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Published on December 26, 2024. Last Updated on March 14, 2026.
Nestled along the rugged coastlines of County Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway stands as one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders. Known for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, this UNESCO World Heritage site draws visitors from around the globe. Yet, while the allure of these mystical stones is undeniable, there are countless other treasures scattered along this rugged Causeway coast waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re traveling with family or embarking on a solo road trip, here are 5 things to do near Giant’s Causeway.
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Sal and I drove the Coastal Route going clockwise from Portrush to Belfast driving down the Causeway coast. We did the road trip on a Wednesday in early July. Driving up from Belfast, our first stop was Giant’s Causeway. Next we visited Portrush where we grabbed a late breakfast. After that, we spent some time at Dunluce Castle and drove to Torr Head before driving back to Belfast. It was a fun day!
Where’s Buddy?
Unfortunately, Buddy did not join us on our road trip because he was performing with his choir at Belfast City Hall. So unfortunately, this post will not have his teenager’s perspective on all the things we did near Giant’s Causeway. However, his choir did visit Giant’s Causeway and he shared his teenage perspective on visiting that sight. And for more on Buddy’s teenage perspective on surviving long road trips, read this post!
5 Things To Do near Giant’s Causeway
1. Visit Portrush
A short drive from the Giant’s Causeway lies Portrush. Portrush is a charming seaside resort town in County Antrim. The town has sandy beaches and vibrant fun filled promenade. Start your visit by strolling along East Strand Beach or West Strand Beach where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For families with teens in tow, Curry’s Fun Park offers an array of thrilling rides and games sure to entertain all ages. This park is open seasonally, so make sure you check the dates before you go. And for travelers seeking more than just fun and games by the sea, Ramore Head is a great place to take a walk and explore local flora and fauna.There are also tennis courts and a park in the area.
After spending the morning at Giant’s Causeway, Sal and I drove to Portrush to eat a late breakfast. We ate at Anne’s Tearoom Cafe, a local family owned business located at 77 Main St, Portrush BT56 8BN, United Kingdom. The food was delicious! I had the small Ulster Fry, a scone, and a cappuccino. Yes, I took pictures of my food. It was that good.
After we finished eating, we drove around Portrush and admired the beaches and amusement park. Unfortunately, we did not have time for a stroll on the beach. But we both agreed that the amusement park would be a great place to visit with older kids and teens.
2. Visit Dunluce Castle
A short drive from Portrush will take you to the Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking tumultuous waves below. This medieval fortress dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle offers panoramic views that are as intriguing as its storied past—complete with tales of sieges, shipwrecks, and ghostly apparitions.
Wander through its ruins and let your imagination run wild as you picture life in this once-formidable stronghold. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into its history, making it an educational experience perfect for families eager to learn about Ireland’s rich heritage.
After leaving Portrush, our next stop on our Causeway coast road trip was Dunluce Castle. Of all the castles we visited on this trip to Ireland and Scotland, Dunluce Castle was by far my favorite. The cliff top castle captured my imagination. And the surrounding views were incredible!
Pro Tip: Tickets to Dunluce Castle can only be purchased on site. Online booking is not available.
I loved walking the grounds of Dunluce Castle and imagining what the Dunluce town once looked like. It was interesting learning about Clan MacDonnell and the various sieges of the castle. It was also interesting learning about the myths surrounding Dunluce Castle including the ghosts and story of the castle’s kitchen falling into the sea one stormy night!
3. Visit the Magheracross Viewpoint and the Wishing Arch
Before heading to Dunluce Castle, make a pit stop at the Magheracross Viewpoint. Tucked away in County Antrim is a hidden gem with breathtaking vistas and a overlook that sings to you! This scenic spot offers panoramic views that sweep across the landscape of seaside cliffs and clear waters below. From the viewpoint you can see the enchanting Wishing Arch and Dunluce Castle.
This captivating destination invites you to pause, reflect, and perhaps even dream a little as you immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings. And enjoy the sounds of the wind serenading you on the viewpoint.
The Magheracross Viewpoint is located at Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT56 8NB, United Kingdom. There is free parking at the car park on site. It is an 11 minute walk from the Magheracross Viewpoint to Dunluce Castle. You can see The Wishing Arch from the overlook.
When I was planning our trip to the Giant’s Causeway and our drive on the Coastal Highway, I did not stumble upon the Magheracross Viewpoint in my research and planning. So our visit was a spur of the moment decision. We decided to stop when we saw the signs for the viewpoint. And I am glad we did.
The views were spectacular. And the whistling of the viewpoint itself was a nice surprise! As a child of the deserts, I was captivated by the beauty of the sea. It is a lovely site and I am glad we stopped. It is definitely worth a visit.
4. Visit Torr Head
For those seeking serenity coupled with stunning vistas, Torr Head presents itself as a must-visit location near Giant’s Causeway. As one of Ireland’s most isolated yet picturesque points along the coast, it promises untamed beauty at every turn.
