Ireland Study Abroad day 4: Northern Ireland’s coastal treasures
Our fourth day in Ireland was a breathtaking road trip up the Antrim Coast—one of the most scenic drives in the world—packed with iconic landmarks, charming towns, coastal views, and just enough unexpected adventure to make it unforgettable.
We kicked off our day winding along the Causeway Coastal Route, with the rugged cliffs and crashing waves of the North Atlantic providing the perfect backdrop. Our first stop was the quaint seaside town of Ballycastle, known for its beautiful beach, charming harbor, and the gateway to Rathlin Island. We enjoyed the picturesque seaside Village while we stretched our legs, taking in the serene morning air.
Next up was the scenic overlook at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. While we didn’t cross the swaying rope bridge itself, we stopped at the overlook to soak in the jaw-dropping coastal views. The bridge connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede and has been used by salmon fishermen for over 350 years. It’s now a National Trust site and a favorite stop for thrill-seekers and photographers alike.
From there, we continued along the coast to one of Northern Ireland’s most famous natural wonders—the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a surreal landscape of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity—or, if you prefer legend, by the giant Finn McCool. We walked along the causeway, climbed the columns, and marveled at how nature (or giants) could create something so geometrically perfect.
By then, our appetites were calling, and we answered with a visit to Bushmills, a town famed for the Old Bushmills Distillery, which dates back to 1608. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of fresh local fare and indulged in a bit of whiskey. The smooth, slightly smoky flavor of Bushmills’ signature spirits made for the perfect midday pause.
In the afternoon, we explored the ruins of Dunluce Castle, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is steeped in legend and history, including tales of kitchens collapsing into the sea. Our visit there took an unexpected turn when the bumper of our bus fell off! Luckily, the weather was on our side—sunny skies and warm breezes—and no one minded the extended stay. In fact, an ice cream truck was on site and saved the day. It turns out, there’s nothing quite like enjoying some soft serve while admiring the windswept ruins of a medieval castle.
Our final stop of the day was the Dark Hedges, a hauntingly beautiful avenue of beech trees made famous by Game of Thrones. The twisting branches formed a natural tunnel that was both eerie and enchanting, especially as the late afternoon light filtered through the leaves.
After our return to Belfast, Sean Alley and I wrapped up the day with a perfect evening at Common Market—a trendy food and drink hub in the city. We grabbed some delicious bites and listened to live music echoing through the lively space. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
And just like that, our time in Belfast comes to a close. Tomorrow, we head to Dublin for the next chapter of our Irish adventure!