Where to Stay on the Causeway Coast (Best Bases by Area)
One of the most common questions I see when people are planning a trip to the Causeway Coast is surprisingly simple: where should I actually base myself?
The Causeway Coast might look compact on a map, but choosing the right place to stay can completely change how your trip feels.
You'd be surprised how much there is to see and do in relatively short distances so it isn't as quick and easy as you may think. For example, I would recommend one day exploring Portrush, Whiterocks Beach, and Dunluce Castle, and this is all within a 10 minute drive.
Stay in the wrong spot and you’ll spend half your time backtracking. Stay in the right one and the whole coast flows naturally, with short, scenic drives and just enough flexibility to chase the weather.
I’ve done the Causeway Coast more than once, in different seasons, and this guide is written exactly as I travelled it, what worked, what I’d repeat, and what I’d avoid if it were my first time again.
It’s designed for first-time visitors, whether you’re planning a classic road trip, a long weekend, or a quieter winter escape.
If you’re looking for the best places to stay on the Causeway Coast, here’s how I’d break it down.
Check out my full guide to taking your first Causeway Coast road trip here.
How to Choose Where to Stay on the Causeway Coast
Before diving into specific towns, it helps to understand the layout. The Causeway Coast runs along Northern Ireland’s north coast, roughly between Portrush and Ballycastle, with Belfast about an hour away at the southern end.
However, whilst the coast officially may end at Ballycastle, you shouldn't stop there The coastline remains stunning all the way down to Larne as you travel through the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so I will be including that in this guide!
There’s no single “best” base, it depends on how many days you have, whether you’re travelling in summer or winter, and how much driving you’re happy to do.
In general:
Portrush and Portstewart work best for first-timers who want easy access, restaurants and coastal walks
Ballycastle is ideal if you’re continuing towards Torr Head or the Antrim Glens
Bushmills suits shorter stays near the Giant’s Causeway
Carnlough and the Glens are perfect for slower, more atmospheric trips (especially off-peak) and if you are on a longer Northern Irish road trip.
Portrush: Best Overall Base for First-Time Visitors
If you’re only staying in one place, Portrush is the easiest and most practical base on the Causeway Coast.
It’s well connected, lively without being overwhelming, and puts you within short driving distance of many of the coast’s biggest highlights. Dunluce Castle is just a 10 minute drive, the Giant’s Causeway just beyond, White Rocks Beach and Portstewart Strand too!
Portrush is especially great if you are bringing a dog with you. My first trip to Northern Ireland was a dog friendly road trip and everyone LOVED Baxter! In Portrush he was welcome into many shops, restaurants and hotels, and White Rocks is a great dog friendly beach on the Causeway Coast.
I stayed here during a winter trip and found it far more charming than I expected. Even in December, there was a real sense of life: cafés open, people walking the promenade, and a cosy, coastal fee.
I stayed at the Portrush Adelphi, a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of town.
Why Portrush works so well:
Easy to reach from both airports
Plenty of restaurants, cafés and pubs (year-round)
Good range of Causeway Coast hotels and guesthouses (accommodation for all budgets)
Central for day trips in both directions
The best hotels in Portrush (for all budgets)
Portrush Adelphi (dog friendly)
The Portrush Adelphi is one of my favourite hotels in Ireland.
It is a stylish, well-located hotel in the heart of Portrush and one of the best bases on the Causeway Coast. Rooms are warm, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, the service is consistently excellent, and the breakfast is outstanding. Its central location near the seafront makes it ideal for exploring Portrush and the wider Causeway Coast by car.
Typical prices start from around £120–£150 per night, depending on season and availability
Check availability or book here
The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (dogs up to 15kg allowed)
The Marcus Portrush is a modern, well-designed hotel in the centre of town, offering a more contemporary stay on the Causeway Coast.
Rooms are sleek and comfortable, service is polished and professional, and the overall feel is quietly stylish rather than showy.
Prices typically start from around £140–£180 per night, depending on season and availability.
Check availability or book here
Bank Apartments Portrush (dog friendly)
Bank Apartments Portrush are a smart choice if you want more space and flexibility while staying right in the centre of town.
The apartments are modern, well finished and comfortable, making them ideal for longer stays or travellers who prefer self-catering without sacrificing location.
Prices typically start from around £120–£160 per night,.
Check availability or book here
Portstewart: Quieter, Polished, and Right by the Beach
If Portrush feels a little busy for your taste, Portstewart is its calmer, slightly more refined neighbour.
The town centres around a lovely promenade and one of the best beaches on the north coast. It feels a touch more residential, with fewer big attractions but a strong food scene and beautiful coastal walks.
I’d choose Portstewart if:
You want somewhere quieter but still convenient
Beach walks are a priority
You’re visiting outside peak summer months
Portstewart works particularly well in spring or autumn, when you want that relaxed coastal feel without sacrificing good places to eat.
