Ireland has, in the past couple of years, achieved some recognizable fame from Hollywood movies such as the delightful “Leap Year” and the thoughtful yet tear-jerking “P.S. I Love You”. More notable is the Netflix original series “Game of Thrones” filmed and shot mostly in Belfast and on this very coast. I wanted to write a follow-up story on my experiences here, and perhaps give a clearer instruction on how to travel to this unique and one-of-a-kind coastline.
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“The Rambler ticket includes all buses in the North of Ireland and is quite a value.”
The easiest and most convenient way to travel around would definitely be to hire a car service for the day where the driver would pick you up from your hotel and tak you around according to a pre-planned itinerary. Likewise, you can also do a tour bus if you are traveling alone. For the cost conscious, we found it quite reasonable to obtain a Rambler ticket which can be purchased from bus stations or directly from drivers.
The Rambler ticket includes all buses in the North of Ireland and is quite a value. The easiest way to get to the Northern coast wher eyou have the most options would be to start at the Belfast Bus Station and take the Goldline Express 218 to an Irish town called Coleraine. From here, you can take multiple buses that can take you to many destinations.
In regards to taking a bus going along the Northern Ireland coast, you can take the Bus Rampler Service 402 which will go from Coleraine to the magical cliff-top Dunluce Castle, the cryptic Dunseverick Castle and the exceptional Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. As I recall, there is another Goldline Express which will take you directly to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast Bus Station. If you can catch that one, you could save time, as the Service 402 stops by the Giant’s Causeway as well. The only flaw I must add, in regards to taking the bus, is that the buses only stop at each stop every hour. So plan accourdingly and always keep an eye on the time.
It is sensible to note that in these ranges are three designated areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) specifically the Causeway Coast, the Antrim Coast & the Glens.
In my own experience, I can positively affirm that the views here are untouched and precisely in a class by itself as the seascapes you will see are distinctive and exclusive to this area. Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was a lot of fun – an experience so authentic and special that it is not only exhilarating, it will also motivate you to leave your very own comfort zones for the unknown. Here, I’ve learned the simple word to the wise that to win without risk is to triumph without glory.
The only drawback I can possibly think of is the verifiable truth that the best and finest months to travel in Ireland where it will be guaranteed warm and mostly sunny are the months of July and August. There was a record breaking heatwave when we went. But satirically, I would describe their hot spell as warm as a southern California spring. With that said, for those of you coming from warmer climates, you must definitely bring a compact yet proper rain coat or jacket. Truth be told, the Northern Ireland Coast will leave behind an impression that is incredible and exceptional. If rarity of experience is a measure, this place will definitely not disappoint.
Unquestionably, there is something about being in the countryside that puts my mind at ease. With the rolling hills placed side by side in this spectacular coastline, a road trip here is truly and completely unforgettable.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge | 119-A Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim BT54 6LS
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