Giant's Causeway & Antrim Coast Walking Break

Meeting Locations & Times

Our Giant's Causeway & Antrim Coast Walking Break begins with organised collections from three locations in Belfast on Day 1.

Belfast City Airport – 09:30

Collection from the Pick Up / Drop Off area within the Short Stay Car Park.

Leonardo Hotel Belfast – 09:45

Collection from Leonardo Hotel Belfast in the city centre.

Belfast International Airport – 10:30

Collection from the Short Stay Car Park.

Please select your preferred collection location when booking.

Travelling by Train

Belfast Grand Central is the nearest main railway station to our city centre collection point at Leonardo Hotel Belfast.

Guests arriving by train should make their own way to the hotel in time for the 09:45 collection.

Station Pickups

We don't collect directly from railway stations.

Complimentary collections are available from Belfast City Airport, Leonardo Hotel Belfast and Belfast International Airport.

All collections must be booked in advance.

Travelling by Car & Parking

You're welcome to make your own way directly to our accommodation:

The Fullerton Arms
22 Main Street
Ballintoy
Ballycastle
Northern Ireland
BT54 6LX

Please check parking arrangements with the hotel before travelling.

Transport During the Trip

All transport required for our planned guided walks and visits is included.

We'll travel together in our Large Outdoors vehicle, so you won't need a car during the break.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

An optional visit to Rathlin Island may be included in our itinerary, depending on weather conditions and ferry availability.

The ferry crossing is not included in the holiday price and is payable separately.

Departure & Return Travel

On Day 4, we'll return guests to Belfast, aiming for the following drop-off times:

Belfast International Airport – 15:30

Drop-off at the Short Stay Car Park.

Leonardo Hotel Belfast – 16:15

Drop-off at the city centre hotel.

Belfast City Airport – 16:30

Drop-off at the Pick Up / Drop Off area within the Short Stay Car Park.

Please allow flexibility when booking onward trains or flights, as traffic and stops during the return journey may affect our arrival times.

Important Travel Information

All Belfast collections and return transfers must be arranged in advance.

If you're travelling by public transport, we recommend booking flexible or open return tickets wherever possible.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying for three nights at:

The Fullerton Arms
22 Main Street
Ballintoy
Ballycastle
Northern Ireland
BT54 6LX

Located in the coastal village of Ballintoy, the hotel makes a convenient base for exploring the Giant's Causeway, Causeway Coast and surrounding glens.

Accommodation Type

We'll stay at The Fullerton Arms for all three nights, enjoying the comfort of a small hotel without needing to change accommodation during the break.

The hotel has its own bar and provides a relaxed setting for our group to get together after a day exploring the coast.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

Accommodation is in comfortable hotel bedrooms, with no bunk beds.

Guests booking shared accommodation will share with another guest of the same sex. Private rooms are also available, subject to availability.

Room Options

Sole Occupancy Room – A private bedroom for one person.

Shared Female Room – Your own bed in a room shared with another female guest.

Shared Male Room – Your own bed in a room shared with another male guest.

Twin Room – A private room for two people, with separate beds.

Double Room – A private room for two people sharing one double bed.

Room options are subject to availability on your chosen departure.

Bathrooms

All bedrooms have private en-suite bathrooms.

Guests sharing a bedroom will also share its bathroom.

Bedding & Towels

Bedding and towels are provided by the hotel. Please bring your own toiletries.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included on all three mornings.

The hotel provides a cooked buffet breakfast, giving everyone a good start before heading out for the day's activities.

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches are not included in the holiday price.

We'll arrange opportunities to stop at local shops or cafés so you can purchase lunch for the day.

We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and a few walking snacks.

Evening Meals

Evening meals are not included in the holiday price.

We'll arrange opportunities for the group to eat together, with everyone paying for their own food and drinks.

The Fullerton Arms has its own bar, and only drinks purchased at the hotel may be consumed on the premises.

Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in the bedrooms.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian, vegan and meals made using gluten-free ingredients can be provided. Please select any dietary requirements when booking so we can pass these on to the hotel.

Accommodation & Meals

Included

• Three nights' accommodation at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy.

• Breakfast each morning.

• Tea and coffee-making facilities in your bedroom.

Not Included

• Packed lunches and walking snacks.

• Evening meals.

• Drinks and refreshments purchased during the break.

Guiding & Support

Included

• Four days of guided walking and exploring with an experienced Large Outdoors guide.

• A small, sociable group of up to eight guests.

• Pre-trip information and support.

Not Included

• Personal walking clothing and equipment.