The best hotels in Portstewart (for all budgets)
Atlantic View Portstewart
A luxury four bedroom holiday home, the Atlantic View in Portstewart is calm, no-fuss, and it is extremely comfy! It’s set up for an easy Causeway Coast stay where you can wake up to the big sea air, step out for a coffee on the promenade, and you’re perfectly placed to also visit Portrush, Downhill and the north coast.
Prices typically start from £450per night, and I’d book early for weekends and school holidays because Portstewart fills up fast.
Check availability or book here
The Promenade Portstewart
A lovely holiday home right on the seafront that gives guests access to morning walks along the promenade, sea views on tap, and cafés, pubs and restaurants right on their doorstep.
The Promenade works brilliantly as a base if you want something easy and walkable, especially if you’re visiting without packing every day full of driving. There are three bedrooms with a cosy fireplace and sitting area meaning groups of friends and family are perfectly placed here.
Prices typically start from £250 per night.
Check availability or book here
Cul-Erg House & Kitchen
Cul-Erg House & Kitchen is a bed & breakfast where you feel like you're joining friends and family as soon as you arrive.
It's set just outside Portstewart and everything feels considered, from the rooms to the way breakfast is served. Service here is warm and personal without ever tipping into formal, and it’s consistently praised in reviews for its attention to detail, relaxed atmosphere and genuinely excellent food.
Prices typically start from £135 per night
Check availability or book here
Bushmills: Best for Short Stays Near the Giant’s Causeway
Bushmills is small, walkable and very close to the Giant’s Causeway. There is a handful of pubs and restaurants but I wouldn’t base myself here for a longer road trip as it's pretty small!
It’s ideal if you:
Have one or two nights only
Want to focus on the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle
Prefer staying in a village rather than a town
I found Bushmills pleasant but it gets very quiet, especially in winter.
It’s brilliant for early starts at the Causeway (before tour buses arrive), but you’ll likely end up driving elsewhere for dinners or atmosphere.
The best hotels in Bushmills (for all budgets)
Bushmills Inn Hotel & Restaurant
The Bushmills Inn Hotel & Restaurant is one of the most characterful places to stay on the Causeway Coast, set in a beautifully restored 17th-century coaching inn just a short walk from the famous Bushmills Distillery.
It’s warm and traditional, with roaring fires, snug whisky bars and an atmosphere that feels unmistakably friendly and Irish.
Prices typically start from £200 per night
Check availability or book here
Gray’s at Bushmills
Gray’s at Bushmills is a small, contemporary guesthouse, tucked just off the main street.
It’s friendly and perfectly placed for exploring the Giant’s Causeway. The rooms are modern, light-filled and thoughtfully finished, with comfortable beds, sleek bathrooms and a boutique-hotel feel that’s ideal if you prefer something understated.
Prices typically start from £100 per night
Check availability or book here
Ballycastle: Best Base for Torr Head & the Antrim Glens
Once you pass the Giant’s Causeway heading east, the landscape starts to change.
There are fewer tourists, wilder roads, and a much more rugged feel. This is where Ballycastle shines.
I’d absolutely recommend Ballycastle if you’re planning to:
Drive the Torr Head Scenic Route
Explore the Glens of Antrim (I highly recommend, especially Glenariff Forest Park).
Continue towards Carnlough with it's pretty harbour or Glenarm and its famous castle.
The town itself is friendly and low-key, with sea views and a strong local feel. It’s also a good jumping-off point if fancy a visit to Rathlin Island.
Ballycastle is less polished than Portrush or Portstewart, but it's great for a want a more authentic, rural experience.
The best hotels in Ballycastle (for all budgets)
The Salthouse Hotel
The Salthouse Hotel is one of the most distinctive places to stay on the Causeway Coast, it's modern, it's coastal, and it feels luxurious whilst relaxed.
The property is set just outside Ballycastle, overlooking the Atlantic and Rathlin Island, it’s ideally placed for exploring the quieter northern end of the Causeway Coastal Route while still being within easy reach of Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy and the Giant’s Causeway.
The on-site restaurant is a real highlight, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced produce, and regularly earns praise in reviews for both food quality and service.
Prices typically start from £140 per night
Check availability or book here
Carnlough & the Antrim Glens: Best for a Slower, Scenic Trip
If your idea of a perfect trip involves quiet harbours, forest walks and beautiful scenery rather than ticking off landmarks, Carnlough and the Glens of Antrim are exceptional.
I stayed here on a slower leg of my trip and loved the sense of space, winding roads, waterfalls hidden in forest parks, and very little traffic. It was a place I continually stopped in my car to just look at the view. I highly recommend driving the Ballyemon Road for insane views and cascading waterfalls.
