Interactive map displaying Causeway Coast and Glens
About
The Causeway Coast and Glens district occupies the north coast of Northern Ireland, running from Magilligan and Castlerock in the west to Ballycastle in the east and inland to the Glens of Antrim. The coastline includes the Giant's Causeway — a basalt pavement of roughly 40,000 interlocking columns formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago — and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which links the mainland to Carrickarede Island and was used by salmon fishermen. Rathlin Island, the only inhabited offshore island of Northern Ireland, lies off the coast and supports seabird colonies including puffins and gannets.
Towns such as Coleraine, Portrush and Limavady sit within the district and serve as bases for exploring local heritage and landscapes. Dunluce Castle stands on a basalt outcrop with portions fallen into the sea, and Mussenden Temple occupies a cliff edge above Downhill Strand. The nine Glens of Antrim include Glenariff Forest Park, with a series of waterfalls and walking trails that lead down to coastal viewpoints. Ferry links, fishing harbours and golf courses form part of the area's transport and leisure network.