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8-Day Antrim and Causeway Coast Walking Tour
Enjoy the Beauty of Ireland's Iconic Causeway Coast Walking Tour!
Are you looking for an unforgettable experience where you can explore some of Ireland’s most spectacular sights? Look no further than the Giant Causeway self-guided hiking tour! This 8-day journey is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and boomers who want to explore this beautiful country in a hassle-free way. With comfortable B&B accommodation and baggage transfers, you'll experience all the best of Ireland while taking in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
What Will You Discover On The Antrim and Causeway Coast Walking Tour?
On this 8-day self-guided hiking tour, you will explore some of Ireland's most well-known attractions, such as Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, Carrickarede Rope Bridge and Moyle Way. These destinations are full of breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages and ancient sites that will make your trip truly memorable. You'll also have the chance to visit some of Ireland's most iconic landmarks, including The Giants' Causeway and The Dark Hedges—two must-see spots for any outdoor enthusiast or boomer looking for a unique adventure.
What Can I Expect Hiking the Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast?
The Giant Causeway self-guided hiking tour offers so much more than just great sights; it also provides hassle-free baggage transfers and comfortable B&B accommodation set against sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, every day of your journey comes with a detailed route description with maps making it easy to follow your itinerary without getting lost. And if you need help or guidance along the way, there's always friendly staff available by phone throughout your tour.
Enjoy the beauty of Ireland's iconic Giant Causeway on our 8-day self-guided hiking tour
A hiking trip to the Giant Causeway in Ireland is an experience of a lifetime. The wonders of the Glens of Antrim set the stage for an 8-day hiking tour that can be personalized to fit your every need. If you're looking for an adventure and memorable landscape, hiking in Ireland offers it all. Enjoy the rugged cliffs, unique rock formations and interesting wildlife with hiking trails that wind through the picturesque Irish countryside. Take in awe-inspiring views while visiting breathtaking landmarks like the Giant Causeway, White Park Bay, the Sperrin Mountains and more. With great hiking trails, lovely local pubs and views that will stay with you forever, a self-guided hiking tour in Ireland is an unforgettable experience!
With hassle-free baggage transfers and comfortable B&B accommodation
Ireland is an adventure hiking paradise, and the Causeway Coast provides plenty of hiking opportunities to explore its hidden gems. Experienced hikers can stay in B&B accommodation while they travel towards Dunluce Castle and Ballintoy Harbour. For those looking for a thrilling experience, there is CarrickaRede Rope Bridge, with its stunning views across the North Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy hassle-free baggage transfers so you can have all the time to discover hiking trails and what this beautiful coastline offers.
Marvel at the 40,000 basalt columns that make up the Giant Causeway.
Few hiking experiences are more exhilarating than hiking along the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland. Here you can traverse the amazing Giants Causeway and take sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean while marvelling at the 40,000 basalt columns that make up the causeway. A breathtaking journey awaits as towering cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque beaches await exploration here. With hiking paths beside Dunluce Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and hiking trails along the Antrim Coast, hiking in Ireland is nothing short of magical. Whether you are an adventurer seeking wild landscapes or a fan of modern outdoor activities, walking this part of beautiful Ireland will surely offer unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!
Hike through Northern Ireland’s Glens of Antrim along Moyle Way
A hiking holiday to Northern Ireland offers a unique experience to explore the varied landscapes of this beautiful country. The Moyle Way hiking route, stretching 43km through the Glens of Antrim, is an ideal way to do just that. Not only will you be able to witness gorgeous views of Rathlin Island along the route, but you also have the opportunity to stop and explore some of the remarkable natural attractions, such as Glenariff Forest Park. From steep mountain trail hiking to coastal path walking - whatever type of hiking in Ireland, you prefer - a hiking trip on the Moyle Way should be added to your bucket list!
8-Day Antrim and Causeway Coast Walking Tour
Self-guided Hiking Tour With Baggage Transfers
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Cushendall
Make your way to the quaint seaside village of Cushendall where our host will welcome you at your first accommodation. Whenever you arrive earlier in the day, there are several looped walks in and around Cushendall village to enjoy and stretch the legs.
