Causeway Coast AONB Essentials

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast is defined by the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, composed of 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. The region features medieval ruins like Dunluce and Dunseverick castles, perched on dramatic cliff edges. Visitors can cross the 18th-century Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or explore the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. The landscape is characterized by rugged limestone cliffs, hidden harbors, and sweeping sandy bays like White Park Bay.

Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.

Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland, the seat of Clan MacDonnell.

Old Bushmills Distillery

The Old Bushmills Distillery is an alcohol distillery in Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, founded in 1784 and owned by Proximo…

Ballintoy Harbour

A small fishing harbor accessible via a steep, winding road. It gained international recognition as a filming location for the Iron Islands in the Game of Thrones television series.

Causeway Coast AONB

The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.

Dunseverick Castle

The remnants of a coastal fortress on a rocky promontory, once the seat of the Kings of Dalriada. This ancient site was a key royal center and was reportedly visited by Saint Patrick.

Kinbane Castle

Kinbane Castle is located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on a headland between Ballycastle and Ballintoy.

White Park Bay

A crescent-shaped sandy beach and National Trust site featuring an ancient dune system. The area is known for its archaeological significance, including Neolithic tool discoveries, and its resident grazing cattle.