We said our goodbyes to Dublin, and headed to HERTZ to pick up our rental car. This was the moment of truth, just how bizarre was it going to feel flipping my driving muscle memory? Renting a car allows for freedom you cannot get when on someone else’s schedule.
I’d say it only took me the entire first day to become comfortable with the driving situation. My copilot might tell you otherwise, but I successfully drove the entire trip and dare I say miss driving opposite?
From Dublin we were to head north for a few days, starting in Belfast and settling down for two nights at Glendona House – the B&B that would forever change my views on quality food, and allowing someone else to make my breakfast.
I was sold on staying in bed and breakfasts because I wanted to meet locals. The hosts of this house were so kind, and the food was delicious. The house was in the heart of the country, you can’t get much more Ireland than this. There were horses, and pigs, and cows, OH MY.
The real selling point though? The swings.
Our plans for Northern Ireland were to visit a few of the destinations on the Causeway Coastal Route. In writing this post I’ve discovered there are so many stops, which just means I need to go back. I will highlight the Six that we visited.
Belfast
I recommend starting the route in Belfast. There are a few ticket items you can do here, but the big kahuna, and the reason we went was to visit the Titanic Exhibit. I am a history novice, and had no idea that the Titanic was built in Belfast. Learning more about the process of this historical ship was surreal.
Not to mention looking at the exact spot that it was built and sent off? Yes.
The building was meant to replicate the actual size of the ship. Woof.
The exact location the Titanic was built, and sent off. Surreal.
Dunluce Castle
Because a historical castle the size of a small town on the edge of the coast? Done. Plus the drive there was full of green rolling hills. With cows.
Giants Causeway
Unique rock formations, 100% nature made. With large green cliffs. Must I continue?
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
Built to assist fisherman in catching Atlantic salmon many moons ago, this rickety rope bridge is open to the public for brave souls to walk across. It’s only a 100ft drop. No big deal. Oh, and the walk to the bridge? Breathtaking.
The Dark Hedges
Any Game of Thrones fans out there? These trees were so legit. Plus per usual – the drive there was full of sheep and greeeeeen.
Caves of Cushendun
Another GOT filming location, I’m glad my copilot Sam is a fan of the show. Regardless of if you watch the show (I do not), the caves were cool and the town was cute. Cushendun even has a town goat. Like a pet. Because, why not?
When nature calls….top two coolest places I’ve ever…yea.
Aside from the Titanic Exhibit which we visited on the drive into N. Ireland, we were able to hit the other five locations in one fell swoop. We planned a driving loop in the order listed above – it was perfect. Needless to say we were pretty hungry by the end of this day.
It was here, in Northern Ireland, that I had the best fish and chips of my life. And of the trip. I warned you all, I ate EVERYTHING. I went plant based for ethical reasons, but in Europe the standards are much different. I’m also rewiring my brain after a two year journey of disordered eating.
If you’re interested in hearing more about my views on ethical agriculture in Europe and why I chose to partake in foods I wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole in the states, I’ll be sharing more in future posts. No this is not my new norm, but in Europe I made a conscious decision to eat it all. 🙂
Mushy peas both sound and look like something you’d find in an infants diaper, but I assure you the taste is astronomical. Who’da thunk it. This plate of finesse was found at Harry’s Licensed Restaurant. Worth the wait, I can still taste the quality.
Travel Tip: When given the option of GPS or WiFi for your rental car, choose GPS. WiFi doesn’t work in all county’s. We chose WiFi, were not told it didn’t work up north, and momentarily panicked when we had no idea where we were (yes we had a real life map, but we’re also millennials.) HERTZ to the rescue with a complimentary GPS. So we had both. Still, get the GPS.
Blissfulbritt 
58 thoughts on “Causeway Coastal Route, N. Ireland”
Minnie VII
Great post, I am from London and looking forward to reading the differences between ethical agriculture in Europe and the US.
Brittany
Your country has amazing food.
rootchopper
Great pix. Good to hear your swoop fell.
Brittany
Was a grand day. ✌🏻
SHRADHA099
Wow!! Amazing landscape and stunning pictures.. 🙂
Brittany
This was surely a day I’ll never forget.
afifafaisal98
lovely pictures 🙂
Brittany
Thank you! 🙏🏻
Alicia
This is great! I’m going to Ireland in September and I’m a bit worried about the driving, but I’ll take your word for it, I can do this. Can’t wait!! (And can’t wait to see more of your trip!)
Brittany
I promise, it’s wayyyy overhyped in your head! Just go slow until you’re comfortable, and move out of the way to let others pass. 😝
Ellie
I look forward to reading your future posts about the ethical standards in Europe. Although I don’t know if I could do that, I understand why you did. It’s cool man 🙂
Brittany
I don’t know how I did, and if it were two years ago I wouldn’t have, but psychology is a bizarre and fascinating thing. Always appreciate your support. ❤
Amy
1) THAT SWING!! Oh my goodness, I could swing for hours and never get tired. Well, my legs might… But my heart wouldn’t!
2) I’ve never watched the Titanic movie… But I do love history {although not as much as you, I’m guessing} and would’ve loved to visit the exhibit. That looks incredible!
3) Castle ruins are my weakness!!! I would’ve begged to stay there all day… Although I probably would’ve missed out on the rest of your drive’s gorgeous scenery!
4) There’s a “tree tunnel” similar to that in our favorite vacation spot on Kauai! So many fond memories. 🙂
Can’t wait to see what else you have to share!!
Brittany
The beauty of loving castle ruins, is that they are EVERYWHERE. Including inside a MALL because they cherish their history so much. It blew me away how even the smallest wall of a leftover castle was left to stand.
