Night 1-2
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.
Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
Prices
Highlights
This self-guided Causeway Coast hike is perfect for a quick adventure
The Causeway Coast is the jewel of Northern Ireland, a stunning region perfect for adventure! On this 3-day self-guided hiking tour, you’ll see the highlights of this rugged coastline with endless views to enjoy.
The tour begins and ends in the seaside town of Ballycastle, where you’ll spend both nights. After an evening to explore the town, start Day 2 with a loop around the Fair Head Cliffs, dramatic scenery on all sides. The final day contains a great deal of sightseeing, including beachside hamlets, swaying rope bridges, and the legendary Giant’s Causeway. After a long day of adventure, return to Ballycastle and depart from the region. While this tour is shortened from the 5-day version, it’s packed with unforgettable sights!
3-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Ballycastle
Arrive in the coastal town of Ballycastle, your home for the journey. The town was recently named the best place to live in Northern Ireland, and you’ll be sure to enjoy its charms during your tour.
Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Enjoy an evening at leisure.
- Overnight Location
- B&B in Ballycastle
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 The Fair Head Loop
Enjoy an impressive coastal hike today, setting out from Ballycastle and circling Murlough along with the dramatic Fair Head. This headland ends in a massive cliff with panoramic views – a real stunner! If the weather and visibility are poor, take a lower route along one of the looped walks that begin at Fair Head Farm.
Return to Ballycastle for the evening. Today’s paths are a mix of road walking and gravel tracks, which can be uneven underfoot – good boots are essential.
- Overnight Location
- B&B in Ballycastle
- Distance
- 2-3 hours, 7.8km, 333m of ascent, 34m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 The Giants Causeway
Today starts with a short taxi to Larrybane and the striking Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. This rope bridge connects the island of the same name to the mainland over an 80-foot drop into the ocean – don’t look down! Continue along the coast to Ballintoy, a tiny village at the foot of the cliffs.
As you head west, you’ll pass the beautiful White Park Bay and the hamlet of Portbradden, which once contained the smallest church in all Ireland. Gaze upon the ruins of Dunseverick Castle (visited by Saint Patrick himself) before arriving at the Giant’s Causeway. Undoubtedly a highlight for any traveller, this promenade of basalt columns is like nothing else on Earth.
When you’re ready to depart, call your taxi for the transfer back to Ballycastle. Check out of your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- 4-5 hours, 16km, 759m of ascent, 747m of descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
3-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour in Northern Ireland is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed. There are upgrade options that add welcome briefings and follow-up calls to your tour. Please contact us if you wish to add these.
Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided solo travellers: €425EUR
- Self-guided groups of 2+: €250EUR per person
Accommodation on the 3-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. You can pay a supplement of €75EUR to have a private room in a hotel where possible when travelling with your group.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the 3-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?
Meals
2 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 2 nights in Ballycastle are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to/from the start/end points of Day 3’s hike are 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 to and from Belfast
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transport into or out of Ballycastle
- Travel Insurance
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room supplements
- Extra services:
-
- Welcome briefing: €25EUR per person
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour: €50EUR per person
Frequenty Asked Questions about Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
How hard is the 3-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the hikes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: gravel and grass tracks, paved roads, beaches, and open cliff tops. Good boots are essential.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Northern Ireland?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the 3-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?
2 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Ballycastle to start this tour?
Fly into Belfast International Airport (BFS). From Belfast Airport, the town of Ballycastle is just under 1 hour by car. Public transit will take roughly 2-2 ½ hours. Please check schedules for the best option. Your holiday specialist can assist with logistics if needed.
Where does the 3-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour end?
The tour begins and ends in the town of Ballycastle. You can take a car or bus to Belfast to depart.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Northern Ireland?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Northern Ireland?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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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When can I do this tour?
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Is this tour for me?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the hikes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: gravel and grass tracks, paved roads, beaches, and open cliff tops. Good boots are essential.