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From boutique guesthouses with panoramic views and luxury hotels to rustic glamping pods and camping barns, the Causeway Coast has accommodation to suit everyone.Â
The Causeway Coastal Route has no shortage of action-packed activities, historical and geological sights, cosy cafes, lively pubs and delicious restaurants. In fact, there is so much to do, your biggest problem will be figuring out just how much you can cram into your weekend away. And we know there is nothing more important than a cosy place to rest your weary head after a fun-filled day. And thankfully the Causeway Coast delivers on this front too. From boutique guesthouses and plush hotels to glamping pods and camping barns, there is something to suit all budgets and wishes along this glorious stretch of coastline.
Here are 11 of our favourite places to stay along the Causeway Coastal Route:
1. Ballygally Castle, Ballygally
Price: From £119 per night
Perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route sits Ballygally Castle, an imposing 17th-century castle overlooking Ballygally Bay. Said to be haunted, the hotel is home to a ghost room and dungeon. Elsewhere, the hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms (many of which have sea views) and a restaurant within the castle walls. The Garden Restaurant overlooks the grounds and serves good quality fare!
More info: Hastings Hotels
2. The Salthouse, Ballycastle
Price: From £160 per night
This luxury eco-hotel has 24 stylishly appointed bedrooms and suites, a soothing spa and laid back bar and restaurant.
Standing in its own private grounds surrounded by the natural beauty of the Antrim countryside, overlooking Ballycastle, The Salthouse enjoys jaw-dropping views of the coastline to Fairhead and beyond.
More info: The Salthouse
3. The Barn at Ballycairn in Ballygally
Price: From £145 per night
The Barn is the perfect launching pad to kick start your Causeway Coast adventure. Located in Ballygally, this self-catering cottage has everything you could wish for in a holiday pad including a well-equipped kitchen, cosy living room, a stack of board games and a welcome hamper packed with delicious goodies. The barn sleeps six.
If self-catering isn’t your thing, there is also a guesthouse within the same grounds that we had the please of staying in. The rooms were large and very comfortable and the hosts served up the most delicious breakfast. It was a very memorable stay.
More info: The Barn
The Best Cafes on the Causeway Coastal Route
4. Blackrock House, Portrush
Price: From £145 per night (3 night minimum stay)
Located in the buzzing town of Portrush, Blackrock House offers boutique B&B accommodation that fuses modern style with laid-back coastal living. Boasting panoramic views of the town’s golden beaches, out across the wild Atlantic Ocean, this is the perfect place to unwind. Hearty breakfasts are served up to fuel you for a busy day ahead while the cosy snug is the perfect place to unwind with a book when you get home. And as for the balcony, in summer it’s the perfect spot for sundowners!
More info: Blackrock B&B
5. At the Beach, Portstewart
Price: From £165
This adult-only luxury guesthouse in Portstewart offers unrivalled views stretching from Portstewart Strand and the Mussenden Temple to Donegal and beyond. Offering direct access to the magnificent golden sands of Portstewart Strand and only a stone’s throw from the vibrant bars and cafes in town, you could spend a week here without getting in the car and not tire of this place. Each of the five guest rooms has been tastefully decorated with three of the rooms offering sea views.
More info: At the Beach
6. Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae
Price: From £169 per night
Located in the picturesque village of Portballintrae, the Bayview Hotel is the perfect pit stop along the Causeway Coastal Route. With its open fires and sprawling sea views, the hotel’s Porthole bar and restaurant is an ideal place to retire to at the end of an adventurous day along the Causeway Coast.
More info: Bayview Hotel
The Liveliest Pubs on the Causeway Coastal Route
7. Cushendun Glamping Pods, Cushendun
Price: From £55 per night
Locations don’t get much better than the Cushendun Caravan Park. These glamping pods are the perfect way to connect with nature while not abolishing home comforts completely. Each of the spacious pods offers unspoilt views across the North Channel to the Mull of Kintyre. And they are just a short walk from the quaint town of Cushendun. With its roaring open fires, scrumptious menu and whiskey bar, Mary McBride’s pub is the perfect spot to while away an evening with friends.
Each cabin sleeps a maximum of two adults and two children and comes equipped with a heater, electricity, soft padded seating/bed area table and a kettle, all perfectly positioned overlooking the water. You do have to bring your own sleeping bag and towel though.
More info: Cushendun Glamping Pods
8. Me & Mrs Jones
Price: From £150 per night
This boutique hotel is located in the heart of the seaside town of Portstewart. The rooms are uniquely decorated with an emphasis on comfort which is just what you need after a day outdoors! The hotel also has a fabulous restaurant that even has a dedicated vegan menu.
More info:Â Me & Mrs Jones
9. Elephant Rock, Portrush
Price: From £120 per room per night
This 18 bedroom Victorian terrace only opened in 2020. It boasts exquisite ocean views and has been extensively renovated to bring a brand of sleek sophisticated glamour, making it the perfect location for your Northern Ireland adventure. Located in the heart of Portrush, it’s also home to a fantastic restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
More info: Elephant Rock Hotel
Awesome Activities for Adventure Lovers on the Causeway Coastal Route
10. Ballyvoy Camping Barn
Price: £25 per person per night
This is the perfect spot for those on a budget. This cute barn in the tiny village of Ballyvoy is more hotel than camping. Each room is equipped with bunk beds and an ensuite bathroom while a large kitchen/living area is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends. Or, if you don’t fancy eating in, you can head straight across the road to Hunter’s Pub/Restaurant which serves up fine cuisine at very affordable prices. So too does Barnish Café which is also in the village.
More info: Ballyvoy Camping Barn
11. Captain’s Cottage
Price: £140 per night
The Captain’s Self Catering Cottage is a quaint but traditional style cottage situated in a quiet location in Cushendall. Located on the Causeway Coastal route between Larne (port) and the Giant’s Causeway, it is the perfect base for an array of outdoor activities. Guests can enjoy the Moyle and Ulster walkways, explore Fairhead and the Giant’s Causeway or hit the surf on one of the coastal route’s long sandy beaches.
The cottage features 2 bedrooms – 1 double (ensuite) and 1 twin (converts to a King Size).
More info: The Captains
Getting to the Causeway Coast:
Just a two-hour jaunt up the road from Dublin, Belfast is really easy to get to thanks to the brilliant M1 motorway. Or alternatively, you can catch the train which takes just over two hours from Connolly Station in Dublin. Another 40 minutes will have you in the Ballygally Castle Hotel admiring the epic sea views!
Like this? You should check these out:
- Cycling the Causeway Coastal Route
- Exploring the Causeway Coast on Foot
- The Best Restaurants on the Causeway Coastal Route
