Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast

Northern Ireland's coastal route offers dramatic scenery, vast eroded cliffs, intriguing architecture and a good smattering of mythical legends. We set out on a road trip across this fantasy land in search of giants, ghosts and geological formations.

Northern Ireland's A2 often finds itself topping lists of the world's most beautiful roads, and with its pretty villages, crashing waves and ruined castles, there's certainly plenty to justify these claims; heading north from Belfast, the Antrim coast soon reveals its naturally crafted beauty and enchanting land laden with charming superstitions.

Setting off

The 193km (120 miles) Causeway Coastal Route is clearly signposted as soon as you leave Belfast; follow these signs and you can't go wrong. Before long, the dramatic coastal scenes begin to unfold - as do the nine Glens of Antrim. Each of these valleys is riddled with fairies and folklore, exhibiting wild and unspoilt beauty. The one not miss is Glenariff - known as ‘the queen of the glens' for its waterfalls and scenic path that runs close to a plunging gorge.

Bays, beaches and views

White Park Bay is 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sandy shores, sweeping bays and well-varied grassland - a popular haunt of geologists, botanists and archaeologists.

For views stretching out to Scotland, follow the coastal route up to Torr Head. At just 19km (12 miles) from Northern Ireland's Celtic neighbour, the panoramic views (which you may have to bypass some sheep to reach) are breathtaking.

The sandy dunes of Magilligan Beach, close to Coleraine, also draw the crowds, with the dunes also serving as a golf course and caravan park.

The main attraction

Whether you believe that the hexagonal formations at the Giant's Causeway were formed by volcanic lava or created by a local giant, the thousands of basalt columns at Northern Ireland's most visited attraction seem to defy the laws of nature.

Created 60 million years ago, some of the columns rising up from the shore reach 160m (525ft), and the area is understandably protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Along the way, the site of the wreckage of the Armada treasure ship ‘Girona' is found at Port-na-Spaniagh. The walking trail is literally cut out from the cliff face so you're sure to be rewarded with some lovely views.

Another big draw in the region is the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, near Ballintoy. Swinging 24m (79ft) above the sea, the 18m (59ft) wobbly bridge can prove a little too precarious for some, but sweeping views over the water are still to be found on the walk down to it, even if you don't make it across.

Castles and gardens

Visit Glenarm Castle, one of Northern Ireland's oldest estates. Aside from the beautiful building itself, there's a walled garden to explore that hosts an annual tulip festival.

The ruined Dunluce Castle is spectacularly perched on a rocky cliff edge over the North Atlantic, so close to the sea that it lost its kitchens and seven cooks to it one night in the 17th century. Drive past at night and it's even more spectacular.

Another fortified ancestral home awaits at Dungiven Castle - home of the O'Cahan clan who ruled the area between the 12th and 17th centuries. Set in truly magnificent grounds and overlooking some particularly beautiful countryside, the castle is also a hotel with a special turret room for guests.

Towns to call in at

Whisky fans will want to make sure they drop in on Bushmills, home to the Old Bushmills Distillery since 1608. See the mashing, fermenting and blending process on a tasting tour.

Experience the faded charms only a Victorian beach resort in Britain can possess at Portrush and Portstewart. Both are popular bases for exploring the Causeway Coast. In Portrush, the main attraction is Barry's Amusements - the biggest amusement park in the whole of Ireland. The town has a cosmopolitan harbour, with lively restaurants that include the fashionable Ramore Wine Bar. Meanwhile, in Portstewart, the strand is a centre for family holidays, with various beaches, walks and activities.

Buidlings not to miss

Out of Castlerock you'll soon reach Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. Sitting on the very edge of a sheer drop stands this 18th-century folly that was originally inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta. The building is close to the ruins ofDownhill Castle, set in extensive gardens, grounds and forest.

Also nearby is Hezlett House, one of the oldest buildings in Northern Ireland at 300 years with timber frames dating from 1690. The thatched cottage has a cruck-tuss roof viewable from the attic.