Night 1
Hotel in Cushendall
Welcome to Northern Ireland! Ensuite accommodations in Cushendall are the first stop on your Causeway journey.
5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
Prices
Highlights
Explore the legendary Causeway Coast on foot
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
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 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.
Reviews
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
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.
5.0
26 ratingsWritten Reviews
There are no written reviews yet.
26 total ratings, 0 with reviewsAdd a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Thank you!
Thank you for submitting your review!
If you enjoyed your tour please consider leaving a Google review for 10Adventures to help others discover the world of custom adventure travel.
Google ReviewPrices
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
When can I do this tour?
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Why 10Adventures?
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.
Get in touch
Book your next Adventure on 10Adventures
Hassle-free Adventure Travel
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Don't Just Take A Trip, Take YOUR Trip
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
No Hidden Fees
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
Happiness Guarantee
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Personal Adventure Travel Concierge
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Vetted Local Guides
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.