Take an unforgettable hiking adventure through the best of Northern Ireland
Of all the coastal walks in the UK, few can match the sweeping beauty of the Causeway Coast. This 8-day self-guided hiking tour shows off the very best of this rugged region, from idyllic forests to far-flung island cliffs and everything in between.
The tour starts in the town of Cushendall, with two days of hiking through the wooded Glens of Antrim. Ballycastle is your next hub, where a looped hike brings you to the steep cliffs of Fair Head. The scenic Rathlin Island is afforded a day of exploration before setting off on a long ramble westward along the shore. Highlights include ancient castle ruins, rope bridges, and tiny villages both above and below the open cliffs. The Giant’s Causeway is a special site, quite unlike anything else in the world – the region’s most visited spot, and for good reason! A final day of seaside walking takes you through a handful of beaches before ending the journey in Portstewart.
This hiking tour offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery you’ll find anywhere – a must for those who love exploring on foot.
Highlights of the 8-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
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8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Cushendall
Arrive in the seaside town of Cushendall, your starting point for the journey. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Overnight Location: B&B in Cushendall
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Do Go Chasing Waterfalls
Begin your first day of hiking with a taxi transfer to nearby Orra Beg, an intersection on the Moyle Way. Today’s route leads south through the Slieveanorra Nature Reserve, home to a dazzling range of bird species. Cross through open moorland and head for Trostan Mountain, the highest point in County Antrim.
The day ends in the spectacular Glenariff Forest Park. Chock-full of winding nature trails and clear waterfalls, this is a lovely spot to amble about and enjoy the scenery. When you’re ready to depart, ring your taxi to return to Cushendall.
Overnight Location: B&B in Cushendall
Distance: 3-4 hours, 14.1km, 381m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Northern Forests
Start with another quick transfer back to Orra Beg, where you’ll set off on the Moyle Way, heading north this time. The Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve is the first to greet you, another serene forest through which to enjoy your walk.
As you stroll down the country roads, keep an eye out for the Glenshesk River, Knocklayd Mountain, and the Coolaveely Wood. A wood path through Ballycastle Forest brings you into the town of the same name, your home for the evening.
Overnight Location: B&B in Ballycastle
Distance: 4-5 hours, 20.1km, 358m of ascent, 678m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Loop Around Fair Head
After two days of forest trails, you’ve arrived at the coast! Today’s looped trail brings you east along the shores of Murlough Bay. Reaching the Fair Head cliffs, gaze straight down to the North Atlantic Ocean below, and see if you can spot the Scottish shores across the water.
If the visibility is poor, go for one of the looped walks at lower elevation, which use the Fair Head Farm as their hub. Return to Ballycastle for the evening.
Overnight Location: B&B in Ballycastle
Distance: 2-3 hours, 7.8km, 333m of ascent, 34m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Day on Rathlin Island
Today brings an opportunity to explore the unique Rathlin Island. Hop on a ferry from Ballycastle, crossing the 10km gulf over to Northern Ireland’s northernmost point. This L-shaped island is no more than a mile across, providing stunning views no matter where you are!
A particular highlight is the RSPB West Light viewpoint. Here you’ll find a massive seabird colony made up of puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills and more – the largest of its kind in all of Europe. Complete your day by taking the ferry back to Ballycastle for the evening.
Overnight Location: B&B in Ballycastle
Distance: 3 hours, 11.8km, 297m of ascent, 500m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 The Giant’s Causeway
A taxi ride to the Larrybane visitor centre kicks off a fantastic day of exploring. If you’re not afraid of heights, walk across the famous Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, connecting the mainland to the island of its name. It’s strung nearly one hundred feet above the ocean, so try not to look down!
Continue your journey west along the coastline. The charming harbour village of Ballintoy is just nearby, its hilltop church overlooking the rest of the town. Pass by the ruins of ancient Dunseverick Castle, visited centuries ago by Saint Patrick himself. Your day ends at the most famous attraction of them all: the Giant’s Causeway. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is a truly special basalt column formation that will take your breath away.
When you’re ready to depart, hop on the public bus into Bushmills and check into your accommodation for the evening. The village is well-known for its whiskey distillery.
Overnight Location: B&B in Bushmills
Distance: 4-5 hours, 16 km, 759m of ascent, 747m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Life is a Beach
A beautiful coastal hike awaits your final day along the Causeway Coast. After a quick taxi to the coastal road, strike out along the shore for the town of Portstewart. You’ll pass the Magheracross viewpoint and the striking ruins of Dunluce Castle, accessible via bridge to the mainland with steep drops on all sides.
Your route continues along Whiterocks Beach, through Portrush Harbour and Mill Strand Beach. The Causeway markers are there to guide your way. Finish the day on the Portstewart promenade and celebrate your adventure with an evening in town.
Overnight Location: B&B in Portstewart
Distance: 3-4 hours, 17 km, 309m of ascent, 318m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure from Portstewart
After a delicious Irish breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed.
Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided groups of 2+: $1,150 USD per person
Accommodation on the 8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Properties offer warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you can request a single room for an extra charge.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Cushendall
Welcome to Northern Ireland! Ensuite accommodations in Cushendall are the first stop on your Causeway journey.
Hotel in Ballycastle
Welcome to Ballycastle, your overnight home for the tour. Cozy ensuite accommodations and hot Irish breakfast provide all the comfort you need.
Hotel in Bushmills
After a long day along the Giant’s Causeway, these welcoming accommodations are a lovely way to wrap up your hiking tour.
Hotel in Portstewart
A welcoming, handpicked inn is the perfect place to wrap up your northern adventure.
What’s Included in the 8-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to the start of your hikes on Days 2, 3, 6, and 7 are included. A return transfer at the end of your Day 2 hike is included. Luggage transfers between accommodations are also included. Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- Detailed route book with full area maps
- GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house holiday specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transport into Cushendall or out of Portstewart
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
- Bus and/or ferry fare
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room supplements
- Extra services:
- Welcome briefing
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about 8-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
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