Anthony
Beautiful words.
Beautiful pictures.
Thanks Britt.
Brittany
Thank you. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
thistleamy5
Brittany – GREAT post – looks like you had many of these places to yourself. Gorgeous photos. I drove west Ireland with my Mom – poor thing she had to endure my learning to drive on the other side. I agree you get used to it but every now and then (especially coming out of those traffic circles) I would totally freak on what side I was supposed to be on.
Brittany
THOSE DAMN ROUND ABOUTS. They’re everywhere and I don’t know if I ever quite figured it out. I just stayed in the far left lane most of the time. 😂
I’m a photo ninja and waited for people to move to get empty shots. 😝
Angie
Love your pics!
Brittany
Thank you! And thanks for sticking with me despite the fish consumption. ❤ I did have the best vegan mac and cheese ever at the Titanic exhibit. You'd have loved it.
Angie
Of course, fish or not, whatever. You’re still my friend. 🙂 I bet the mac and cheese was indeed yummy. I actually had a craving for it the other day.
sbhopper8
Sounds like a fantastic trip! Loved those great photos, especially the one of the swing.
Brittany
I can’t get enough of the entire vacation. 🙂
GiGi Eats Celebrities
I love you and I love that you went BALLS OUT in Ireland!!!!!!!!!
Your photos are seriously epic and made me feel as though I was there with you – and we were texting the whole time, so… I basically was!
Brittany
You basically were. We spoke everyday still. I’m gonna give you crap when you go abroad again and we don’t speak for a few days. 😘
evolvewithmary
Bye Bye Dublin! I’m so proud of your driving skills Brittany, very impressive. Ohhh Glendona House looks precious, I love how the B&B owners make you breakfast in Europe, it’s a true bonding experience. Visiting castles abroad is so much fun, Dunluce castle looks pretty darn cool. Even there trees have personality. OMG this fish and chips look like the real deal. I’m loving this trip so far!
Brittany
Girlllll I’m loving the recaps. I haven’t let go of this place, not sure I ever will. 🤗
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stateeats
THAT BRIDGE? YOU WALKED ACROSS IT?? O.M.G. Love those GOT trees even tho I haven’t watched a minute of the show. And that first pic with that huge building standing in for the Titanic – geez! Glad you got to eat ALL THE FOOD! I am living vicariously through your pictures. Ireland is on my bucket list -Kat
Brittany
You must go!!! MUST.
Katherine
Those trees! Love them
Brittany
They are so cool!
P
SHEEP! That castle looks enchanting and those rock formations are so intriguing! I wanted to get vegan fish n chips in London but it didn’t happen. I did get a lot of chips in me during my stay in the UK though!
Brittany
They had vegan fish and chips!? I ate so many chips omg.
Allie Zottola
You are one brave soul to drive in another country! The opposite side of the road! Gah! I think I’d be able to do it… but I don’t know.. haha.
I love that you stayed at B&Bs… and one with a swing?! YES.
Also, how neat that you got to visit where he Titanic was built and sent off. That is super cool!
Brittany
The freedom you get with a car makes the initial discomfort worth it!
notdonner
Great pictures! My wife and I loved visiting Northern Ireland and Dublin a couple summers ago. Wonderful people, made lifelong friends on that trip. Beautiful country. It is funny how we Americans contrast with the Irish even to HOW we eat,,,
Brittany
The Irish culture just resonates with me so much more than my American upbringing. They’re doing things right over there. 👍🏻
samstarbucks
I loooove all about your trip, the pics, the folks you met, the stories you brought home. Now when driving, didnyou ever indicate with your windshield wipers? Or turn on the blinker to get the rain off your windshield? Happened to me in New Zealand like ALL THE TIME!! 😂
Brittany
Ahhhaha surprisingly I didn’t do that! 😂
dave379
Wow to those trees! And the road with the trees. And the rope bridge and hexagon rocks before them. Also… I love the mushy peas line, literally laugh out loud.
Brittany
Lolol those peas were everything.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
These pictures are surreal, especially the ones from the rope bridge. Sometimes just taking in the scenery in the country is my favorite part.
I love Game of Thrones. You on the other hand would not. Blows kiss.
Brittany
Bahaha I want to watch the show just because I’ve been to all these places.
Rach
Oh my gracious, all so amazing! This is what I think of when I think of Ireland! Which is why it’s on my must-see list!
Brittany
I can’t wait to return.
Angela
Reading this brings back so many memories of my trips to Ireland…and not being brave enough to walk that rope bridge haha! The Titanic Museum wasn’t open to the public yet last time I visited but we visited the dock.
I’m not a fan of mushy peas but that fish and chips looks phenomonal, my mouth is watering!!
Brittany
Let’s go back so you can walk the bridge!!!
Angela
Sounds like a plan!!!!!
Rachael @ Catch Me If You Can
that fog makes everything looke errie and mystical. i bet you loved it 😀 that fish and chips!!!!!!! nom nom, so glad you made a decision to eat all the things!!!!! those black and white cows though!!
Brittany
I DID love it!!
Josh dV
I’m pretty sure all of these are my favorite pics from your trip!
So beautiful! The castles oh the castles!
Brittany
Sameee!
Kayse
Ok, all the sights in this post are stunning. I seriously can’t believe those rock formations in/at Giants Causeway. The rope bridge, though, nope. nope. nope.
Brittany
That bridge was crazzzyyy.
AnsNetwork
good collection of pictures.
Brittany
Thank you! 🙏🏻
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