What to do in Castlerock

Activities, attractions and tours
Castlerock

Places to Visit in Castlerock

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Castlerock, Coleraine while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Castlerock attractions from NZ$72, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Castlerock tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 8 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Castlerock. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Giant's Causeway

Around 40,000 basalt columns were pushed up through the earth to create the Giant's Causeway. It is a striking and strange sight; one which has drawn in hordes of tourists since the 19th century. Today, the Giant's Causeway is owned by the National Trust, and impeccably preserved. The poster pin-up for Northern Ireland's tourism industry, it is an absolute must-see.
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Giant\'s Causeway showing general coastal views, a monument and heritage elements

2. Old Bushmills Distillery

Ireland today has very few functioning distilleries. Not only is the Old Bushmills Distillery still making whiskey, it is widely considered to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Whether or not you're a whiskey fan, Old Bushmills Distillery is a fascinating visitor attraction. 120,000 people come here every year.
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Old Bushmills Distillery showing signage

3. Dunluce Castle

It's thought that the first Dunluce Castle was built in the 13th century by Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster. By the 16th century, it was in the hands of the McQuillans. These were a powerful family who became the Lords of Route. Later, the castle became the seat of the Earl of Antrim, before it was abandoned after the Battle of the Boyne.
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Dunluce Castle which includes château or palace, a ruin and rugged coastline

4. The Dark Hedges

The Stuart family, who wished to impress visitors to their home in the nearby Gracehill House, planted the beech trees here some 200 years ago. It is quite apparent from a visit here just how successful they were, as the Dark Hedges still astound visitors today.
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As if the undulating Irish countryside wasn’t magical enough, close to the town of Ballymoney you can treat yourself to a magical and mysterious moment with a visit to the Dark Hedges. This breathtaking avenue of gnarled beech trees lines the Bregagh Road close to the village of Armoy in County Antrim.

5. Portrush East Strand Beach

Portrush Beach is a shoreline that attracts vacationers from Belfast in the summer. It is split into several picturesque parts with their own distinct charms. Visit a different section of beach each day for a varied experience of dunes, sandy stretches and a tall sculpture that adorns the coastline.
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Portrush Beach featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

6. Castlerock Beach

Castlerock Beach is a sandy area with picturesque dunes and sea cliffs. Standing between the rugged coastline of Downhill and an estuary, the serene shore has an RV park and a golf course. Explore the shops and traditional restaurants of this quaint coastal town and appreciate the calm ambiance.
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Castlerock Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Discover the most popular places to visit in Castlerock

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Mussenden Temple

This stone temple might only be small, but it's perfectly crafted. The location is pretty breathtaking too.

Mussenden Temple
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Bishops Gate

Situated on the cliff top above the North Atlantic, the 18th Century mansion at Downhill would have once been a magnificent home.

Bishops Gate
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Causeway Speciality Market

You can learn about the history of Coleraine with a stop at Causeway Speciality Market. Stroll along the seaside in this quaint area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Causeway Speciality Market
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Downhill Palace

Find out about the history of Coleraine when you take a trip to Downhill Palace. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Downhill Palace
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Castlerock Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Castlerock at Castlerock Golf Course. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Castlerock Golf Course
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Moorbrook trout fishery

Enjoy an outing to Moorbrook trout fishery during your stay in Coleraine. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Moorbrook trout fishery
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Damhead Miniature Railway

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Damhead Miniature Railway as part of your trip to Coleraine. Stroll along the riverfront or discover the area's countryside.

Damhead Miniature Railway
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Hezlett House

Find out about the history of Castlerock when you spend time at Hezlett House. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Hezlett House

Day trip destinations from Castlerock

Mussenden Temple which includes general coastal views

Coleraine