Autumn Adventures on the Causeway Coast & Glens
When autumn arrives on the Causeway Coast & Glens, the region transforms into a kaleidoscope of golds, ambers, and burnt oranges. Mist drifts across ancient forests, waves crash along rugged cliffs, and cosy cafés fill with the scent of seasonal treats.
It’s a season of contrasts: brisk sea air, warm fires, and a pace that invites you to linger, explore, and savour every moment. Whether you’re planning a family weekend, a coastal escape, or a countryside retreat, here’s how to make the most of autumn in Northern Ireland’s most scenic region.
Take an Autumnal Drive along the Causeway Coastal Route
Pack up the car and embark upon the road trip of a lifetime along the Causeway Coastal Route this autumn. Travel along 120 miles of pure magic on this epic journey, stopping often to take in the natural beauty, history, and wonderful people along the way.
One unmissable stop along the Causeway Coastal Route is not for the faint-hearted – the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge! Crossing the bridge is an exhilarating experience, where you will find yourself high above the water and open to the autumn elements. Sway with the wind as you cross to take in more stunning views along the Causeway Coast and of the clear turquoise waters below. This iconic bridge, suspended nearly 100 feet above the clear waters below, connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-rede, where you can enjoy spotting wildlife or taking photos of the coastline before making your way back.
There are many other special places to visit along the route, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Mussenden Temple.
Other top stops along the way include the Old Bushmills Distillery, the stunning Glens of Antrim and Rathlin Island. That’s before you head off the beaten track to discover scenic secrets such as Garvagh Forest and its hidden pyramid or the Vanishing Lake at Loughareema!
• Learn more about the Causeway Coastal Route
• Download the Causeway Coastal Route Map
Wander Through Autumn’s Forests and Historic Trails
Autumn is the perfect season to connect with nature, and the Causeway Coast & Glens is bursting with landscapes that feel alive with colour. Mountsandel Wood & Fort, near Coleraine, offers more than just a walk; it’s a journey through history, tracing the footsteps of Ireland’s first settlers. Leaf-strewn paths wind past ancient trees, and the river whispers stories of a thousand autumns past.
At this time of year, Glenariff Forest Park is also ablaze with colour. Waterfalls tumble through fiery foliage, and forest trails invite slow wandering, perfect for families seeking adventure and quiet moments in equal measure.
At the other side of the Causeway Coastal Route, the Roe Valley Country Park beckons with riverside trails, wildlife spotting, and the soothing sounds of flowing water.
• Discover the Causeway Coast & Glens’ Best Walking Trails
Choose your Autumn Adventure
For those craving a deeper connection to the land, Ella Mor Outdoor Adventures offers guided hikes across the Binevenagh AONB. These tours reveal rural life, local stories, and hidden corners of the countryside, an autumn experience you’ll remember long after the leaves have fallen.
If wellbeing is your top priority this autumn, Niche Coastal’s mobile sea sauna on Ballycastle Beach offers the ultimate combination of warmth and wildness, perfect for brave sea dippers and anyone wanting to experience the benefits of hot and cold therapy while gazing at the Atlantic.
Try Crindle Stables’ horseback rides along Downhill Beach, where the wind in your hair and the sound of the waves create a memory that feels like autumn distilled into a single moment.
Adventurers will love Aquaterra Adventures, offering coastal rock climbing, archery, and hillside hikes. Imagine scaling cliffs with the ocean crashing below, or taking aim with a traditional bow surrounded by the fiery colours of the season.
Cosy Cafés and Seasonal Flavours
After a day exploring, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming cup of coffee and a sweet autumn treat. In Cushendall, Rove Coffee serves expertly brewed blends alongside the aroma of toasted pastries, while Al’s Coffee at Downhill Estate is perfect for coffee with a view of historic landscapes.
For autumn brunch, the newly opened John & Sally’s in Limavady delights with seasonal menus, featuring unique takes on popular favourites like their caramelised pear French toast and warming seasonal porridge bowls. The Barn Door in Coleraine is another cosy spot that tempts autumn visitors with unique specials, like toffee apple pancake stacks.
