Causeway Coast Road Trip Northern Ireland | A Scenic Day from Donaghadee to Portrush.

Why am I Sharing This on My Website?  

This is something a little different from my other blogs, but it connects closely to how I work. Good design starts with understanding the places we live in, and these short journeys are part of how I explore the landscapes and towns that influence my approach. They’re also the kind of routes I take in my own time — simple weekend drives that help me switch off and enjoy the beauty of Northern Ireland.

They may be straightforward trips, but they say a lot about the character of our country and the everyday settings that shape our homes.

This route is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a relaxed Causeway Coast road trip in Northern Ireland, taking in quiet villages, open countryside and some of the coastline’s best viewpoints without rushing.

A One‑Day Causeway Coast Road Trip in Northern Ireland

There’s something refreshing about closing the office door and heading out for a change of scene. The pace shifts, the roads quieten, and the landscape rises gently as the route leads towards the Moyle Way and the quieter stretches of the north.

The quiet road through the Antrim hills — a favourite stretch for clearing the head and slowing the pace.

Newtown‑Crommelin - (Driving time: 1 hr 10 mins)

Your first stop is the small hamlet of Newtown‑Crommelin, a peaceful cluster of homes and farms set high in the Antrim hills. It has a settled, rural character - the kind of place where the road narrows, the pace drops and you start to feel the landscape around you. The Skerry Inn sits at the edge of the village and marks the beginning of the more scenic stretch ahead.

Cushendun via the Old Cushendun Road - (Driving time: 25 mins)

From here, the Old Cushendun Road winds through farmland and open views before dropping into Cushendun. As you approach the village, the landscape becomes richer - pockets of woodland, the Glendun River running quietly alongside the road, and glimpses of the Moyle Way weaving its way through the valley. Cushendun itself, a National Trust village with white cottages and a sheltered bay, has a calm, timeless feel. It’s an ideal place to pause for a short break and light refreshments.

Looking down into Cushendun where the Glendun River meets the sea and the Moyle Way crosses the valley.

Ballycastle - (Driving time: 20 mins)

Continue north along the coast to Ballycastle, a town with a long history shaped by its harbour, market traditions and coastal setting. It’s best known for the Auld Lammas Fair, one of the oldest fairs on the island of Ireland and held here for over 400 years. Even outside fair season, Ballycastle has a strong local character, with views stretching across to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre. The Salthouse Hotel’s “Lookout” restaurant is an excellent choice for lunch. The fish tacos are a highlight, and the panoramic views make the stop even more memorable.

Carrick‑a‑Rede Retreat - (Driving time: 10 mins)

A short drive brings you to one of the most striking viewpoints on the Causeway Coast. From the retreat, the famous rope bridge appears suspended between cliffs and blue‑green water. It is a dramatic, elevated view without the crowds.

Bushmills - (Driving time: 15 mins)

Bushmills is known for its whiskey, but the village itself has a warm, historic character. The Old Bushmills Distillery, often described as the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with a licence granted in 1608 sits at the heart of the town and gives the whole place a sense of long‑standing craft and tradition. Even if you’re not stopping for a tour, it’s hard not to notice the smell of the malt drifting across the river. The Bushmills Inn is an inviting place to pause for a drink or coffee before continuing west.

Wishing Arch - (Driving time: 10 mins)

Just outside Portrush, the Wishing Arch offers a brief but rewarding stop. This natural rock arch sits high above the sea, carved out by years of Atlantic weather, and frames a rugged stretch of coastline that feels completely exposed to the elements. From the viewpoint, you get a wide, open sweep of the ocean, the cliffs running off towards Dunluce, and the constant sound of waves below. It’s a simple stop, but one of those places where you naturally pause for a moment before moving on.

The Wishing Arch near Portrush, a quiet, dramatic viewpoint overlooking the Atlantic and the cliffs towards the Skerries.

Portrush Harbour - (Driving time: 5 mins)

Arrive in Portrush and take time to wander the harbour and waterfront. Fishing boats, sea air and coastal paths shape the atmosphere here, with the town always feeling lively but never rushed. And for a nostalgic finish, you can call into the amusement park now known as Curry’s Fun Park — though many of us still prefer the old name, Barry’s. The rides, noise and colour add a familiar sense of seaside tradition before you head home.

Return to Donaghadee - (Driving time: 1 hr 30 mins)

Return inland via Coleraine and Ballymena.

Total Driving Time   Approximately 4 hours 55 minutes.

These small journeys are a reminder of how much variety sits within a short drive of our homes — from quiet rural roads to dramatic coastline and lively harbour towns. They’re simple routes, but they highlight the character and landscape that make Northern Ireland such a rewarding place to live and design for. If you decide to take this trip yourself, I hope it offers the same sense of space, clarity and inspiration that it brings me. Glenn