As you head north from Belfast on the city’s busy streets, they quickly give way to a two-lane motorway lined with ornate private houses with manicured cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea. You are at the start of one of the world’s most scenic sports – Northern Ireland’s 122-mile long Coastal Causeway (CCR).
While the Coastal Route’s causal ranking among the world’s most scenic routes is debatable, the area’s guides say it is in the top ten, which is not to be disputed as everyone should experience the route at least once. (I put CCR in the top five most scenic road trips I’ve experienced – a list that includes trips with incredible views of the Indian Ocean in Durban, South Africa, the Andes Mountains in Ecuador and the Pacific Ocean in Oregon.
The cause of the maritime route arises with the natural beauty of both the land and the sea. Running parallel to the east is Belfast Lough, the gateway of the waters to the Irish Sea. If you stood around this beach 100 years ago, you would have seen the largest ship ever built at that time heading out of the Belfast docks into the Irish Sea – the Titanic on its maiden and final voyage.
To the west on the hill is a rock formation called Napoleon’s Nose. Located at 1,200 feet on Cavern Hill and easily visible from the Coastal Road on a clear day, the hill is a regional landmark, gaining notoriety for its distinctive shape that resembles an emperor’s nose Napoleon Bonaparte. A quick 11 miles from Belfast and you’re in the small town of Carrickfergus, with a population of just 27,000. The town has a unique American-military complex that includes Andrew Jackson Cottage and the US Army Rangers Center. Why is Andrew Jackson and why is the facility worshiping the US Army Rangers? Jackson, the seventh US president, was born in the United States two years after his parents moved from Carrickfergus to the United States. . The US Rangers Center was established in memory of the US Army’s 1st Ranger Battalion, which was established, trained and trained in and around Carrickfergus during WW II. If you want a little more ancient history, the 800 year old is adjacent to Carrickfergus Castle. it is open to the public of the town by small ornate gates.
The attractions in Carrickfergus are not the only things of historical interest along the Causal Maritime Route. The CCR takes you past field after field with grazing sheep and lambs and many undescribed but historically important caves that delight the country. The caves, some of which are visible from the road, played a large part in maintaining the heritage of the area. When the Gaelic language was outlawed, families would gather in caves out of sight so that the children could learn the language of their ancestors. In addition, the rocky places helped the Catholics in the forests and fields to a dramatic degree to preserve their religion which was proscribed in the 17th Century. Itinerant priests would say Mass in secret over the ‘masses of rocks’. The stones were stones removed from the collapse of the church or naturally formed stones that served as altars for church services. When he was conducting a secret meeting and mass at the rock, the priest would move to the nearest place, so as to remain a step ahead of the authorities. Some of the rocks still exist in bulk and can be seen today while driving the CCR.
The route also offers plenty of incredible views of the sea and what lies across the water – the limestone cliffs of Scotland. Although the locals told me that the weather is not always perfect, during my trip to the coast the weather was incredible and the visibility was endless. If you want to see what the cliffs near Ballycastle are near on the Irish side of the Irish Sea and you’re the adventurous type who doesn’t mind a good walk, the Carrick-bridge near Ballycastle is as impressive as it gets. daunting The suspension bridge, which is made of rope, is 20 feet long and sits 98 feet above the beach. Attached to the mainland is a small rocky island. For those who aren’t excited about walking across the bridge, the view of Carrick Bridge is conveniently located directly on the CCR just before Ballintoy. It offers a dramatic overlook of the bridge, the coastline and views of Scotland across the Irish Sea.
The next most popular attraction in all of Northern Ireland is the Giants Causeway. Northern Ireland is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Volcanic activity some 60 million years ago created 38,000 geometric columns as well as thousands of stones that seem almost identifiable and clearly man-made – they are not manmade. Columns of flint and stone begin from the shore and lead into the water and towards Scotland on the opposite coast. Local folklore describes a giant named Finn McCool building a walkway into the water and then defeating his opponent on the other side in Scotland.
Descending the beach to see the road from the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center is easy – it’s about a mile down a relatively steep hill. There are also shuttle buses available to take you there. When you get to the beach, you’ll find people of all ages climbing and posing for photos around and around the pillars and stones.
Just minutes from Giants Causeway on the seaside Bushmill Inn. The Inn is on the floor. The oldest part of the Bushmill Inn dates back to 1608 with the main part built in the 1820s. A great night’s sleep and fine dining is available as he makes his way to the Bushmill Library to find his private room. On the second floor of the building near the bar is the library, which contains a secret room. The innocuous library gives away its secrets when a certain book is pushed by chance, revealing that the door is actually leading to a very large meeting room.
He is pretty much on everyone’s mind in Northern Ireland and plays a major role in the Causal Sea Tour. The Royal Portrush Golf Club, which hosted the Irish Open in 2012, is just minutes from the Bushmill Inn. Its two courses with thirty-six holes sit along the Irish Sea and are designed for golfers from around the world. Nearby Dunluce Castle offers another chance for castle lovers to design their own castle. This 17th century example hangs precariously on the CCR beach cliff.
The terminus of the causal route is Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s largest city. Boasting the claim of being the only completely walled city in Ireland, old and new collide as you exit the new and upscale shopping centershopping a> and pass within the original border of the stone walls and into the city. Visitors can walk 1.3 miles around the top of the well-preserved wall to capture views of the city from every possible angle.
Visitors may be confused by the city’s name, as some refer to it as Derry in addition to its official name of Londonderry. The dispute is one of the only remnants of “The Troubles” period of conflict between British Nationalists and Unionists. Nationalists/Catholics are likely to belong to the city of Derry; The unionists/protesters will take it back to London. Once inside the walls, the main attraction is the Museum tower. It is open every day of the week except Monday and features two permanent exhibitions. “The Story of Derry” and “The Navigation of the Armada – La Trinidad Valencera.”
The world has been given notice of Londonderry since it was named Capital of Culture of the United Kingdom in 2013. The plans call for 172 sports, music, cultural events and festivals throughout the year for a year-long celebration that will put the city on the world tourism map.
For more information about Coastal Travel, visit www.discoverireland.com.
