Adventure Awaits - Explore the North Coast
People from all over the world come to visit Northern Ireland and specifically the North Coast to experience the spectacular scenery and natural beauty that it offers. It is this which has attracted many filmmakers to the area and one Game of Thrones franchise has drawn many of its fans to sites such as Ballintoy Harbour and The Dark Hedges.
The Giants Causeway - A Must See Coastal Treasure
One of the most famous and stunning attractions is the Giant’s Causeway which was created by volcanic action 60 million years ago. However, one of the greatest legends in folklore involves the story that the giant Fionn McCumhaill (Finn McCool) actually created the causeway in a bid to reach his nemesis in Scotland.
Places Of Interest To Visit By Car
Dunluce Castle
Giants Causeway
Bushmills Distillery
- Portstewart Golf Club : 5 minutes
- Portstewart Strand: 4 minutes
- Mussenden Temple/Downhill Demesne: 25 minutes
- Benone Beach: 30 minutes
- Lough Foyle Ferry: 54 minutes
- City of Derry/Londonderry: 60 minutes
- Coleraine: 10 minutes
- Portrush: 10 minutes
- Royal Portrush Golf Club: 11 minutes
- Magheracross View Point: 15 minutes
- Dunluce Castle: 16 minutes
- Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge: 30 minutes
- Bushmills Distillery: 20 minutes
- Ballintoy Harbour: 30 minutes
- Giants Causeway: 25 minutes
- Ballycastle: 40 minutes
- Rathlin Island: 40 minute drive to Ballycastle and then take the ferry
- Ballycastle to Rathlin Ferry
- The Dark Hedges: 30 minutes
- Belfast: 1hr 15 minutes
Check out the following web pages for more information on things to do and places to see while staying at Mount Oriel:
Mussenden Temple
A Must See Along the Coast
Mussenden Temple which was built in the 18th Century. It perches on the cliff edge near Castlerock and is one of Ireland’s most photographed places. During your stay, it is well worth a visit as the views are breathtaking. It is a twenty minute drive from Portstewart.
Go Exploring
Causeway Coastal Route
Drive two miles to the west of Portstewart and you will come to the seaside town of Portrush with its amusements, beaches and the world famous Royal Portrush Golf Club. The Open Championship was held here in 2017 and the 153rd Open Championship in 2025.
Magheracross Viewpoint and Dunluce Castle - Wild Beauty and Dramatic History
Continue on the Coast Road and you will come to Magheracross View Point with its purpose built viewing platform offering panoramic views of the coastline and you can see the ruins of the mediaeval Dunluce Castle which is steeped in myths and legends.
Raise a Glass at Bushmills Whiskey Distillery
Stop off at the world’s oldest Whiskey Distillery in Bushmills and then follow the signs for the Giant's Causeway which is Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another scenic stop off is the most picturesque Ballintoy Harbour which was a filming location For Game of Thrones. Visit here early as it can get really busy. On round the coast is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which is suspended about 30m (100ft) above the sea. The first bridge was used by salmon fishermen 350 years ago, and it is now a really popular tourist attraction. Pre-booking your tickets is essential.
From Ballycastle to Rathlin - Puffin Spotting and Coastal Beauty
Keep driving and you will come to the town of Ballycastle which is famous for its Lammas Fair. You can also board a ferry here to Rathlin Island where you can watch seals basking in the sun and if you are lucky enough, you can see Puffins nesting on the cliff face. Ballycastle is also the gateway to the Glens of Antrim where there are some fantastic walks.