Evenings call for cosy dinners by the fire. Carrick-a-Rede Bar & Restaurant in Ballintoy is dog-friendly, with a passion for serving locally brewed beers and spirits, such as those from Lacada Brewery and Dunluce Distillery. For a truly magical autumn evening, head to Laragh Lodge at the foot of Glenariff Forest Park and picture dinner by a roaring fire, followed by a twilight waterfall walk.
A trip to local markets and farm shops make autumn even more memorable. The Causeway Speciality Market and Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Markets showcase seasonal produce, crafts, and gifts.
In Armoy, Ballykenver Farm Shop is famed for sticky toffee puddings and homemade jams from their homely farm shop, while in Ballycastle, Broughgammon Farm offers ethically farmed meats and a cosy café with a roaring fire.
Hands-on experiences bring the season to life: learn to craft traditional Irish coffee with Ashley Douglas at the Kon Tiki Boat Bar in Portrush, or join the Chocolate Manor’s chocolate-making workshops, including special Halloween sessions for kids.
• Discover Food & Drink options in the Causeway Coast & Glens
Autumn Stays with Character
Autumn evenings are made for cosy stays, whether you prefer the coast, countryside, or historic charm. This year has seen three new hotels open in the seaside town of Portrush; Dunluce Lodge, The Marcus, and Portrush Adelphi, each offering a different style while providing luxurious comfort.
In Limavady, Roe Valley Resort is ideal for families, with Halloween pumpkin patches, carving, and seasonal dining taking place at the end of October. They've also added an extensive range of facilities for kids, such as the towering Helter Skelter slide, arcada games and more.
Hilltop Holiday Park will also be hosting their own autumn events, including a Pumpkin Dash & Carve, which makes a stay at one of their self-catering mobile homes an ideal choice for families.
For something truly special, the Irish Landmark Trust lets you stay in restored heritage homes such as Magherintemple Lodge, Drum Gatelodge, or Kiln Wing at The Old Corn Mill: a unique way to immerse yourself in history, nature, and autumn atmosphere.
• Browse our Autumn Offers for special deals on short breaks across the Causeway Coast & Glens
• Browse all accommodation in the Causeway Coast & Glens
Family-Friendly Autumn and Halloween Events
Autumn brings a rich tapestry of festivals, live music, and family fun to the Causeway Coast & Glens. As the days grow shorter and the nights turn crisp, the region comes alive with stories, celebrations, and the kind of atmosphere that only this time of year can offer.
Throughout the rest of the autumn season, you can enjoy the Glens Storytelling Festival (22–26 October) - a much-loved celebration of myths, legends, and the oral traditions that have shaped this landscape for centuries. Across five days, the Glens are filled with words and wonder as storytellers lead audiences through forest walks, intimate performances, and fireside tales.
As Halloween approaches, our Halloween Happenings (25–31 October) bring the towns of Ballymoney, Ballycastle, Coleraine, and Limavady to life with fireworks, parades, and family-friendly fun. From lantern-lit streets to fancy dress festivities, it’s a week that captures the playful, spooky spirit of the season.
The roar of engines replaces the crash of waves at the Portrush Beach Races (25–26 October). Over 100 riders take to East Strand Beach for an adrenaline-fuelled spectacle that turns one of the Coast’s most scenic shorelines into a thrilling racetrack — an unmissable experience for visitors of all ages.
Later in the season, the rhythm slows and the sound of live music fills the air with Atlantic Sessions (13–16 November). This beloved weekender brings together some of Northern Ireland’s finest artists, performing intimate gigs in cafés, bars, and venues across Portrush and Portstewart. It’s the perfect excuse for an autumn escape filled with melody, atmosphere, and sea views.
For those seeking something a little different, don’t miss other autumn highlights: Spectres, Spirits & Sips at Bushmills Distillery — a hauntingly good evening of storytelling and whiskey tasting; the Slemish Market Halloween Supper Club, showcasing local food and seasonal flavours; and Haunting the Hedges Fright Night at The Hedges Hotel, where you’re guaranteed a scare around every corner.
• Browse all upcoming events in the Causeway Coast & Glens
Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Visit
From golden forest trails to cosy fireside meals, family adventures and quiet coastal walks, autumn on the Causeway Coast & Glens is a feast for the senses. Crisp days, quiet towns, and seasonal flavours combine to create a slower, more intimate way to experience the region. Pack your jacket, your camera, and your sense of adventure — this autumn, the Causeway Coast & Glens is waiting to be discovered.
