Causeway Coast AONB

Natural wonders in Causeway Coast AONB

Natural Wonders & Coastal Gems

The Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features a unique geological landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity and Atlantic erosion. This selection highlights the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway with its 40,000 basalt columns and the nearby Giant's Boot rock formation. The coastline includes the crescent-shaped White Park Bay, the sea-facing Dunseverick Falls, and the Mermaid Cave situated beneath Dunluce Castle. Extensive sandy stretches like East Strand and Runkerry Stand offer views of the North Channel and the rugged Antrim cliffs.

Natural Wonders & Coastal Gems — Map

David A. Victor / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

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.

Santiago Torre / CC-BY-SA

B

White Park Bay

A secluded, crescent-shaped sandy beach backed by ancient dunes and white chalk cliffs. It is a designated Area of Special Scientific Interest.

C

Dunseverick Falls

A series of waterfalls located along the cliff path where the water drops directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

D

Giant's Boot

A large, boot-shaped basalt rock formation located within the Giant's Causeway site, associated with the local legend of Finn McCool.

E

East Strand

A two-mile stretch of golden sand in Portrush, bordered by an extensive dune system and the Royal Portrush Golf Club.

F

Runkerry Stand (Bushfoot)

Also known as Bushfoot Strand, this sandy beach sits at the mouth of the River Bush and is overlooked by Runkerry House.

G

Portballintrae Beach

A small, horseshoe-shaped sandy bay located in the seaside village of Portballintrae, serving as a starting point for coastal walks.

H

Mermaid Cave

A deep sea cave located 25 meters directly below the ruins of Dunluce Castle, accessible via a steep walking path.

I

Horse Carrick

A distinct rock formation situated along the rugged coastline between the Giant's Causeway and Dunseverick.

Other Lists

Causeway Coast AONB Essentials Castles and Fortifications Historic Churches and Sacred Sites