5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour
Explore the legendary Causeway Coast on foot
Self-Guided
5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour Overview
The self-guided Causeway Coast hiking tour is one of Ireland's great hiking trail. The Causeway Coast was a central filming location for Game of Thrones, so you can imagine the beauty of a walking tour in this part of Ireland? This 5-day self-guided hiking tour provides the best of this spectacular region, with some truly amazing formations to explore. The best part is that your tour includes luggage transfers, so your bag will be transported for you each day, leaving you with just a daypack while out walking in Ireland.
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.
For those who want a longer trip, you can also extend this to a 7-day Causeway Coast walking tour.
Trip highlights
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.
Day By Day Itinerary
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
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
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
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
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
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 4 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- 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.
- 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
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Transfers
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
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
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.
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.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
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.
No, this is a self-guided tour. You will be provided with route notes, maps, and information support to complete your tour.
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.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
Why book 5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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