Giants, Kings & Cliff Edge Castles
It All Begins Here
A Causeway Coast Road Trip
If you’re waking up with us at the Marine Hotel, you’re already perfectly positioned. With the sound of the waves right outside your window and the fresh sea air greeting you, you know an adventure is on the horizon.
Ballycastle isn't just a beautiful seaside town; it’s the gateway to one of the world's most spectacular driving routes: The Causeway Coastal Route.
While you could spend days exploring every hidden cove, we’ve listed the essential "Big Four" road trip itinerary. This route takes you from hidden gems to world famous icons, all within an easy drive of the hotel.
Murlough Bay
Stop 1: The Hidden Jewel | Murlough Bay
Distance from Marine Hotel: approx. 15 minute drive east.
We’re starting the day with a secret. While the tour buses head straight west, we’re taking a quick detour east to one of Northern Ireland's most tranquil and breathtaking spots.
Murlough Bay is famous for its incredible beauty and relative seclusion. Nestled between Fair Head and Torr Head, this sheltered bay offers sweeping vistas across the sea to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The drive down is an adventure in itself, a steep & winding road that demands your attention but rewards you with scenery that feels untouched by time.
It’s peaceful, rugged and utterly mesmerising. Take a walk along the shore, breathe in the isolation and watch for the wild goats that cling to the steep slopes. At night, you might even spot some deer’s.
Local tip: Drive carefully on the descent. It’s narrow and steep, so take your time and use passing places.
Dark Hedges
Stop 2: The Mystical Avenue | The Dark Hedges
Distance from Murlough Bay: approx. 25 minute drive back inland.
Leaving the coast behind for a moment, we head inland to a phenomenal atmospheric avenue of trees. Planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors approaching their Georgian mansion, the Dark Hedges are an avenue of ancient beech trees that have interwoven to create a natural & haunting tunnel.
In recent years, they’ve gained worldwide fame as the "Kingsroad" in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Even if you’ve never seen the show, walking beneath these twisting, gnarled branches is a magical, slightly eerie experience. The interplay of light and shadow here is a photographer's dream.
Please note: Help protect these ancient trees. To preserve the tree roots, the avenue is now a pedestrian only zone. Please adhere to the local signage and use the designated car park nearby.
Dunluce Castle
Stop 3: Romance on the Edge | Dunluce Castle
Distance from Dark Hedges: approx. 20 minute drive back towards the coast.
Now, we rejoin the coast and head west, where history meets dramatic geology. Suddenly, rounding a bend, you’ll see it: Dunluce Castle, clinging to a basalt outcropping, appearing as if it’s about to tumble into the sea below.
These iconic medieval ruins are arguably the most romantic and photogenic on the island of Ireland. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the castle has a rich history of feuding clans and even a kitchen that supposedly fell into the sea during a storm in 1639.
Wander through the roofless great hall and imagine the feasts that once took place here, all while the sound of the crashing waves fills the air.
Giants Causeway
Stop 4: In the footsteps of the Giants - The Giant's Causeway
Distance from Dunluce Castle: approx. 10 minute drive west.
You can’t come to the Antrim Coast without visiting the jewel in its crown. Just a short hop from Dunluce is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Giant’s Causeway.
Was it formed by rapidly cooling volcanic lava sixty million years ago, creating nearly 40,000 interlocking hexagonal columns? Or, as we prefer to believe, was it built by the Irish giant Finn McCool as a stepping-stone bridge to Scotland to face his rival, Benandonner?
Whichever story you subscribe to, the sight is awe-inspiring. Scramble over the geometric stones, let the sea spray hit your face at the water's edge, and marvel at a landscape that looks utterly alien. Make sure to take a seat on the “Wishing Chair”.
A trove of local experiences
It All Begins Here
Experiences this Spring
Stay ~ explore ~ shop ~ swim ~ eat ~ drink
Niche Coastal: A Sea Sauna Experience
Niche Coastal is a small independent business founded by young entrepreneur Declan McCook, driven by a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, promoting well-being, and offering a slice of luxury that’s both accessible and affordable. With Niche Coastal
Sauna, Declan’s vision is to create a community of like-minded individuals who can experience the transformative power of sauna therapy in a unique setting. By combining the rejuvenating effects of the sauna with the stunning coastal views, Niche Coastal Sauna aims to help people feel and see the remarkable benefits for themselves.
