy’s Waterbiking experience. Take to the waters like you’ve never done before by mounting a buoyant bicycle and peddling your way around beautiful surroundings.

10. Discover somewhere new

No matter how many times you visit the beautiful Causeway Coast and Glens, each time you visit there is somewhere or something new to be discovered. Hidden gems are dotted throughout the region: explore secret beaches, tranquil harbours, and unique sculptures hidden deep within forests. What will you discover on your next visit to the Causeway Coast and Glens?

11. Walk in the footsteps of a Giant

No trip to the region would be complete without a visit to one of Ireland’s most famous attractions: The Giant’s Causeway. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago are truly a sight to behold, and are one of the most photographed locations on the whole island of Ireland.

12. Get active outdoors

We’ve already suggested waterbiking and hovercrafting, but that’s not where it ends for fun outdoor activities in the Causeway Coast and Glens. Try horse-riding on the beach, the inflatable water obstacle course at The Edge Watersports Centre, or get climbing at Carrowmena!

13. Squeeze in a round of golf

After the excitement of The 148th Open which took place at Royal Portrush in July, there’s never been a better time to test your putting skills - the Causeway Coast and Glens region is home to some of the most stunning courses in the world!

14. Go camping

… or glamping. The options are endless on the Causeway Coast, rough it up in the wilderness or cosy down in a glamorous bell tent – you can even rent a vintage VW campervan if you fancy adding an extra touch of comfort

15. Educate yourself

Taking a tour is an ideal way to learn more about the region and there’s plenty to choose from in the area. Take your pick of walking tours, food tours, running tours, kayaking tours and loads more. Whether you want to learn about our geological history, Game of Thrones filming locations, or our wildlife, there’s a tour to suit your interest

16. Take to the water

The perfect way to clear out the cobwebs; there’s an abundance of water-based activities to take part in on the Causeway Coastal Route. For the brave, try coasteering for a real adrenaline-fuelling experience. Fancy something a little tamer? Stand up paddle boarding is a great way to experience our pristine waters without exerting yourself

17. Relive childhood memories

Did you have the pleasure of visiting our iconic Causeway Coast as a child? If you did, we bet you were lucky enough to visit Barry’s Amusements in Portrush. Why not relive those special memories by paying a visit to the iconic amusement centre with your own children? Perhaps you’ll be brave enough to go on The Big Dipper, then again… sometimes just watching is enough

18. Conquer your fear of heights

Fancy crossing a rope bridge suspended 30m above sea level? Of course you do! Don’t worry – it’s perfectly safe. The Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge was erected by salmon fisherman 350 years ago and is a highly popular attraction among visitors to the area. Will you be brave enough to cross

19. Try Blokarting

This one is so much fun! Experience the thrill of sailing a sand yacht on the beautiful Benone beach. A Blokart is a 3-wheel kart with a sail. As with dingy sailing, its power comes from the wind. The sail is designed in such a way that it captures the wind and transfers the power into a forward motion

20. Enjoy yourself

Last but not least, have fun. Soak up the atmosphere in our wonderful restaurants and pubs, immerse yourself in the beauty of our landscapes, and take the time to truly appreciate the diversity and choice of our special part of the world.


Don’t forget to share your travel pics with us! We’re on Instagram, so be sure to tag us @visitcausewaycoastandglens #VisitCauseway