Writer Emma Deighan realises there's no time to catch up on fashion on the Causeway Coastal route, and in fact, she hasn't seen it all…

I suppose when you live in Northern Ireland, you think you've pretty much seen it all. But after a 'coastal tour' of the Province, I'm prepared to bet that our foreign visitors have seen a hell of a lot more than most of us.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is taking advantage of the Province's best assets by producing a map and guide covering one stretch, the Causeway Coastal Route - in what it calls 'the essential Irish Journey' - and after an invite taking in the route, it really is an essential journey, not just for tourists but for the 'natives' too.

It begins just as you leave Belfast, with the first sight the City Hall - next is Carrickfergus Castle and a whole stretch of road peppered with everything from World Heritage Sites to an historic temple, stunning country parks and atmospheric villages to rushing waterfalls.

I began the journey with Vogue magazine in one hand and the map in the other - assuming I wouldn't need to acknowledge much as I'd pretty much seen it all before. Was I wrong? Yes.

We'd only travelled for about half an hour before I was introduced to the beginning of a whole new Northern Ireland and Vogue had to retire to my handbag.

It's a longer route with the main stopping points being Carrickfergus, Larne, Glenarm, Glenariff, Cushendall, Ballycastle, Bushimills, Coleraine, Limavady and Derry as well as a load more additional routes veering off the above.

I was enamoured with pretty much all of it, particularly Ballycastle - which I'd pretty much pigeonholed a somewhat tacky seaside town. And I was especially impressed with Portrush's new sophisticated image with restaurants that could rival any Michelin Star establishment.

I loved Glenariff Forest Park's powerful waterfalls that poured down the Glen with such aggression, spraying every visitor in sight with its unusual Coke coloured mist. I was also touched by the resident cats that lived there - among such beauty and indeed unknown to me - engaging tranquillity.

Just a little while earlier I was puzzled as to why I'd never heard of Glenarm Castle's walled garden - a place that transforms itself with seasonal events from month to month. I didn't know that it had imported a Finnish Reindeer for Christmas celebrations for local kids, and I was unaware that it was the place to be for some truly mood-apt Hallowe'ens, Easters - you name it.

Its groomed lawns, peaceful aura and homely little country café would make a perfect outing for day-trippers of any age.

We'd travelled and stopped a lot on our trip before reaching Cushendall where we were treated to lunch in Harry's - a typically Northern Irish pub setting with colossal dishes spanning a menu filled with fusion cuisine.

There we met with Moyle District's Esther Mulholland who filled us in on the area's plans to bring all restaurants in Moyle together in a project that will see them serve up traditional NI products, sourced all from home to offer tourists and locals an authentic Provincial flavour.

Next stop was Ballycastle...

Not as busy as what it is in the summer, but this probably added to my whole new perception of the place.

It was tidy and affectionate I thought. Its small harbour was beautifully presented and the view over the North Channel was special.

From here we got a RIB boat ride over to Rathlin Island. In typical city-girl style, I thought it fascinating that so close to us was this little island all alone housing about 60 residents - all of whom live, breathe, eat and sleep Rathlin.

In fact, we were invited in by the only non-authentic resident there, Mary, formerly from Ballycastle who filled us in on the characteristics of the local residents, like how as a non 'Rathliner' you don't gossip, you don't offer to help until asked, and keeping yourself to yourself is probably a recommended code to survival.

There's one pub come gift shop, come restaurant come shop there. But it was an excellent opportunity to see islander life so close to home.

As you approach the little pier, you'll notice a load of seals bobbing in the sea like little Labradors.

We also got to see Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge from a dizzying angle - this time looking up - and fair play to the child dare-devilishly stomping across it at the time.

The RIB boat is available for hire from the Sea Treks Ireland just on the harbour front at Ballycastle. There is a range of trips to enjoy including Rathlin. But you might also want to avail of a Marine Wildlife excursion or a Whisky Adventure to name but two from a long list.

The drivers are entertainment in themselves and might even let you steer for a while pulling some stomach-churning moves.

Next stop for us was our accommodation for the two-day tour - the Comfort Hotel, Portrush.

This place was lovely, pleasant staff, an extensive tasty breakfast, and spacious, simple yet modern rooms - some of which offered stunning sea views. And because Portrush is only a small place, Comfort is perfectly sited at the centre of things.

We dined at 55 North in Portrush - a glass constructed building that immediately demands the attention of visitors. Inside it is modern with ambient lighting and a menu to die for.

Having had a big lunch, I opted for 'fish in a bag'. It came out in the bag with steamed veg… and it was excellent. The starter chowder was equally as divine while the soft, varying breads and oils would make any carb-phobic dieters unfaithful.

It was very smart but without a pretentious attitude. The staff were very professional and the evening was a perfect ending to an already flawless day.

The next morning we set off for Mussenden Temple - a truly picturesque setting and the Temple itself is often a typical Northern Irish postcard picture. Although the weather did no justice, the view from the temple was pretty spectacular with the long, spotless beaches here being something else.

Nowadays many couples are using this historic setting for a wedding venue, using the interior of the Temple as the place to make their vows. Bookings, we were told are at an all time high and very much in demand.

After Mussenden we took ourselves to Binevenagh and had a quick tour of this newly appointed area of natural beauty that offered some superb views of nearby area. Although the whiplashing rain got in the way of the sights and the temperature had us freezing, I can only imagine how stunning this place would be come the warmer season.

Without encouragement we happily boarded our bus for our last stop - Radisson Roe Limavady - recently awarded best hotel in Northern Ireland I was informed.

Having stayed here before, it was nice to see the Spa's revamp. It had been beautifully appointed with loads of rooms able to cope with the most exotic of treatments. It offered a list of facilities that surpassed anything else I'd seen in local spas - some influenced by foreign, ancient methods of relaxation.

Radisson is now certainly one of the Province's best Spa destinations and being close to such great scenery, it's a great wee spot for a chill- out weekend.

Sadly because of time restrictions, Radisson was our last stop before heading home. But the trip gave us time to reflect on a new Northern Ireland - one that offers not only the tourist but also local residents a realm of activities, sightseeing and relaxation that I never before thought possible - just a shame many of us don't know about it!