Belfast Arrival & Antrim Coast Adventure – 8 Days

Day 1: Arrival & Drive to Ballylinny

Morning: Arrive at Belfast Harbour at 14:00 and pick up your rental car. Begin the scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road, enjoying sea‑views as you head toward Ballylinny Cottages.

Afternoon: Stop for a leisurely lunch at the charming village of Cushendall, sampling fresh seafood and local specialties before continuing the short drive to the cottage.

Evening: Settle into HPB Ballylinny Cottages, unwind on the garden patio and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby inn.

Day 2: Giant’s Causeway & Carrick‑a‑Rede

Morning: Explore the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway, walking the basalt columns and visitor centre.

Afternoon: Head to the historic Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge for a short hike and panoramic views of the coastline.

Evening: Return to Ballylinny for a home‑cooked dinner, perhaps joining fellow guests for a communal meal.

Day 3: Cushendall Village & Mussenden Temple

Morning: Stroll through the picturesque streets of Cushendall Village, browsing artisan shops and a local bakery.

Afternoon: Drive to the dramatic cliffside ruin of Mussenden Temple, taking the short trail to the viewpoint.

Evening: Dine out in the seaside town of Portstewart, enjoying fresh fish and chips by the harbour.

Day 4: Dunseverick & Dunluce Castles

Morning: Visit the ancient fort of Dunseverick Castle, exploring the ruins and coastal path.

Afternoon: Continue to the iconic cliff‑top ruin of Dunluce Castle, climbing the steps for spectacular sea views.

Evening: Return to the cottages for a relaxed evening, perhaps a board‑game night with fellow travelers.

Day 5: The Dark Hedges & Kayaking

Morning: Walk beneath the famous avenue of beech trees at the Dark Hedges, a perfect photo spot.

Afternoon: Head to the nearby lake for a guided kayaking session, paddling among the stunning shoreline.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner out in Bangor, sampling local Irish cuisine and live music.

Day 6: Paddle‑Boarding & Coastal Walk

Morning: Take advantage of calm waters with a paddle‑boarding lesson near Ballylinny.

Afternoon: Follow a gentle coastal walk from Ballintoy Harbour to the cliffs, spotting wildlife and sea‑birds.

Evening: Have a quiet dinner at the cottage, perhaps grilling fresh catches bought earlier in the day.

Day 7: Free Day – Choose Your Adventure

Morning: Optional visit to the historic town of Coleraine for shopping and museum tours.

Afternoon: Relax on the beach at Portrush or revisit a favourite site from earlier in the week.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a group dinner at a local gastropub, sharing highlights of the trip.

Day 8: Departure

Morning: Pack up and enjoy a farewell breakfast at the cottage.

Afternoon: Drive back to Belfast, returning the rental car and strolling through the city centre for any last‑minute souvenirs.

Evening: Depart from Belfast Harbour, taking with you memories of the Antrim Coast.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Giant’s Causeway – 2 hours, £12 entry
• Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge – 1 hour, £5 bridge fee
• Cushendall Village – 2 hours, £0 (self‑guided)
• Mussenden Temple – 1.5 hours, £8 entry
• Dunseverick Castle – 1 hour, £0 (free ruin)
• Dunluce Castle – 1.5 hours, £8 entry
• Dark Hedges – 45 minutes, £0 (free)
• Kayaking session – 2 hours, £30 per person
• Paddle‑boarding – 2 hours, £25 per person
• Coastal walk (Ballintoy) – 2 hours, £0
• Optional Coleraine visit – 2 hours, £0
• Meals out (3 nights) – approx. £45 per dinner, total £135
• Accommodation (7 nights at HPB Ballylinny) – £110 per night, total £770
• Car rental & fuel – approx. £350
Total Estimated Cost: £1,381

Tips

If you’d like to extend your stay, consider adding an extra night in Belfast to explore the Titanic Museum and vibrant Cathedral Quarter. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 5 and Day 6 activities—swap kayaking for a shorter paddle‑boarding session and skip the optional Coleraine visit, still capturing the highlights of the Antrim Coast in six full days.