North Antrim Cliff Path – Dunseverick to Giant’s Causeway
This well maintained walkway follows a key section of the longer Causeway Coast Way & Ulster Way. Nearly 5 miles in length, this section of coast from Giant’s Causeway to Dunseverick Castle is officially referred to as the North Antrim Cliff Path (& maintained by The National Trust). The spectacular cliff landscape & rich biodiversity of the coast merges effortlessly with the surrounding farmland, where grazing cattle and sheep are common place. And it is this mix of conservation & working farm practices which have created rich mosaics of wild habitats for birds, plants & insects. And the built heritage is note-worthy, with the promontory fort and later stone castle of Dunseverick Castle being an added interest.
Portballintrae Beach is a very popular attraction nearby.
County Antrim
Distance 4.6 miles
OS Map Sheet 4 or Causeway Coast and Glens Activity Map
Terrain Grassy cliff edge paths, stiles
Nearest Town Bushmills
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference C945440
Route Type Coastal, Hill
This linear walk can be walked in either direction. We suggest parking at the Giant’s Causeway and taking the Causeway Rambler bus to Dunseverick (Translink Service 402 operational during the Summer months only or Translink Service 172 operational all year) before walking back towards the Causeway. Alternatively, for those wanting to soak up the views in both directions you can retrace your steps as the route can be walked in either direction.
This particular walk begins at Dunseverick Castle carpark and heads off the beaten track to explore some of Ireland’s best coastal views. Dunseverick Castle was once a ‘royal site’ with a history of resident Ulster clans, the great road north from Tarra ending here, raiding Vikings and even St Patrick are all associated with this site.
As you leave the castle ruins, the cliffs gradually fall in height and a section of the path goes through open farmland. This is an organic farm owned by the National Trust, so grazing cows will be a common sight & the walker should respect the livestock & keep all dogs on leads. The walker usually has to give way to County Antrim cattle.
Having walked approximately 1 mile of this trail, you can expect to be uninterrupted with the exception of an occasional back packer or passing peregrine falcon. The rare Chough are also an occasional visitor along this coast, unfortunately declining in recent years and only breeding on Rathlin Island at present.
For the next 2 miles, the walker is greeted with some of the finest cliff scenery in Europe, with attractively named headlands/bays such as: Port Moon (the largest bay where a salmon fishery was once located – look for the old remaining fisherman’s bothy), Portnabrock, Bengore Head, Benbane Head, Hamiliton’s Seat, Plaiskin Head, The King & his nobles and Port na Spaniagh.
Following the North Antrim Cliff Path you will be looking down into ‘The Amphitheatre’ – a spectacular bay, only accessible to nesting fulmars, jackdaws and occasional black guillemots. Below you will soon see a constant flow of visitors to Ireland’s top visited outdoor attraction. Proceed along the cliff top path and at the last headland (Weir’s Snout) – one of the best panoramic views of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site can be had. From here descend the ‘Shepherds Steps’ (162 to be exact!) to meet the famous stones. Spend time exploring this natural wonder up close before heading back to the car park and visitor centre.
Although you are welcome to walk this walk free of charge guided tours with knowledgable guides are also available direct from Belfast with Away A Wee Walk or through the National Trust at the Giant’s Causeway.
World Heritage Site, Benbane Head, Dunseverick Castle
Both Giant’s Causeway & Dunseverick are well sign posted c/o the Causeway Coastal Route, both from Bushmills and Ballycastle.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept on leads
Toilets, Tea Room and Gift Shop at Giant’s Causeway start point. For more information, please see link below.
No toilets at Dunseverick Castle car park end point. Here there is free car parking, picnic tables, interpretation & a bus stop.
Grade 5
- There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
- Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
- Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
- Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
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Walk Route
North Antrim Cliff Path – Dunseverick to Giant’s Causeway
A stunning walk with breath-taking views at every turn. Even at the beginning of July I had the walk almost entirely to myself. Incredibly peaceful. Paths very well maintained throughout.
Route description gave me the impression that there might be cattle on the footpath – which made me nervous as I’m scared of cows having once been chased by them. In fact, the entire footpath is fenced off from the fields so I felt completely at ease.
Can’t recommend too highly.
Amazing views . The time it takes depends on how many times you stop to look at the views.
Took us 3 hours in hot weather from dunseverick castle to the causeway visitor centre stopping at every viewing point & taking our time.
Took 1hr 20 min walking from causeway to dunseverick castle in normal cool weather with no stops at brisk walking pace .
Some hills, lots of steps. Not busy . Stunning views.
Older kids would manage
The most stunning stretch of the coastal path without doubt. Spectacular scenery. I walked this with three children aged 11, 8 and 4 in two sections. From Dunseverick to the half way point and back and then from the Causeway and back. Given that it’s a cliff path it probably goes without saying but there are very steep drops so keep little ones close by and save it for a calm day.