In Bushmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, industrial history and coastal paths come together. This combination makes the area appealing to travellers who want to include nature and heritage in their trip. When looking for a hotel in Bushmills, you can first consider whether you would prefer to focus on the Causeway landscape, local history or both.
Basalt Columns and Coastal Paths
The Giant's Causeway is located at 44 Causeway Road in Bushmills and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 40,000 basalt columns form this distinctive geological landscape; they were created by volcanic activity more than 60 million years ago. At the Giant's Causeway, visitors can walk across the famous columns and explore rugged coastal paths. Bushmills is also in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Two specific routes offer different distances: the Giant's Causeway Blue Trail is less than a mile long and leads directly to the famous basalt columns. The two-mile Green Trail follows a cliff path towards Runkerry in Northern Ireland. Along the way, it offers views of the stones and opportunities to watch coastal birds; actual sightings vary. This makes it possible to choose between the routes based on their length and scenery, without assuming a particular walking time or difficulty level. Trail conditions can change, so check the latest information before setting out.
The Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience complements a visit with tours led by experienced storytellers, audio guides in 11 languages and interactive exhibition areas. As visitor facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest information in advance.
Tramway History and the Village
Transport history is also part of Bushmills: the Giant's Causeway Tramway opened in 1883 and was the world's first tramway system powered by hydroelectricity. In 1887, the tramway was extended from Bushmills to the Giant's Causeway. The Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway gives visitors the chance to board a train in Bushmills that recreates the journey once made by the Causeway Tramway. Timetables may change; check them if you plan to include this journey.
The Bushmills Conservation Area includes a larger group of listed buildings and other heritage features. These include older parts of the Bushmills Distillery and the remains of mill races. Bushmills has more than 90 listed buildings in total; this number may change as records are updated. Those interested in built heritage will find another point of interest in the village itself, as well as the tramway.
Tours are currently available at the Old Bushmills Distillery and can be booked online. As availability may change, check current booking options in advance. The tours offer another way to combine your stay with a visit focused on cultural history.
Getting There and Practical Planning
A park-and-ride service to the Giant's Causeway is available from Dundarave Car Park in Bushmills. Another described connection is to take the train to Coleraine and then Ulsterbus route 172 to the Giant's Causeway. Services and connections may change; check the latest information before travelling.
Food and Events
Various restaurants in Bushmills offer seasonal local produce; offerings and menus may change. Dine Around Bushmills offers the opportunity to sample food from several restaurants in one evening. As dates and availability are not fixed, check in advance whether the offer is available during your trip.
The village's annual events calendar includes the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival. Dates and programme may change. If the festival is important to your travel plans, check in advance whether it falls during your trip.
Discover more destinations: Waterfoot, Ballintoy, Ballycastle.
Return to the main travel overview: Moyle.
