Where to Stop on the Drive from Dublin to the Giant’s Causeway

The drive from Dublin City to the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim will take just over 3 hours (262 km) without stopping. But, actually, I recommend turning this drive into a full-day tour and stopping off along the way in places like Belfast and the Dark Hedges (of Game of Thrones fame). My road trip below takes a slight detour up to Ballycastle and Ballintoy, which will take a little bit longer but is so worth it!

While the first half of the drive from Dublin to Belfast isn’t scenic (it’s a motorway) – it’s when you come off the A26 and take the A44 for Ballycastle and Ballintoy that things really get interesting.

Where to Stop Between Dublin and Giant’s Causeway

Dublin

Before you set off on the drive to the famed Giant’s Causeway, be sure to spend a few days (or at least a day) in Dublin. As Ireland’s capital and largest city, Dublin boasts a variety of attractions that cater to all interests.

If you’re into history, you’ve got to check out the medieval Dublin Castle or swing by the iconic Trinity College to see the world-famous Book of Kells. And if you’re an avid reader like me, you should definitely hit up the Dublin Writers Museum. And, of course, you can’t miss the Guinness Storehouse to sip on Ireland’s most famous beer! For a relaxing stroll, take a scenic walk along the River Liffey.

Overall, Dublin is a fun time – it’s got a super lively vibe, especially in the famed Temple Bar. Where you can dance (or just tap your foot) to traditional Irish tunes, enjoy some local beers, and eat delicious food.

Where to stay in Dublin:

• If your budget allows, a standout hotel in Dublin is The Westbury, a luxurious five-star hotel, just a stone’s throw from Grafton Street. It’s renowned for its opulent decor and exceptional service.

• The Dean Dublin is another cool option, it combines modern design with a lively atmosphere and boasts a trendy rooftop bar and stylish rooms.

Belfast

If you’ve only got a few hours to check out Belfast, start off at the Titanic Belfast Museum. This museum tells the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s shipbuilding past. And you’ll get some interesting insights into the city’s history here.

After that, wander over to the Cathedral Quarter. This lively spot is packed with charming cobblestone streets and awesome street art. It’s full of pubs, cafés, and little shops, so grab a coffee or a snack and soak up the feel-good vibes.

Need a breather? Head to the Botanic Gardens near Queen’s University. It’s a lovely, chill spot with lots of greenery, a gorgeous Victorian Palm House, and even a Tropical Ravine.

Wrap up your whirlwind stop-off at the historic Belfast City Hall. The building itself is a stunner, and if you’ve got a bit of extra time, hop on a guided tour to learn more about the city’s past and how it’s run today.

The Dark Hedges

About 50 minutes north of Belfast, near Stranocum, you’ll come to this enchanting avenue of beech trees, planted in the 18th century, which forms a natural cathedral of interlocking branches, creating an ethereal and hauntingly beautiful landscape. Located in Northern Ireland, it’s a photographer’s paradise and a must-see for any Game of Thrones fan, as it served as the iconic King’s Road in the series.

Ballycastle

Detour off the A26 to get onto the A44 to reach Ballycastle and Ballintoy (the next suggested stop). This charming coastal town boasts lovely views of Rathlin Island and Fair Head. While here, be sure to visit the eerie ruins of Bonamargy Friary and the small but interesting Ballycastle Museum.

Don’t miss the Ould Lammas Fair, one of Ireland’s oldest fairs, which is held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August. This unique event features hundreds of street stalls, horse trading, amusements, and artisan markets, and it attracts tens of thousands of visitors

Ballintoy

Ballintoy is a picturesque village is well worth a quick stop off too, to take some photos. Its rugged coastline offers breathtaking views, especially at the iconic Ballintoy Harbour, which served as another filming location in “Game of Thrones” – it was portrayed as the rugged Iron Islands.

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is close to here and is a must-visit too (as long as you’re not afraid of heights that is!) – because this thrilling bridge sits suspended 100 feet above the ocean.

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yep, this geological marvel was formed around 60 million years ago thanks to volcanic activity. It features approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that create a surreal landscape reminiscent of a massive, ancient staircase leading into the sea.

Beyond its striking appearance, the Causeway is steeped in folklore, with legends suggesting it was built by the giant Finn McCool as a bridge to Scotland.

The visitor center here is well worth a visit, too, as it offers interactive exhibits that delve into the site’s geology and mythology.

🛏️ Where to stay for the Giant’s Causeway: We like the Bushmills Inn Hotel, a historic hotel that offers traditional charm and modern comfort, and it’s located just a few miles from the Giant’s Causeway. The Causeway Hotel is another great option, and it’s excellently rated. It offers cozy rooms and personalized service

Bushmills Distillery

Located just 2 miles from the Giant’s Causeway, it’s the perfect spot for a whiskey tasting. Because Bushmills is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with official documentation dating back to 1608, when the area first received its license to distill. More than 400 years later, whiskey production continues in Bushmills, sustained by the expertise and craftsmanship handed down through generations.

Dunluce Castle

Located just outside Bushmills, Dunluce Castle is perched dramatically on the edge of a basalt cliff. This medieval fortress offers stunning panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Antrim coastline. Rich with history, it dates back to the 13th century, with tales of battles, sieges, and even ghostly legends. The picturesque ruins inspire a sense of wonder and intrigue, and it’s an ideal spot for photographers.

Map your route:

Renting a Car in Ireland

When it comes to driving in Ireland, choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs. If you’re planning to explore rural areas or rugged landscapes, consider renting a compact or four-wheel-drive vehicle, which will handle narrow, winding roads more efficiently. Be sure to book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.

The cost of renting a car in Ireland can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.

• Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around €300 per week for a manual (stick shift) economy car; this will rise to around €350 during the peak months of June, July and August.
• Try to rent your vehicle from major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, and Limerick. That’s because car hire companies in smaller cities tend to have fewer and more expensive options.
• Book as small a car as you can manage!
• We highly recommend selecting fully comprehensive car insurance. The roads and car parking spaces in Ireland are narrow, so it will quell your fears of getting a bump or scratch. Check if your credit card insurance covers this (some do!)

Thanks for reading!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my suggested road trip for your drive from Dublin to the Giant’s Causeway. As you can guess, it’s a very popular route because Ireland’s largest airport is in Dublin and many tourists land there and make a beeline for the Antrim Coast (where the Giant’s Causeway is the shining star!)