Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The western part of the AONB is characterised by an extensive dune system at East Strand. It also includes a dramatic stretch of alternating white chalk and black basalt cliffs. Dunluce Castle forms a spectacular landmark with views of Donegal and the Skerries to the north. Contrasting with this wild coastal scenery are the gentler landscapes of the Bush valley with its mixed farmland, woodland and the historic village of Bushmills.

Moving east the coastline around the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site has been heavily eroded into a series of small rocky bays and headlands. Here the land is farmed right to the very edge of the cliffs which plunge dramatically down to sea level. Towards Ballintoy limestone and basalt cliffs again dominate the landscape and there are breath-taking views of White Park Bay and Sheep Island.

The duneland system at White Park Bay has national importance. Further east, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is one of Northern Ireland’s top visitor attractions. The rugged coastal scenery around Kinbane has steep basalt cliffs and there are spectacular views north to Islay and Rathlin Island. This area is characterised by rough grassland, dry-stone walls, bogland, and gorse (known locally as ‘whin’).