A 120-mile scenic drive in Northern Ireland has been hailed as the most beautiful road trip in the UK, outperforming popular routes in Scotland. The Causeway Coastal Route, running from Belfast to Derry along the Antrim coast, was described by one traveller as a breathtaking alternative to the motorway.
The route, built in the 1800s by William Bald, winds through small villages and offers stops at landmarks such as the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Whitepark Bay. It also features locations used in Game of Thrones, including the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy Harbour.
CNN previously ranked the Antrim coastline among the world's 16 best road trips, alongside California's Big Sur and South Africa's Garden Route. County Antrim was also shortlisted by CNTraveller as a top destination for 2026.
The writer, who initially aimed for a quick journey, opted for the scenic route after finding the M2 motorway grim. They praised the anticipation of discovering what lies beyond each blind summit, from historic castles to emerald-green hillsides and Atlantic views.
