5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour

5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour

5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour

Prices

From $625USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

B&B/Guesthouses

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore the legendary Causeway Coast on foot

Sway above the ocean on the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge.

Experience the wonder of the Giant’s Causeway as you explore it on foot.

Stand in the shoes of Saint Patrick at the Dunseverick Castle ruins, getting up close and personal with Ireland’s history.

Shout across to Scotland from the Fair Head clifftops.

The Causeway Coast was a central filming location for Game of Thrones – what more needs to be said? This 5-day self-guided hiking tour provides the best of this spectacular region, with some truly amazing formations to explore.

The tour begins in the village of Cushendall and works north through splendid wooded scenery to the town of Ballycastle. A looped hike takes you to the top of Fair Head, its steep cliffs offering endless vistas on clear days. Working westward along the coast, you’ll have the chance to conquer swaying rope bridges and rolling hills, a palette of charming villages telling the story of this rugged land. The basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a true marvel – something that must be seen to believe. Your journey ends in the village of Bushmills, where a bottle of Irish whiskey is the perfect souvenir for celebrating the adventure! To experience the best of the Causeway Coast, this tour is the way to go.

5-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Cushendall

Arrive in the coastal town of Cushendall, your home for the evening. 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 Cushendall
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Hike in the Woods

The adventure begins! Start with a quick transfer to nearby Orra Beg, where you’ll set off on the Moyle Way towards the town of Ballycastle. The first portion brings you through the Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve, with forest paths guiding your way.

Things open up as you stroll down a country road with the Glenshesk River in your sights. The final stretch takes you into Ballycastle Forest, a lovely wooded trail leading you into town.

Overnight Location
B&B in Ballycastle
Distance
4-5 hours, 20.1km, 358m of ascent, 678m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 The Fair Head Loop

Today kicks off the first of many spectacular coastal hikes. This looped trail brings you east along the shores of Murlough Bay and the dramatic Fair Head, its sheer cliffs dropping straight into the ocean. The views here are worth the effort!

In poor weather, try out one of the looped walks at a lower elevation, starting and ending at the Fair Head Farm. 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 4 A Tale of Giants

Today starts with a short taxi to the imposing Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. This 60-foot rope bridge connects the island of the same name to the mainland. The catch? It hangs almost a hundred feet over the ocean! Just nearby is the charming village of Ballintoy, its harbour at the foot of the steep cliffs.

Continue west, overlooking the ocean with every step. Gaze over the beautiful White Park Bay and the hamlet of Portbradden, which (until recently) boasted the smallest church in all of Ireland. The ruins of ancient Dunseverick Castle are the final attraction before the day’s last (and most notable): The Giant’s Causeway. The legends are many: one tells of an Irish giant building the Causeway to battle a Scottish giant across the waters. Whatever your view, these interlocking columns are sure to become a lifelong memory.

When you’re ready to depart, hop on the public bus into Bushmills and check into your accommodation for the evening.

Overnight Location
B&B in Bushmills
Distance
4-5 hours, 16 km, 759m of ascent, 747m of descent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Departure from Bushmills

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

5-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. Note that there are some upgrade options available that add follow-up calls during your tour and a welcome briefing. Please contact us if you’re interested in these upgrades.

Prices below are per person:

  • Self-guided groups of 2+: $625USD per person
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Accommodation on 5-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 $175USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. The required supplement for solo travellers is included in the listed price.

Night 1

Hotel in Cushendall

Welcome to Northern Ireland! Ensuite accommodations in Cushendall are the first stop on your Causeway journey.

Night 2-3

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.

Night 4

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.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the 5-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?

Meals

4 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 4 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 and 4 are included. Luggage transfers between accommodations are also included. Airport transfers are not included.

Also Included

  • Detailed route book with full area maps or GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
  • 24-hour emergency/information support
  • Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Transport into Cushendall or out of Bushmills
  • Entrance fees to any sites or parks
  • Bus fare

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single room upgrades
  • Extra services:
    • Welcome briefing
    • Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour

Frequenty Asked Questions about 5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour

How hard is the 5-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes 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 clifftops. 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 5-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour?

4 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 Cushendall to start this tour?

Fly into Belfast International Airport (BFS). From Belfast Airport, the town of Cushendall is 50 minutes by car. Public transit should take just under 2 hours. Your holiday specialist can assist you with logistics if needed.

Is the 5-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour guided?

No, this is a self-guided tour. You will be provided with route notes, maps, and information support to complete your tour.

Where does the 5-Day Causeway Coast Hiking Tour end?

The tour ends in the town of Bushmills. The Belfast International Airport (BFS) is just over one hour’s drive. Public transit will take roughly 2 hours.

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.

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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $625USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

B&B/Guesthouses

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes 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 clifftops. Good boots are essential.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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