It’s a brilliant choice if:
You’re travelling in winter or shoulder season
You want fewer crowds
You enjoy scenic driving and nature
The trade-off is convenience: fewer restaurants, less nightlife, and slightly longer drives to headline sights. But if atmosphere matters more than efficiency, this is one of the most beautiful parts of Northern Ireland to stay.
The best hotels in Carnlough (for all budgets)
The Harbourview Hotel
The Harbourview Hotel is a charming, characterful place to stay right on Carnlough harbour, and has a great restaurant.
The hotel sits directly above the working harbour, offering front-row views of the Irish Sea, it's even better at sunrise.
Rooms are comfortable and well kept rather than overly styled, with several offering sea views. It feels traditional and cosy, it's well suited to road trippers who want somewhere relaxed after a day exploring the Antrim Coast and Glens.
Prices typically start from £120 per night.
Check availability or book here
Cranny Cottage Carnlough
Cranny Cottage is a sweet well-kept, two bedroom self-catering cottage just outside Carnlough, offering a quieter, more private alternative to the village’s hotels.
It's beautifully set against the backdrop of the Antrim Glens, it feels rural and peaceful while still being only a short drive from Carnlough harbour, coastal walks and the wider Causeway Coast route.
Prices start at £119 per night
Check availability or book here
How Many Days Do You Need on the Causeway Coast?
This really depends on pace, but here’s how I’d plan it:
3-Day Causeway Coast Itinerary (Best Base: Portrush)
Day 1: Portrush → Dunluce Castle → White Rocks Beach
Day 2: Giant’s Causeway → Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Day 3: Portstewart Strand → coastal walks → return to Belfast via the Dark Hedges
This works well for first-timers with limited time and is perfect for a weekend trip to Northern Ireland.
5-Day Causeway Coast Itinerary (Split Bases)
Nights 1–2: Portrush or Portstewart
Nights 3–4: Ballycastle or Carnlough
This gives you time to slow down, explore the Glens properly alongside the Causeway coast, and adapt plans around the weather, which matters more than you think on the north coast!
FAQs: Best base on the Causeway Coast
Is the Causeway Coast worth visiting?
Yes, the Causeway Coast is one of the best road trips in the UK. In a short distance you get dramatic cliffs, castles, brilliant beaches, the Giant’s Causeway, and great food. It’s easy to self-drive too!
Read my full guide to taking a road trip along the Causeway coast here.
Where is the best place to stay on the Causeway Coast?
Portrush is the best all-round base for first-timers because it’s central, has the most restaurants, and makes day trips to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Portstewart easy. If you want quieter evenings, choose Portstewart. If you prefer a more traditional, scenic base, choose Ballycastle.
Portrush vs Portstewart vs Ballycastle: which is best?
If you want convenience and choice, pick Portrush. If you want a calmer seaside feel with great coffee and beach walks, pick Portstewart. If you want a more local, village-style base closer to Rathlin Island and Ballintoy, pick Ballycastle. For most first trips: Portrush first.
How many days do you need on the Causeway Coast?
You need 3 to 5 days. Three days covers the highlights (Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce, Carrick-a-Rede, one scenic drive). Five days lets you add slower stops like the Antrim Glens, Torr Head, Glenariff Forest Park and extra beach time without feeling rushed. It's perfect for a weekend trip to Northern Ireland, or a longer stay!
Can you do the Causeway Coast as a day trip from Belfast?
You can, but it’s not ideal. A day trip from Belfast turns into a long drive (1 hr 20 from Belfast to Portrush) with rushed stops and very little flexibility for weather. Staying at least one night on the coast makes the whole trip calmer and you’ll catch the best time at sunrise or sunset.
Do you need a car for the Causeway Coast?
A car is strongly recommended. Public transport exists, but it won’t give you the freedom to stop at viewpoints, small beaches and short detours (which is half the point of the Causeway Coast). If you don’t drive, base yourself in Portrush and use tours/taxis for the harder-to-reach stops.
Where should you stay to visit the Giant’s Causeway?
For easy access, stay in Portrush or Bushmills. Portrush gives you more restaurant choice and a livelier base; Bushmills is quieter and closer to the Causeway early in the morning.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Causeway Coast?
The best time is May to September for longer daylight and better odds of clear weather. October to March is quieter and moodier, with better value on accommodation, just pack for wind and rain. The sweet spots are April and October, when it’s calmer but still bright.
Is the Causeway Coast good in winter?
Yes, I just did it! Winter is brilliant if you don’t mind risking the weather. The big sights are quieter, accommodation can be cheaper, and the coastline looks dramatic under moody skies. Plan shorter days, keep your itinerary flexible, and book restaurants ahead on weekends because fewer places are open. I just spent 3 days there and it was sunny most days with some rain in the early mornings and late afternoons.
