Ireland/Northern Ireland
Giants Causeway, Coast, and Glens
Host-Guided, Self-Navigating Walking Tour
August 14-22, 2025
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast — a hidden gem waiting to be explored! Our walking holiday takes you on an unforgettable journey through this stunning region, blending slow travel with authentic experiences.
Want to take a break from walking? No problem! We’ll arrange convenient transport by bus or taxi so you won’t miss a moment of the adventure.
Tentative Itinerary
Beginning with a welcome night in the Queen’s Quarter of Belfast city and continuing the next day with a transfer to Ballymena near the Antrim Coast road after some time to enjoy Belfast.
Spend each day enjoying stunning hikes, in the landscapes from the Antrim Hills to the Causeway Coast way. Enjoy inland cliffs, coastal views, views to Scotland and its islands, visit Rathlin Island.
Walk in remote locations and even enjoy the popular Causeway site by seeing most of it far away from the crowds. Throw in beaches, castle ruins, waterfalls, rope bridges, the world’s oldest whiskey distillery, some Game of Thrones filming locations and great Irish pubs, friendly people and hospitality throughout.
Day 1: August 14
Stay: Malone Hotel
– Arrive at Malone Hotel Belfast mid-afternoon in the beautiful Queen’s Quarter in south Belfast. This is a red stone neighborhood just around the corner from the stunning Queen’s University and Botanic Gardens.
– Group dinner at Hotel Malone
Day 2: August 15
Stay: Adair Arms
– Take the morning to enjoy some of Belfast before a private group transfer to our hotel in the afternoon.
– Enjoy the atmosphere of the market town of Ballymena – gateway to the Causeway Coast and Glens.
Day 3 – August 16
Stay: Adair Arms
Today starts with a transfer to the Ballygally trailhead for a scenic hike down to Glenarm, a charming fishing village with a historic, still-in-use castle. This peaceful trail offers a quiet escape from the busier sections of the Causeway Coastal Route.
🥾 Trail Details:
Distance: 9 miles
Terrain: Undulating with a total of 300m elevation gain
Surface: Mostly grass, with some boggy sections and numerous stiles to climb — sturdy hiking boots are essential.
After your walk, return via private transfer to the Adair Arms Hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 4 – August 17
Stay: Marine Hotel
Today’s journey takes you to the breathtaking Glenariff Forest Park for an unforgettable 8-mile hike. Known as the ‘Queen of the Glens’, Glenariff is one of Antrim’s nine iconic glens. Follow a scenic Victorian walkway that leads to a stunning waterfall, offering an up-close look at this natural wonder.
🥾 Trail Details:
Distance: 8 miles
Terrain: Forest trails with some steep inclines
Reward: Sweeping views of the glen and the Irish coast
After your hike, enjoy a private transfer to the Marine Hotel in the coastal town of Ballycastle, where you’ll be treated to majestic views of the Scottish coast and the magnificent Fairhead.
Day 5 – August 18
Stay: Marine Hotel
Today begins with a private transfer to Fairhead and Murlough Bay, one of the most beautiful yet peaceful spots along the Causeway Coastal Route. Despite its stunning scenery, this remote gem is often quiet — even in peak summer.
On clear days, enjoy views of Scotland and Rathlin Island throughout your walk.
🥾 Trail Details:
Distance: 8 miles
Terrain: Gravel and tarmac paths with one steep climb back to Fairhead cliffs
Route: A figure-eight loop down into Murlough Bay and back around Fairhead
Be aware that this area — like the Antrim Hills — has no facilities beyond what nature provides.
Day 6 – August 19
Stay: Marine Hotel
Enjoy a gentler walk today (6 miles). After an early morning ferry from Ballycastle, explore Rathlin Island, home to one of Western Europe’s largest seabird colonies — with around 150,000 birds in season!
Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only permanently populated island, with a small community of about 150 residents. Your visit includes a bus ride to the bird sanctuary, a stroll through the charming harbor village, and a walk toward Rue Point, where you may spot seals.
Return by ferry to Ballycastle, where you can unwind, explore the town’s lively vibe and hopefully catch some traditional Irish music.
Day 7 – August 20
Stay: Portrush Atlantic Hotel
Today’s journey is the epic trek of the trip — a breathtaking 13-mile coastal walk featuring some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery.
The route includes:
– Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
– Ballintoy Harbour
– White Park Bay
– Dunseverick Harbour and Castle Ruin
– The iconic Giant’s Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
🥾 Trail Details:
Distance: 13 miles (8 miles with bus shortcut)
Terrain: Grass, gravel, beaches, stone steps, boggy patches, and a short limestone scramble near White Park Bay
Elevation: Mostly flat with a max climb of 125m
For a shorter option, you can skip 5 miles by bus — but you’d miss some of the most spectacular cliff views in Western Europe.
Day 8 –August 21
Stay: Portrush Atlantic Hotel
Begin your final hike with a public bus transfer to Portstewart, then set off along the coast beside the golf course.
Your route leads to one of Portrush’s two stunning beaches. Walk the scenic East Strand at White Rocks, with the famous Royal Portrush Golf Club hidden just beyond the dunes.
Follow the path at the end of the beach to a brief road section — but don’t worry, the views remain spectacular.
Key highlights include:
– The majestic Dunluce Castle ruins — perfect for a photo with the beach in the background
-Visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery
Finish your day with a public bus ride back to Portrush for a memorable final night.
Day 9 – August 22
Enjoy a private group transfer back to Belfast, marking the end of your unforgettable Causeway Coast adventure.
Ireland/Northern Ireland Details & Pricing
Explore the rugged coastline, charming villages, and dramatic landscapes of the Causeway Coast on this unforgettable walking holiday. Enjoy spectacular hikes, hidden gems, and authentic Irish hospitality while immersing yourself in the region’s rich history and natural beauty.
What’s Included?
Excluded in the Package
both price includes the 1st night in the Malone Hotel in Belfast
Deposit and Payments
- 30% due at booking
- Final payment due 60 days before departure
Cancellation
- 20% of trip price if canceled 60+ days before departure
- 50% of trip price if canceled 30-59 days before departure
- 100% of trip price if canceled within 29 days of departure
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