Around Ireland In 18 Days: A Coastal Road Trip Of A Lifetime (Full Itinerary)

Day 17. Finishing off the Causeway Coastal Route and Tipping on to Belfast

It’s hard to believe it, but we’re coming to the final stretch of our road trip.

We’re going to finish on a high, with one of the most unique coastal experiences in Ireland, before heading for a hike and pints in Carlingford.

Get up for 7:30 and on the road for 8:30.

1. The Cushendun Caves

If you stay in the place we recommended for night 16, you’ll be a handy 5-minute drive from the Cushendun Caves.

I love caves. They creep me out a little bit, which makes them all the more alluring. The Cushendun caves were formed over 400 million of years of extreme weather conditions.

They then shot to fame a few years back when they were used for filming during the Game of Thrones Series. They don’t take much time to explore, so head down and have a little ramble around.

2. The Gobbins Cliff Path Walk

We’re off to visit the Gobbins, next. This is a lengthy 1 hour and 11 minutes drive from the caves (allow for 2 and a half hours and arrive for 11:30).

The drive that’ll take you to the Gobbins is one to savour and take at your own pace. You’ll pass through picturesque little villages and drive alongside towering cliffs.

Stop the car when you feel like it and explore at will. We’re heading for a delightfully unique coastal experience – the Gobbins Cliff Path Walk.

The path wraps its way around the basalt cliffs over County Antrim’s jagged coastline – an architectural marvel considering it was designed over 100 years ago. Read more here.

3. Lunch in Belfast

When you finish up at the Gobbins, you’re a 40-minute drive from Belfast. When you arrive, it’s time to fuel up for the afternoon and evening ahead.

Make a beeline for the Ginger Bistro (or wherever tickles your fancy!). Get in, get fed and chill for a little while. We’ve a nice busy afternoon exploring Belfast ahead.

4. The Crumlin Road Gaol (arrive around 15:00)

The Crumlin Road Gaol, which dates back to 1845, closed its doors as a working prison in 1996 and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Opt for the guided tour of the prison which is led by a qualified tour guide who’ll take you through the history of the gaol.

The story begins at a time when women and children were held within its walls, through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners and ultimately its closure.

For those that take the tour, it’s hard not to feel a chill at times. It’s most notable when you’re standing at the tunnel that used to connect the Gaol to the Crumlin Road Courthouse.

It’s quite surreal walking the same route that thousands of prisoners took many years ago as they awaited to discover their fate.

5. A Black Cab Tour

When you finish up at the Gaol, it’s time to head off on a Black Cab tour (you need to book this in advance and arrange a location for collection).

You can’t visit Belfast without taking a Black Cab tour. The great thing about many of those that provide the Black Cab Tours is that you can choose exactly what you want to see.

For this trip, we’re going to recommend a tour of the political murals. The murals of the Falls and Shankill tell a graphic story of what is known as “The Troubles” in Ireland’s recent history.

I haven’t done of of these tours in a long, long time but, going by the cracking reviews online, Paddy Campbell’s Belfast Famous Black Cab Tours are well worth going with.

Jump in the cab, get comfy, and let your guide taking you through the city’s turbulent history.

6. Dinner and Drinks

When your cab tour finishes, it’s time to check into wherever you’re staying. If you’re looking for somewhere central and that’s good value, try the Holiday Inn.

After you’ve chilled for a while, head to Holohan’s Pantry for a bite to eat. From here, we’re going to head to a traditional pub with a tonne of character – the Crown Liquor Saloon.

Once know as one of the mightiest Victorian gin palaces, the pub dates back to 1826, and has played host to many a great night over the years. Enjoy your evening. We’ll get a bit of a lie-in in the morning.

Keith O'Hara

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.