Winding its way along 130 miles of rugged coastline from Belfast to Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most beautiful road trips in the UK. From dramatic cliffs and glens to quiet beaches and historic villages, it’s a journey filled with variety and unforgettable scenery.
For campervan owners and dog lovers, this route is a dream. You’ll find coastal walks, dog-friendly pubs, and plenty of well-located campsites overlooking the sea. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, hiking cliff trails or exploring small harbour towns, the Causeway route offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Overview of the Route
Distance: 154 miles
Recommended duration: 7-10 days
Best for: Coastal scenery, dog-friendly beaches, heritage sites and Irish hospitality
The Causeway Coastal Route officially starts in Belfast, following the Antrim coast north through seaside towns, fishing villages and natural wonders before finishing in Derry. You can drive it in either direction, but heading north keeps the sea to your left and gives you the best views.
Key Stops and Highlights
1. Belfast and Carrickfergus
Your journey begins in Northern Ireland’s capital. Belfast’s Titanic Quarter is a fascinating place to stretch your legs before hitting the road, with wide quayside paths, historic docks and open waterfront views that dogs will enjoy sniffing their way through. The city is surprisingly green, with several riverside parks offering relaxed walks away from traffic.
Continue to Carrickfergus, a coastal town with a medieval castle overlooking Belfast Lough. The promenade here is flat and open, making it perfect for an easy walk with dogs of all sizes. They’ll love the sea air, the sounds of the gulls and the gentle lapping of waves along the shoreline.
Campsites nearby:
- Six Mile Water Caravan Park, Antrim (dog-friendly, excellent facilities)
- Jordanstown Loughshore Park: Coastal setting with easy access to Belfast.
2. The Gobbins and Larne
Heading north, the landscape quickly becomes more dramatic. The Gobbins Cliff Path is an engineering marvel that hugs the basalt cliffs above the Irish Sea, and while dogs can’t join the guided walk itself, the nearby Islandmagee coastal paths are perfect alternatives. Dogs will love the fresh sea breeze and wide-open stretches where they can explore on lead and enjoy panoramic views across to Scotland on clear days.
The seaside town of Larne is a great spot to rest and wander. Its long promenade offers plenty of space for relaxed strolls, and Ballygally Beach nearby has soft sand ideal for digging and playing fetch. There are benches, grassy areas, and quiet viewpoints that make it an easygoing stop for dogs and owners alike.
Campsites nearby:
- Glenarm Holiday Park: Small, modern site on the harbour front.
- Carnfunnock Country Park: Well-maintained site surrounded by walking trails.
3. Glenariff Forest Park and Cushendun
Leaving the coast for a moment, head inland into the famous Glens of Antrim. Glenariff Forest Park, known as the “Queen of the Glens,” is one of the most beautiful parts of the region, filled with waterfalls, mossy woodland and fresh mountain air. Dogs will love exploring the shaded trails, splashing through shallow streams and sniffing their way through the dense forest.
Back on the coast, Cushendun is a small harbour village that feels like a step back in time. The beach here is peaceful and perfect for a relaxed run or paddle, while the nearby caves add a sense of adventure. Cushendall, just down the road, is another dog-friendly stop with riverside walks and a handful of pubs that happily welcome muddy paws.
Campsites nearby:
- Glenariff Holiday Park: Family and dog-friendly site set in beautiful countryside.
- Cushendun Caravan Park: Just a short walk from the beach.
4. Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This stretch of coastline is among the most photographed in Ireland, and it’s easy to see why. The drive from Cushendun to Ballycastle is packed with clifftop views and scenic pull-ins. Dogs will love the open grassy sections above the cliffs where they can safely wander on a lead and feel the salt wind in their fur.
The famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a highlight of the route, connecting the mainland to a tiny island. While dogs can’t cross the bridge itself, the surrounding trails are superb for a coastal walk, offering spectacular views of Rathlin Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Ballycastle Beach, with its wide sands and gentle waves, is ideal for dogs that enjoy paddling or a game of fetch as the sun sets behind Fair Head.
Campsites nearby:
- Ballycastle Holiday Park: Central and dog-friendly, walking distance to town.
- Watertop Farm: Rural site in the Glens with great hiking access.
5. Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s crown jewel, a natural wonder made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Dogs are welcome on leads, and the coastal paths here offer a fantastic walk with sea views in every direction. The scent of salt, the sound of waves, and the cool rock underfoot make it a sensory paradise for adventurous pups.
Nearby Bushmills is a lovely village to explore, with dog-friendly cafés and the famous distillery’s outdoor spaces to visit. A short drive brings you to Dunluce Castle, whose cliff-top ruins look out over the sea. The grounds are dog-friendly and provide a great spot for a short wander while taking in one of the most iconic views in Northern Ireland.
Campsites nearby:
- Causeway Coast Holiday Park: Excellent facilities close to Ballycastle and the Causeway.
- Bush Caravan Park: Dog-friendly site surrounded by countryside near Bushmills.
6. Portrush, Portstewart and Derry
The final leg of the route is pure coastal relaxation. Portrush is a lively seaside town surrounded by long sandy beaches where dogs can stretch their legs and splash in the waves. Whiterocks Beach is especially beautiful, with soft sand and limestone cliffs that create plenty of interesting scents and textures for curious noses.
Continue to Portstewart Strand, a two-mile National Trust beach with designated dog zones. It’s a great place to unwind, let your dog run free, and take a walk along the dunes before finishing your journey in Derry/Londonderry. In Derry, explore the historic city walls, where dogs on leads are welcome, and take a walk along the River Foyle to round off the trip.
Campsites nearby:
- Juniper Hill Caravan Park, Portstewart (sea views and direct beach access).
- Benone Tourist Complex: Large dog-friendly site with beach access, ideal for the final night.
Suggested Itinerary
| Day | Route | Key Stops | Overnight Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belfast to Larne | Titanic Quarter, Carrickfergus | Jordanstown Loughshore Park |
| 2 | Larne to Cushendun | The Gobbins, Glenariff Forest | Glenariff Holiday Park |
| 3 | Cushendun to Ballycastle | Carrick-a-Rede, Ballycastle Beach | Ballycastle Holiday Park |
| 4 | Ballycastle to Bushmills | Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle | Bush Caravan Park |
| 5 | Bushmills to Derry | Portrush, Portstewart Strand | Benone Tourist Complex |
Tips for Travelling the Causeway Coastal Route
- Drive slowly: The road hugs the coastline, with narrow bends and scenic lay-bys worth stopping for.
- Check ferry timings: Some travellers continue to Donegal via ferry from Magilligan Point.
- Plan your stops: Many attractions close by 5pm, so start early.
- Packing preparation: Ensure you have all of the vanlife essentials for your dog and yourself.
- Respect access rules: Keep dogs on leads around livestock and cliff paths.
- Bring waterproofs: The Northern Irish weather can change quickly, especially along the coast.
An extended trip with your dog can be challenging to navigate, consult our best vanlife dog hacks to get handy tips and tricks to keep you both happy on your journey.
Final Thoughts
The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most rewarding dog friendly road trips in the UK. With its blend of sea cliffs, beaches, and ancient landmarks, every section offers something different to enjoy. Travelling it with your dog adds another dimension — from cliff walks to forest trails and sandy beaches, there’s always somewhere new to explore together.
It’s a route that feels wild yet welcoming, packed with breathtaking views and friendly stops. Whether you spend a long weekend or a full week following its twists and turns, this Northern Irish adventure will stay with you long after the wheels stop turning.