Let’s be honest, driving can often be quite mundane. The thought of navigating busy highways or being stuck in traffic on local roads doesn’t exactly spark joy.
However, every now and then, there are those rare moments when everything aligns perfectly – the traffic disappears, the sun shines brightly, and a picturesque landscape unfolds before you.
During a trip in March, I rented a car in Belfast and inquired about the best route to reach Derry from a staff member.
He presented two options: a direct journey via the motorway, slightly over an hour long, or a more scenic route that would take twice as much time.
After a brief experience with the uninviting M2, I opted to veer towards the coast, choosing to savor the drive at a leisurely pace – a decision I would soon come to appreciate.
The Causeway Coastal Route spans 120 miles, leading north from Belfast through Newtonabbey to Larne, meandering through quaint villages before reaching the charming Ballycastle seaside village.
From there, the iconic basalt formations of the Giant’s Causeway are within easy reach.
Numerous attractions along the road towards Derry are worth a visit, including Cranny Falls waterfall and filming locations from Game of Thrones like Mountain, Downhill Beach, Portstewart Strand, The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Murlough Bay, and the Cushendun Caves.
For those not keen on the crowded path leading to the Causeway, the serene Whitepark Bay offers a stunning alternative, boasting one of the country’s most beautiful beaches.
Attractions like the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Fanad Lighthouse, and Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point, add to the allure of the journey.
The true magic of the route lies not just in the destinations but in the journey itself, winding along a road crafted by William Bald in the 1800s to replace the Old Irish Highway.
Each hill climbed on the road sparked a sense of anticipation, wondering what hidden treasures lay beyond the peaks.
Be it ancient castles, verdant hillsides dotted with sheep, twisted tree avenues, or stunning views of the Atlantic, the road never fails to surprise and delight.
It’s not just me who has been captivated by this journey.
In 2019, CNN recognized the Antrim coastline as
