The A2 Antrim Coast Road is one of the most scenic drives in the British Isles. Here's your complete guide to driving Northern Ireland's famous coastal road.
The Antrim Coast Road (A2) is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the British Isles — stretching from Belfast Lough in the south to Portrush and the Giant's Causeway in the north. Here's your complete guide to driving this magnificent road.
The Route The A2 begins at the outskirts of Belfast and follows the east Antrim coast northward to Larne, before continuing as the Antrim Coast Road through the nine Glens of Antrim to Ballycastle, and then westward along the north Antrim coast to Portrush and the Giant's Causeway.
Total distance: approximately 80 miles from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway Estimated driving time (without stops): 2 hours With stops: Allow a full day
Key Stops (North from Belfast/Larne)
The Gobbins The Gobbins cliff path at Islandmagee is one of Northern Ireland's most dramatic experiences — a series of bridges and pathways cut into the face of a basalt headland above the sea. Pre-booking is essential.
Carnfunnock Country Park A large country park between Larne and Glenarm with beautiful gardens, a maze, and coastal walks.
Glenarm The first and arguably most beautiful of the Antrim villages — Glenarm has a charming harbour, the Barbican Gate of Glenarm Castle, and excellent seafood restaurants.
Carnlough A pretty harbour village used as a Game of Thrones filming location for the canals of Braavos (Season 6).
Glenariff Forest Park The most impressive of the nine Glens of Antrim, with a spectacular waterfall trail through ancient forest. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the main walk.
Cushendall The 'Capital of the Glens' — a charming village with a distinctive red sandstone curfew tower.
Cushendun A National Trust-owned village of distinctive white cottages, with dramatic caves on the shoreline (used in Game of Thrones as Melisandre's cave).
Torr Head A short detour from the main road offers the most dramatic views across the Irish Sea to Scotland (just 13 miles away at this point).
Fair Head 100-metre basalt cliffs with panoramic views to Rathlin Island and Scotland. One of Northern Ireland's most dramatic viewpoints.
Ballycastle A lively market town with a good beach, great pubs, and the ferry to Rathlin Island.
Ballintoy Harbour An exquisite tiny harbour used as the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge The famous rope bridge — pre-booking essential through the National Trust.
Giant's Causeway The end point of the coast road and Northern Ireland's most iconic landmark.
Driving Tips - The A2 is a single carriageway road with some sections that are quite narrow. Take care when meeting oncoming traffic. - Pull-in points allow cars to pass safely on tight sections. - Some of the Glens roads are steep and winding — take your time. - Mobile signal can be poor in the glens — download offline maps.
Private Guided Tour vs Self-Drive Self-driving the Antrim Coast Road is a great option for confident drivers who prefer independence. However, a private guided tour allows you to fully enjoy the scenery without concentrating on narrow roads, and your expert guide will share stories and local knowledge that transform the experience.
Our Antrim Coast Tour and Causeway Coastal Route Tour cover the route's highlights with expert commentary. Contact Belfast Transfers and Tours to book.