Overnight in Cushendall. (For Public Transport in Northern Ireland check: http://translink.co.uk)
Day 2
Hike from Glenariff Forest Park to Cushendall
After a hearty Irish breakfast, we bring you to Glenariff Forest Park where you will be able to choose from various circular walks through ancient forests and past breathtaking waterfalls before hiking out of the Glen back to the coast and your B&B in Cushendall. Overnight in Cushendall.
Walk: 15 km | 4 hours | climb: 172m | descent: 344m | max elevation: 280m. | Forestry/grass tracks and minor roads.
Day 3
Hike on the Moyle Way; Orra Beg to Ballycastle
You will be transferred to the start of your walk on the Moyle Way near Agangarrive and Orra Beg from where you will follow the waymarked Moyle Way to Ballycastle; this outstanding hike combines woodlands, Glens and fantastic views of the coast. Overnight in Ballycastle where your baggage awaits in your B&B.
Walk 19 km | 5,5 hours |height difference 350m | forestry roads and quiet country roads, parts can be wet underfoot.
Day 4
Rathlin Island
From your B&B it is a short walk to the Ferry which will take you to Rathlin Island (Tickets are not included and need to be pre-booked, weather-dependent). The island with its colonies of seabirds (puffins, guillemots and razorbills along with kittiwakes and fulmars) is L-shaped and offers a variety of walks. You can also rent a bike if you prefer to visit the RSPB lighthouse and see the puffins up close. Returning to your B&B in Ballycastle for the night.
Walk 4-8 km. | 2–3 hours | Max. height: 100m. | Roads, beach and grassy tracks.
Day 5
Walk from Ballycastle to Ballintoy
From your B&B in Ballycastle you will walk out of the town and follow quiet country roads, and forest tracks make your way to Carrick-a-rede, and it’s rope bridge before ending in Ballintoy.
The bridge spans an 80-foot deep gorge that renders Carrick-a-Rede island; a must do for every visitor and gives a fitting exciting culmination to an easy day’s walk. Overnight at Ballintoy.
Walk 14 km. | 4 hours. | Max. Height: 120m. | Grass & Forest tracks and some road walking.
Day 6
Walk from Ballintoy to the Giant Causeway and Bushmills
We walk back to the Carrick-a-rede car park to continue along the best coastal walk in Ireland by far! With its diverse geology and spectacular views across to Scotland and walks along cliffs and white sandy beaches, the Giant Causeway coastal route is truly in a class of its own! Not far from Ballintoy Harbour you come to the beautiful beach of White Park Bay and Portbraddan, with Ireland’s tiniest church. Next is Dunseverick Castle leading to the cliff-top path and on to the Giant’s Causeway.
Overnight at Portballintrae/Bushmills.
Walk 18 km | 5 hours | Max. Height: 120m. | Grass tracks, beach and road walking.
(Some parts of this walk are tidal so please take note of high tide – See walking route notes)
Day 7
Hike from Portballintrae to Portstewart
On your final walk in Northern Ireland, you follow the coastal road to Portrush via Magheracross viewpoint and Dunluce Castle. Shortly after the castle, you continue on to Whiterocks beach, and a path leads around Ramore Head and Portrush Harbour. Following the last part of the waymarked way and along Mill Strand you continue along the coastline ending in Portstewart. Overnight at Portstewart.
Walk 18 km. | 5 hours | Max. Height: 120m. | Walking along; roads, beach and grassy tracks.
Day 8
Departure
After breakfast and farewell at Portstewart, you commence your homeward journey.
What’s included in our Walking holidays?
- Carefully selected family-run and welcoming B&B accommodation.
- Comfortable en-suite bedrooms.*
- A full Irish breakfast to keep your engines running.
- Complimentary luggage transfers.
- Detailed maps and route notes so you never get lost.
- Local advice on places to visit and where to eat.**
- Full pre-departure info to allow you to prepare for your walking holiday.
- Waterproof map case to keep your documents dry.
- Extra night(s) accommodation booked on request.
