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We will be making our trip mid-August. Would it be better to go the quicker inland route (apparently approx 1.5 hours) and then return to Belfast by the coastal route. Is there a better time of day to view the Causeway and how long would it take to do it justice?
It definitely makes sense to do the Causeway Coastal Route one way and go inland the other. I prefer the route going via Carrickfergus on the way there and then returning inland but this does mean that you would be better doing the Causeway later in the day to avoid tour groups.
Best time - probably either first thing in the morning or in the evening. On a good day, you will have visitors no matter what time of day but tour groups tend to arrive late morning/lunchtime.
Some people believe the best time is at low tide - this probably is mainly for photographers so it depends if you are a point and shoot person or interested in more atmospheric, skillful photos.
There are previous threads on this forum re tide times e.g. this one
tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186591-i88-k439…
I would allow 1.5-2 hours at the Causeway but if it is raining or windy, you can just get the minibus both ways, take a few photos and do it in less. On a good day, enjoy it and give it the time it deserves, look for the shapes (boot, organ etc).
Don't forget there are lots of possible attractions along this route e.g. Carrickfergus Castle itself, Waterfall walk at Glenariff forest park, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Bushmills Distillery, little villages, lovely beach walks, Dunluce Castle (not just a photo shop, great views from here and very good AV show), a photo stop at Downhill for the views of Mussenden......
Edited: 09 February 2012, 18:26
This site is good for info
http://www.causewaycoastandglens.com/
Here is the official tourist board site which has changed recently and to be honest, I am not finding it very user friendly but maybe that is just me!
That new NITB site is almost as user-friendly as the Translink one. :-)
I like to go up the motorway and return via the costal route, this means you beat the tour buses as they all go via the coast. This can make a big difference especially on cruise ship days. Leave Belfast around 9am and you will be at Bushmills/ Dunluce around 10.20 . Allow 8-9hrs for a complete route with all attractions.
Hi Christine, personally i would allow most of the day to visit the causeway and also experience the nicest coastline in all Ireland on your day trip!
Leaving after breakfast I would suggest driving to Larne and taking the coast road to the causeway, stopping off in one of many little villages on your way such as Carnlough (the Londonderry Arms Hotel is good for refreshments and the fact that Winston Churchill slept overnight here is quite interesting!)
Cushendun is also a great wee place to stop (lovely river walk) for 40 minutes or more!
The Giants Causeway will still be there when you arrive, there is no rush and you will enjoy the trip! After your busy day take the motorway home, and while enjoying your meal that night you can chat about your day out!
There's a old saying the Giants causeway is worth seeing but not worry going to see.
The Antrim coast and 9 glens our the high light take the coast road.
