If you take our Causeway Coast self-guided bike tour you will enjoy great ocean views, a wealth of history, pleasant towns and villages and quiet country roads. Every day has something different to offer, something unique to that part of Ireland.
Each day of the tour is a joy, with views, historic sites and more that will create memories to last a lifetime. On one day however, you might want to get up just a little earlier than normal. It is the day on which you cycle from Portstewart to Ballycastle. This particular stretch of the Causeway Coast is simply packed with must see highlights.
Here is a flavour of what there is to see.
Portrush Beaches
If you fancy stopping for a swim along the way, one of these magnificent strands is just the thing. Curran strand stretches 3km east from the town and merges with the section known as Whiterocks Strand beside the Whiterocks cliffs. Mill Strand lies to the west of the town. You pass by the Mill Strand as you approach the town from Portstewart.
Dunluce Castle
Dramatically perched on a cliff above the sea, Dunluce Castle is one of the most impressive on the island of Ireland. Built in the 13th century It has witnessed more than its fair share of history. Along with the accounts of the many battles to occupy and re-occupy the castle, is the story of how part of it fell into the sea, during a storm. With Dunluce Castle having witnessed so many battles and changes of ownership over the centuries it is appropiate that it is a key location in the Game of Thrones Series. It serves as the great castle of Pyke – seat of House Greyjoy.
Bushmills
If whiskey is your thing the word Bushmills needs no introduction. A licence to distil whiskey was first granted in 1608 making it the oldest licenced distillery in the world. A 45 minute tour will show you the workings of the distillery. You will learn about the process of distilling whiskey, see the barrels and casks where the whiskey is stored and witness the process of bottling the whiskey. At the end of the tour you to sample some of the famous whiskey.(Steady on – you need to get back on your bike)
Giant’s Causeway Heritage Railway
This heritage railway runs between Bushmills village and the Giant’s Causeway. It is part of what was once the Giant’s Causeway Tramway. The tramway ran between Portrush and the Giant’s Causeway. You won’t need to actually take the train to be able to experience this railway. The cycle route we use follows a path running along the line. This section follows a route through the dunes along Runkerry Beach. Cycling along this path is a beautiful peaceful way reach the Giant’s Causeway.
The Giant’s Causeway
No introductions needed! Without doubt the most famous landmark in Northern Ireland. It would be a mistake however to visit the Causeway and not experience the splendour of its wider surroundings The bike tour notes we provide detail a 3km walk that allows you to experience not just the best of the causeway but also the stunning cliffs along the coast and the Shepherds Steps from the clifftop to the shorline. It is worthwhile allowing at least an hour to experience the area.
Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge
Are you brave enough? The rope bridge spans the 20 metres or so between the mainland and the small island. It is suspended 30 metres (100 feet) above the water It was constructed approximately 350 years ago in order to allow Salmon fishermen access to the island. Nearby is the old chalk quarry of Larrybane – once again a filming location for the Game of Thrones. It is the camp of Renly Baratheon where the fight scene between Brienne of Tarth and Loras Tyrell takes place.
The Views
Even if every one of the attractions listed above was suddenly removed this would still be a stunning day of cycling. The views along the coast to Rathlin Island and beyond to the Scottish Coast are simply breathtaking. Cycling this section of coast is worth it for the views alone. Your day of cycling ends in the very pleasant town of Ballycastle. The town is set beside the harbour and beach. There are wonderful views in all directions,out to Rathlin Island, towards Fair Head to the east and back along the coast where you cycled during the day.