Northern Ireland's Coastal Route

Northern Ireland's A2 often finds itself topping lists of the world's most beautiful roads - and with its pretty villages, wave-surfing camber and ruined castles, there's certainly plenty to see along the way. Driving north from Belfast, the Antrim coast will soon reveal its naturally crafted beauty and charming superstitions.

Setting off

The 193km (120 miles) Causeway Coastal Route is clearly signposted as soon as you leave Belfast; follow these signs and you can't go wrong. Before long, the dramatic coastal scenes will begin to unfold - as will the nine Glens of Antrim. Each of these valleys is riddled with fairies and folklore and each has a wild and unspoilt beauty. The one not miss is Glenariff - known as the queen of the glens for its waterfalls and scenic path that runs close to a plunging gorge.

Bays, beaches and views

White Park Bay is 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sandy shores, sweeping bays and well-varied grassland - geologists, botanists and archaeologists all find things of interest here.

For views stretching out to Scotland, follow the coastal route up to Torr Head. At just 19km (12 miles) from Northern Ireland's favourite Celtic neighbour, the views (which you have to bypass some sheep to reach) are understandably panoramic.

Also popular is Magilligan Beach, close to Coleraine, famous for its sand dunes which also double up as a golf course and caravan park.

The main attraction

Formed either by volcanic lava or a local giant, the hexagonal formations at the Giant's Causeway seem to defy the laws of nature. Northern Ireland's most visited attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site, thousands of hexagonally shaped basalt columns rise up from the shore. Created 60 million years ago, some are as high as 160m (525ft).

Along the way, the site of the wreckage of the Armada treasure ship ‘Girona' is found at Port-na-Spaniagh. The walking trail is literally cut out from the cliff face so you're sure to be rewarded with some lovely views.

Another big draw in the region is the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, near Ballintoy. Swinging 24m (79ft) above the sea, the 18m (59ft) wobbly bridge can prove a little too precarious for some. The walk down to it has sweeping views over the water to Scotland, even if you don't make it across.

Castles and gardens

Visit Glenarm Castle, one of Northern Ireland's oldest estates. Aside from the beautiful building itself, there's a walled garden to explore that hosts an annual tulip festival.

The ruined Dunluce Castle is spectacularly perched on a rocky cliff edge over the North Atlantic, so close to the sea that it lost its kitchens and seven cooks to it one night in the 17th century. Drive past at night and it's even more spectacular.

Another fortified ancestral home awaits at Dungiven Castle - home of the O'Cahan clan who ruled the area between the 12th and 17th centuries. Set in truly magnificent grounds and overlooking some particularly beautiful countryside, the castle is also a hotel with a special turret room for guests.

Towns to call in at

Whisky fans will want to make sure they drop in on Bushmills, home to the Old Bushmills Distillery since 1608. See the mashing, fermenting and blending process on a tasting tour.

Experience the faded charms only a Victorian beach resort in Britain can reveal at Portrush and Portstewart. Both are popular bases for exploring the Causeway Coast. In Portrush, the main attraction is Barry's Amusements - the biggest amusement park in the whole of Ireland. The town has a cosmopolitan harbour, with lively restaurants that include the fashionable Ramore Wine Bar. Meanwhile in Portstewart, the strand is a centre for family holidays - with various beaches, walks and activities all on offer.

Buidlings not to miss

Out of Castlerock you'll soon reach Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. Sitting on the very edge of a sheer drop stands this 18th-century folly, originally inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta in Rome. The building is close to the ruins of Downhill Castle, set in extensive gardens, grounds and forest.

Also nearby is Hezlett House, one of the oldest buildings in Northern Ireland at 300 years, with timber frames dating from 1690. The thatched cottage has a cruck-tuss roof viewable from the attic.