- Need information on local transport options? We’re happy to assist!
- 24/7 local emergency contact.
What’s not included?
- Your flights
- Travel and baggage insurance
- Lunches / Evening meals
* Unless already booked out in which case we’ll try to secure a private bathroom.
** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, the B&B owner will prepare a tasty surprise for you upon request.
Accommodation
During your self-guided walking holiday in Ireland, you will be accommodated in local family-run guesthouses (B&Bs) or small family-run hotels, where you will encounter a friendly welcome and homely comfort. All our accommodation is approved by Bord Failte, the Irish Tourist Board or the Northern Ireland Tourism Board and is at least 3 stars. Rooms are twin, double or triple en-suite and single rooms are also available on request.
Need anything else?
At Walking Holiday Ireland, we pride ourselves in providing a unique experience where we look after your trip's details. This allows you to immerse yourself in the Irish landscape and culture completely.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any additional requirements or needs and we will endeavour to provide these to the best ability.
Joke vd W. (Netherlands)– :
Dear people of “Walking Holiday Ireland”, fortunately, we didn’t need this help number during our walking adventure in Northern-Ireland last week, but it felt safe to have your number at hand. We had a marvellous holiday and were very lucky with the weather.
The trip was very well organized. The hiking routes were clear, with the elevation profile with coloured track types, and especially the QR codes, so we never got lost. The driver who collected us at the airport and brought us to the starting point of the first two hikes was an entertaining guide, and we were very well cared for in all of the B&Bs. The last one especially was very impressive.
All in all: maybe my best holiday ever(and I’m 61😉) So a big: thank you ‼
Rob B. Amsterdam, Netherlands– :
Dear Cliff,
We are already a few days at home and look back on a wonderful time in N. Ireland. The 500 + stunning photos have been downloaded (perhaps one of the reasons for our slow walking pace). All B&Bs were excellent, good beds, nice breakfast, quiet location and very friendly and helpful hosts. It was very special to really meet no one on the Moyle Way to the crossing of the B?? towards Ballycastle forest. We have had 2 wonderful meals in the Anzac restaurant in Ballycastle after two wonderful days walking. The combination of your descriptions and the maps worked perfectly. Also, only praise for the B&Bs in Cushendall and Portstewart they were super cosy. The last walk to Portstewart was also brilliant. It was dry but very windy. Yesterday was a magnificent walk with great views and surroundings. Again, it was a great experience for us, the friendliness and helpfulness of everyone, including yourself, made a great impression on us.
Thank you!
M RUTTEN – Netherlands– :
“Challenging”
Very relaxing. Beautiful nature and beautiful surroundings.
M RUTTEN – Netherlands – April 2018 travel period
C DAHMEN – Netherlands– :
“Beautiful walking holiday”
Beautiful walking routes through the beautiful nature of Northern Ireland. Arriving every day in, except for 1, neat and clean B&Bs and being welcomed by all very friendly and helpful people. Very hospitable and beautiful country.
C DAHMEN – Netherlands – travel period April 2018
M MOLEN – Netherlands– :
“walking holiday in breathtaking surroundings”
The trip was very nice. Positive points are that you can make beautiful walks in this area. Too bad that the difference per day was so great. Where one day you walk along breathtaking cliffs, the other day you walk for a large part along/over the road. The difference in distance is also 20 km max, 13 km minimum quite large.
M MOLEN – Netherlands – travel period April 2019
C ROOZEN – Netherlands– :
“Nice walking holiday”
A great way to fully unwind. Beautiful nature, nice people. Everything perfectly arranged by TUI/Kras NL.
C ROOZEN – Netherlands – travel period August 2018
H DE WEERD – Netherlands– :
“Beautiful nature”
Super nice you come to places where less than 10 people walk by in a day, and the population is very friendly and helpful.
H DE WEERD – Netherlands – travel period August 2018
Hannah Jacobsen– :
My family and I had the pleasure of hiking this beautiful trail in June 2018, the route description was very clear and very well organized.
Thanks for a wonderful experience highly recommended. will definitely come back next year!