By Dave & Deb Bouskill, on January 10, 2015

The Causeway Coastal Route in photos

The Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland is considered one of the best drives in the world. In 2014, when we drove the 120-mile route from Belfast to Londonderry, we understood why.

Along this stretch, the rugged coast took our breath away as we stood on the edge of high cliffs overlooking the raging sea. We marveled at the perfectly formed hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, and we learned of recent and ancient history as we toured medieval castles, modern museums, and abandoned estates.

It’s difficult to capture the diversity and beauty of this scenic drive in words, so hopefully a sampling of our photos from the excursion will do the trick. Enjoy this visual journey of the Causeway Coastal Route.

Giant’s Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Legend has it that the giant, Finn McCool, built the Giant’s Causeway to cross the sea to fight the Scottish Giant, Bennandoner. The stretch of hexagonal stone columns actually was created by a lava flow 60 million years ago. (But when you see it, it’s easy to believe the legend.)

Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast

The Titanic was built at the shipyards in Belfast, and at this attraction/museum, visitors can follow the story of the ship from creation all the way to the fated day when it sank off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The facility is a massive interactive experience that is both entertaining and informative.

Ballintoy Harbor

Ballintoy Harbor

Ballintoy Harbor is a picturesque fishing village where HBO shot the memorable “Game of Thrones” scene in which Theon Greyjoy returned to his boyhood home of Pyke. Make sure to walk out to the shore to watch the waves crash against the rocks in the sea.

Glens of Antrim

Glens of Antrim

There are nine Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland, and it would take weeks to explore them all properly. But a drive through the area will offer up scenes of magnificently rolling hills, deep valleys, and green pastures.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a must-see stop on your drive along the Causeway Coastal Route. The bridge linking the island of Carrickarede to the mainland is exciting to walk across, and offers spectacular views of the coast.

Dave on the Causeway Coast

Dave on the Causeway Coast

You’ll see views like this all along the Causeway Coast. The route is a slow drive, and you’ll find yourself stopping the car to create memories like this one.

Dark Hedges

Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges are one of the most photographed locations in all of Northern Ireland. The Stuart family planted the beech trees in the 18th Century to impress guests as the guests approach the Stuart Mansion. Today, the hedges create almost a tunnel of trees.

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is an abandoned medieval castle located right on the northern coast. The castle was built in the 13th Century, and was inhabited until the late 1600s. You also might recognize this castle from the inner sleeve of the Led Zeppelin album, “Houses of the Holy.”

Mussenden Temple

Mussenden Temple

Mussenden Temple is yet another high lookout located on the coast. Built in the 18th Century by the Earl Bishop, the temple and 120-foot tower is a great spot from which to look out to sea.

Londonderry

Londonderry

The Causeway Coast ends at the city of Londonderry, and a walking tour of the metropolis is an excellent way to learn about the history, culture, and politics of Northern Ireland.

Sea cliffs

Sea cliffs

There are many historic sites along the Causeway Coastal Route, but the remarkable coastline truly makes the Causeway Coast one of the top drives on Earth.

What’s your most memorable scenic drive?