Transport & Transfers

Included

• Complimentary collection from Belfast City Airport, Leonardo Hotel Belfast or Belfast International Airport, when booked in advance.

• Return transfers to the designated Belfast drop-off locations.

• All transport required for our planned guided walks and visits.

Not Included

• Travel to and from Belfast.

• Rathlin Island ferry tickets, if the optional island visit goes ahead.

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not Included

• Optional admission to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (National Trust; free for members) and the RSPB reserve on Rathlin Island.

• Personal travel insurance.

• Personal purchases and additional spending during the break.

• Any optional activities or expenses not specifically listed as included.

Walking Grade

Leisurely

This walking break is ideal for anyone who enjoys regular walks and is comfortable spending several hours exploring on foot.

We'll walk at a sociable pace, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and stop for a break.

Terrain & Conditions

Our walks will take us along coastal paths, clifftops, beaches and quieter inland routes through the Antrim countryside.

Expect a mixture of well-established paths, grassy tracks, rocky sections, steps and some hills. Certain stretches of the coastline can be uneven or muddy, particularly after rain.

Some paths run close to exposed clifftops, so you'll need to be comfortable walking in coastal surroundings.

Fitness & Experience

You don't need to be an experienced hillwalker, but you should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking for several hours, including some uphill and downhill sections.

Our walks are guided, and we'll keep the pace comfortable for the group. Sturdy walking footwear with good grip is essential.

Seasonal Conditions

Weather along the Causeway Coast can change quickly, with sunshine, showers and strong coastal winds all possible during the same day.

We'll adapt our routes where necessary to suit the conditions, particularly on exposed coastal sections.

Waterproof clothing and suitable layers are important, even when the forecast looks promising.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

• Comfortable walking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good grip.

• Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.

• Comfortable walking trousers and suitable walking tops.

• Warm layers, such as a fleece or lightweight insulated jacket.

• Walking socks.

• Sunhat, sunglasses and sun cream for brighter days.

The Causeway Coast can be windy and exposed, so bring layers even if the forecast looks good.

What to Carry on Walks

• Small day rucksack.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Packed lunch and walking snacks.

• Any personal medication you may need.

• Mobile phone.

• Small amount of cash or a payment card for cafés, refreshments and optional admission charges.

Clothing for Accommodation

Bring comfortable casual clothing and footwear for relaxing at the hotel and enjoying evenings with the group.

Bedding and towels are provided, so there's no need to pack these.

Trip-Specific Extras

National Trust Membership Card – If you're a member, bring your card for free entry to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Advance booking is still required.

RSPB Membership Card – If you're a member, bring your card for free entry to the West Light Seabird Centre on Rathlin Island, should we visit.

Binoculars – Worth bringing if you enjoy watching seabirds and other coastal wildlife.

Camera – There'll be plenty of opportunities for photographs along the coast.

Full Kit List

We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.

View our full walking kit list here →

Booking Confirmation

Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.

Deposits & Balance Payments

If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.

Your Trip WhatsApp Group

Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.

It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.

Joining is entirely optional.

Final Details

A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.

Keeping Up to Date

Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.

We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.

Can I join this walking break on my own?

Absolutely! Most people who join Large Outdoors holidays come on their own, so you'll be in good company.

With a maximum of eight guests, it's a lovely opportunity to meet new people, enjoy some sociable walking and explore Northern Ireland together.

I've never been on a guided walking holiday before. Is this suitable?

Yes! You don't need any previous experience of guided walking holidays.

As long as you're comfortable with the walking grade and enjoy spending time outdoors, you'll be very welcome. Our guide will look after the group, and we'll walk at a friendly, sociable pace.

Do we visit the Giant's Causeway itself?

Yes, exploring the Giant's Causeway is one of the main highlights of this break.

We'll approach along the spectacular coastal paths, giving you the chance to enjoy the surrounding landscape as well as the famous basalt columns.

Will we visit Rathlin Island?

We hope to include a visit to Rathlin Island, but this depends on weather conditions, ferry availability and the itinerary.

If a crossing isn't possible, we'll enjoy an alternative walk or visit along the Causeway Coast.

Can I skip a walk if I want a quieter day?

Of course. You're welcome to take some time out if you'd prefer a quieter day.

As we're based in Ballintoy, you can choose to relax locally rather than join every walk. Just let your guide know in advance.

Can I book with a friend or partner?

Definitely. You're welcome to join with a friend or partner, and we offer twin and double room options for guests travelling together, subject to availability.

You'll still be part of the wider group for our walks and activities.