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Northern Ireland · 120 Miles of Coastal Beauty
The Causeway Coastal Route is 120 miles of contour-clinging, cliff-carving coastal beauty along the North Atlantic shore of Northern Ireland. It connects Belfast to the walled city of Derry — and Derry is just 30 minutes from Rockhill House.
Whether you are arriving at Rockhill from Belfast International Airport and want to make the journey part of the experience, or setting out from the estate for a day on the route, this is one of the great coastal drives in Europe. And for those who want to combine both of Ireland’s great coastal routes in one journey: the Causeway Coastal Route connects to the Wild Atlantic Way at Muff in Donegal — just minutes from Rockhill House itself.
Derry to Rockhill
30 min
by car
Belfast to Rockhill
90 min
direct — or all day via the coast
Route Length
120 mi
Derry to Belfast
Giant’s Causeway
60M yrs
of geological history
Old Bushmills Distillery
1608
world’s oldest licensed distillery
Start or Finish — 30 Minutes from Rockhill
Derry is the natural gateway between Rockhill House and the Causeway Coastal Route. The only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland, it has a history that runs from the plantation era through the Siege of 1689 to the more recent past that gave the world the award-winning television series Derry Girls.
A walk around the 17th-century city walls takes about an hour and gives you the whole sweep of the city below — the guildhall, the cathedral, the Peace Bridge across the Foyle, and the Bogside murals beneath. It is one of the most rewarding urban walks in Ireland.
From Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route heads east along the Antrim coast towards Belfast. From Rockhill, Derry is 30 minutes. The whole route is yours from there.
Along the Route — West to East
From Derry to Belfast. Every one of these is worth the stop.
Downhill · North Coast
The circular Mussenden Temple perches on a clifftop above Downhill Beach — one of the most dramatic and photographed views on the entire route. A short drive along the coast, Portstewart Strand is a four-kilometre Blue Flag beach with the rare distinction of being drive-in. A natural pause before the more famous attractions further east.
Est. 1608 · Bushmills
The world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, producing Irish whiskey on this site since 1608. Tours take you through the full production process — from mash to maturation — with a tasting at the end. A genuine piece of living history rather than a heritage attraction.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
More than 60 million years old and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity — and the subject of one of the great myths of Irish folklore, the legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his bridge to Scotland. The science and the story sit alongside one another here in a way that makes the place genuinely memorable.
Clan MacDonnell · Medieval Ruin
The ruined medieval seat of the MacDonnell clan, perched dramatically on the basalt cliffs above the sea. A history of settlement dating back to the first millennium and views in every direction. During a stormy night in 1639, part of the castle fell into the sea and it was abandoned — the ruined silhouette against the sky is all the more striking for it. A short walk leads to Whiterocks Beach.
Not for the faint-hearted
A 20-metre rope bridge spanning a chasm 30 metres above the crashing Atlantic, connecting the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. The bridge has linked the two for around 350 years. Those who make the crossing are rewarded with views to the horizon and a remarkable range of seabird species including views of Rathlin Island. Pre-booking is strongly advised.
Ferry from Ballycastle
Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, accessible by a short ferry crossing from Ballycastle. Scenic walking trails lead to seal colonies and the RSPB Seabird Centre at the West Lighthouse — Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse, built so the beam shines down to ships below rather than up. Wonderfully quiet and genuinely off the tourist trail.
On a Clear Day
Worth visiting in any weather, but in clear conditions Torr Head offers one of the finest views in Northern Ireland — Scotland is visible roughly 25 kilometres across the water. The generations that made that crossing between these two countries, and their long shared history, are very present here.
Game of Thrones · Detour
The Dark Hedges — an avenue of intertwined 18th-century beech trees, famous as the King’s Road in Game of Thrones — is a short detour from the main route and remarkable on its own terms. Nearby, the dramatic sea caves at Cushendun will be familiar to viewers as the cave where Melisandre conjured her shadow. Two GoT locations in one short stretch.
Nine Valleys · Queen of the Glens
As the route draws towards Belfast, nine valleys cut down through the hills to the sea. Each has its own character. Glenariff — the Queen of the Glens — is the most celebrated, with three waterfalls and a forest park that rewards slow exploration. Game of Thrones fans will recognise it as the setting for the Vale of Arryn.
Currently Closed — Check Before Visiting
A dramatic cliff path at Islandmagee, featuring caves, bridges, and a tunnel cut into the basalt. When railway engineer Berkeley Deane Wise constructed it in 1902, it was declared “a perfect marvel of engineering with no parallel in Europe.” One of the most extraordinary coastal walks in Ireland when open.
Due to recent rockfall, The Gobbins is currently closed to visitors. Check discovernorthernireland.com for updates before planning a visit.
Eastern Gateway · Belfast
The natural first stop if arriving from Belfast and heading west, or the last if travelling east. One of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, with a history stretching back more than 800 years. It sits at the gateway to the route on the shores of Belfast Lough and sets the tone for everything that follows.
End of the Route · 90 Minutes from Rockhill
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and a city that has transformed remarkably in recent decades. It is brimming with things to see, do, and learn — and none of it is for the faint-hearted in terms of historical depth.
Titanic Belfast
The world-class museum tracing the history of the RMS Titanic and the shipbuilding heritage of the city where she was built — constructed on the very slipways where the ship was laid down. One of the finest visitor attractions in Ireland.
Crumlin Road Gaol
A Victorian prison that witnessed some of the most turbulent episodes in Northern Ireland’s recent history. Tours are vivid, well-researched, and not easily forgotten.
St George’s Market
The last surviving covered Victorian market in the city. Fresh produce, street food, antiques, and crafts in a beautiful wrought-iron building. The Friday, Saturday, and Sunday markets each have their own character.
For full route information, a downloadable route map, suggested itineraries, and the latest on what is open along the way, the official Northern Ireland Tourism website is the definitive resource.
DISCOVER NORTHERN IRELAND →Complimentary for All Guests
All guests at Rockhill House receive complimentary access to our digital guide — including Causeway Coastal Route suggestions, recommended stops, places to eat along the way, and tips from our team on making the most of the journey.
ACCESS THE GUIDE →Your Base for the Causeway Coast
Thirty minutes from Derry and 90 minutes from Belfast, Rockhill House is the natural starting point for the Causeway Coastal Route. Our team are always happy to help you plan the journey.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/destinations/causeway-coastal-routeNorthern Ireland Tourism's official website