The drive up is on a narrow road but rewards travelers with unrivaled views across to Scotland on clear days.
Unfortunately, when we visited Torr Head it was raining – a lot! And visibility was very low so we did not get to see any of the views. And we definitely could not see Scotland. I feel like we missed it!
Torr Head was closer to Dunluce Castle than our map led us to believe. For us, it looked like things on the Coastal Highway were farther apart than they were in reality. During our road trip, the road to Torr Head was not signed (we were driving clockwise down the Coastal route) and we did not have the GPS on so we missed it. And drove 40 minutes away from the coast line to get to Torr Head. Don’t make our mistake! Put on your GPS so you know where to turn!
5. Drive the Causeway Coastal Route
If you are near Giant’s Causeway, why not embark on an unforgettable road trip down Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route! This scenic route offers spectacular scenery! Renting a car for this road trip here provides freedom unmatched by any tour bus. You can stop whenever inspiration strikes or pull over at hidden gems! It is a great way to travel at your own pace.
We have a post with everything you need to know about driving and renting a car in Ireland!
While visiting Ireland, we rented a car and took a 9 day road trip around the Emerald Isle visiting both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We drove the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast stopping at Giant’s Causeway first, then visiting Portrush, Magheracross Viewpoint, Dunluce Castle, Torr Head, then continuing on to Belfast going clockwise down the coast. The drive was smooth but unfortunately, the weather was rainy and cloudy with low visibility. So we missed most of the scenery. Oh well. Maybe next time we will have better views!
Even though our views on the scenic highway were limited, we definitely recommend renting a car and driving the Causeway Coastal Route. There are so many things to see and do. It was definitely worth the trip, even in the pouring rain!
And of course, visit Giant’s Causeway!
No trip would be complete without experiencing firsthand why visitors flock worldwide annually—the legendary Giant’s Causeway itself! Formed millions ago via volcanic activity resulting in magnificent basalt formations resembling stepping stones giant mythological creatures might tread upon…or so folklore suggests!
We have an entire post dedicated to Giant’s Causeway. It was the number one reason that we visited the Causeway coast in Northern Ireland and the first stop on our trip! We definitely recommend visiting this UNESCO World heritage site.
What we missed near Giant’s Causeway
Because we only had one day for this road trip, and we wanted to spend the majority of our time at Giant’s Causeway, there were some things that we missed.
Carrick–a-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects Carrick-a-Rede Island to Northern Ireland. The bride, which was first used about 250 years ago, sits 100 feet about the sea. Visitors can cross the rope bridge to visit the island and 400 year old Fisherman’s Cottage.
Pro Tip: If you want to cross the bridge, book your tickets online in advance. If you want to visit but not cross the bridge, parking is £10 per car. Parking is included in the price of the ticket for visitors crossing the bridge.
I absolutely wanted to walk the rope bridge! However, because we needed timed tickets, I decided against booking tickets online as I did not want Sal and I to be rushed when exploring Giant’s Causeway and other sites on the Coastal Route. As we only had one day, I decided to forgo the rope bridge. And it was the right decision because when we drove by, we saw that the bridge was closed due to high winds. I would love to cross the bridge on our next trip!
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees and scenic viewpoint made famous by Game of Thrones can be a pit stop from Belfast en route to Giant’s Causeway.
When we visited we went back and forth about going out of our way to see this sight. But ultimately decided to skip it to arrive at Giant’s Causeway early.
Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting the Dark Hedges, arrive early to beat the tour buses!
Old Bushmills Distillery
Located in Bushmills County Antrim, Old Bushmill Distillery is a 7 minute drive from Dunluce Castle. And they offer distillery tours and whiskey tasting. The distillery is located at 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills BT57 8XH, United Kingdom
Unfortunately, as we were pressed for time (and driving) we did not get a chance to stop by the distillery for a tour. Maybe next time!
Final Thoughts on things to do near Giant’s Causeway
As you wrap up your adventure in County Antrim, the breathtaking beauty surrounding the iconic Giant’s Causeway will leave an indelible mark on your travel memories. This enchanting region invites exploration with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and dramatic scenery. Northern Ireland, with its rugged coastlines and charming villages, reveals hidden gems that promise to enrich your journey. Visiting is an unforgettable experience!
Are you planning a trip to Giant’s Causeway? Have you visited these places near Giant’s Causeway? If so, let us know in the comments below.
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Do you have questions about family travel or traveling with teens? Feel free to reach out! We are happy to chat and share our experiences and look forward to connecting with you.
If you enjoyed reading this, check out these blog posts!
- Visiting Giant’s Causeway: 5 Tips for Travel Made Easy
- Titanic Belfast Tips: Travel Made Easy
- 24 Hours in Belfast: 3 Interesting Things To Do
- Renting a Car in Ireland: 5 Simple Tips
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