Niche Coastal, Sea Sauna Experience in Ballycastle
Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours
We have all experienced spectacular sea views from cliff top paths, viewpoints and beaches. Now, with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours you have the chance to experience the beauty of Northern Ireland like never before, Our tours will show you the beauty, heritage and history of Northern Ireland from a totally unique perspective. All Tours suited to varieties of experience. All our tours and experiences are fully guided, Our highly qualified and experienced local guides are self motivated to make every tour as memorable as possible with the local knowledge of the regions they are paddling.
Horse Trekking with Sheans Horse Farm
Trekking at Sheans is for First timers, Novice riders and Beginners.
All treks involve getting mounted up and a short lesson before going out on an escorted walking trek on our tracks, (trotting is only done outdoors on hacks). Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the North Antrim hills with views over 5 counties before returning to the stables, where we will teach you how to trot. (for those who want to).
Stay & Play with Ballycastle Golf Club
On the North Antrim Coast, situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Located just a few minutes from the town center and your base at the hotel, the club’s position is unique for its beachside location.
Parkland & Rivers: The first five holes are set in lush parkland along the banks of the Margy and Carey Rivers, wrapping around the historic 12th century ruins of Bonamargy Friary.
The Shoreline: From the 6th hole onward, the course transforms into a classic links layout, running directly alongside Ballycastle Beach.
Panoramic: The "top holes" on the back nine climb into the seaside hills, offering sweeping views of Fair Head, Rathlin Island and even the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland on a clear day.
Discover Golf Breaks in Ballycastle
Ballycastle Golf Club, Causeway Coast
Exploring the Causeway Coast
Departing from the hotel's seafront location, you are perfectly positioned to loop through a mix of cinematic history and geological wonders.
The Journey from Ballycastle
The Dark Hedges: A short 15-minute drive inland brings you to this hauntingly beautiful avenue of ancient beech trees. Planted in the 18th century and made world-famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones, the intertwining branches create a natural tunnel that is best captured in the soft morning light.
Giant’s Causeway: Continuing west along the coast, you’ll reach this UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, 40,000 interlocking basalt columns tumble into the Atlantic—a landscape steeped in the myth of the giant Finn McCool and shaped by 60 million years of volcanic history.
Dunluce Castle: Perched precariously on the edge of a crumbling basalt cliff, these medieval ruins offer one of the most dramatic silhouettes in Ireland. Accessible via a short drive past Bushmills, the castle provides panoramic views of the "mermaids' cave" beneath its foundations.
Our Recommended Route
Starting at the Marine Hotel, head south to the Dark Hedges first to beat the midday crowds. From there, strike back to the coast to visit the Giant's Causeway, and finish your afternoon at Dunluce Castle for a spectacular sunset over the ruins.
The Causeway Coastal Route
Boat Sightseeing Tours with Kintra
Departing Ballycastle harbour for a tour along the North Coast, on departing the harbour you are greeted with spectacular views of the cliffs at Fairhead, Rathlin island and Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. We make our way Westward along the North Coast, taking in the sights of Kinbane Castle, a McDonnell strong hold from 1547, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, salmon fisherman’s cottage on Carrick-a-Rede Island, spectacular sea caves, the giants cut in the limestone cliff, smugglers cave, and the mermaids waterfall. The cliffs are alive with nesting sea birds from early spring. Seals, dolphins, whale and Basking shark in late summer, can all be encountered on our tours.
Kintra Boat Tours, Ballycastle
Sea Swimming
Find yourself feeling free when at Sea? The Causeway Coast is not only a feast for the eyes, but a haven for sea swimming enthusiasts. Breathtaking scenery as far as the naked eye can see, unique rock formations that will leave you wondering and Irish waters to absorb natures minerals. From Cushendun along the coast to Portstewart, each location offers a unique experience of its own.
Ballycastle Swimrise Club, morning swims daily from 8:30am
Shop, Eat & Drink Local
Ballycastle is a town that prides itself on being a "special little place" where the local spirit is baked, woven and crafted into everything you find. When you step out from the Marine Hotel, you aren’t just walking through a town, you’re entering a community of makers to Bakers. The town invites you to slow down. Take the time to step inside, chat with the shopkeepers and find that perfect something for yourself.
Home made Beautiful - A gift shop packed with little treasures on every shelf.
“you're a good person and you deserve to be surrounded by lovely things”Ursa Minor Bakehouse - Follow the scent of toasted grain and yeast to find their legendary sourdough bread.
“bringing their love of baking to their local community and travellers who pass through the town.”House of McDonnell (Wee Toms) - Enjoy a pint of Guinness and live traditional music in one of Ballycastle’s oldest pubs
"One of the only architecturally listed Pubs in Ireland. Famous for its music and owned by the same family for 278 years”
Home made Beautiful, Ballycastle