Giant's Causeway
An otherworldly landscape of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns on Northern Ireland's coast, steeped in myth and geological wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, late sunset
Giant's Causeway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, late sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An otherworldly landscape of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns on Northern Ireland's coast, steeped in myth and geological wonder.
"Pictures don't do it justice; standing among the columns felt like stepping into another world."
🎯 Park for Free
Park in Bushmills and take the shuttle bus to avoid visitor centre parking fees.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hexagonal Basalt Columns
The main attraction
Thousands of interlocking basalt columns forming a surreal, otherworldly landscape.
Causeway Coast Views
Cliff paths
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline.
Finn McCool Legend
Visitor Centre and surrounding area
Explore the mythical tales of the Irish giant who supposedly built the causeway.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park for Free
Park in Bushmills and take the shuttle bus to avoid visitor centre parking fees.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the water.
⏰ Visit After Hours
Experience the magic with fewer people after the visitor centre closes.
📸 Capture the Magic
Golden hour light makes the basalt columns look even more dramatic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park for Free
Park in Bushmills and take the shuttle bus to avoid visitor centre parking fees.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the water.
⏰ Visit After Hours
Experience the magic with fewer people after the visitor centre closes.
📸 Capture the Magic
Golden hour light makes the basalt columns look even more dramatic.
🚌 Shuttle Bus Option
A convenient £1 shuttle bus is available from the visitor centre to the causeway.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Giant's Causeway as a breathtaking natural wonder and a highlight of their Ireland trips. The unique basalt columns and stunning coastal scenery are frequently mentioned as unforgettable. Some find the site can be crowded and the overall cost a bit high, but most agree it's worth the journey.
"A wonderful trip to see this geological wonder! It is definitely worth the trip from Belfast, which took about 5 hours by train and bus for a round trip. The total cost was 20 BP/person. We started from the uphill trail and walked downstairs to the trail along the ocean. The total distance was 2.85 miles. We didn't take the shuttle bus back."
Suning
"I recently visited Giants Causeway with my family whilst we were visiting Northern Ireland on holiday. It is a unique formation of rocks, very popular with visitors. Care needs to be taken with young children, the sea can be quite rough and there is nothing between the sea and the slippery when wet rocks (I wouldn’t expect there to be). Possibly a little overmanned by National Trust staff if anything, they were everywhere. Needs a short walk down from the NT centre, or a £1 each way bus ride. Felt a bit expensive overall for the attraction itself, but happy to contribute to the NT funds anyhow."
Steve Ramsden
"Our family had a wonderful visit to the Giant’s Causeway and spent almost 3 hours exploring this amazing natural wonder. The unique hexagonal stones are incredible to see up close, and the combination of sea views, mountains, and blue skies made it unforgettable. We really enjoyed walking around the mountain paths and stepping down to the sea to experience the stones at the water’s edge. A must-see attraction and truly breathtaking!"
Liju
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train and bus combination, which takes about 5 hours round trip and costs around £20 per person. Alternatively, many day tours from Belfast include the Giant's Causeway, often combined with other attractions like the Dark Hedges. +2
Yes, you can drive and park at the National Trust visitor centre, but booking your car park in advance is recommended. Some visitors opt to park for free in the nearby town of Bushmills and take a shuttle bus.
Yes, several companies offer day tours from Dublin to the Giant's Causeway, often including stops at other popular Northern Ireland sites. These tours typically depart early in the morning. 
Many visitors explore the Causeway Coast by car, allowing flexibility to visit multiple sites. Walking tours and bus services are also available, connecting key attractions. +1
Yes, there are walking paths from the visitor centre down to the causeway, and longer cliff paths offer stunning views. Some visitors enjoy walking from nearby towns like Bushmills.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the Giant's Causeway itself is a natural wonder and accessible, the National Trust visitor centre has an admission fee. However, many visitors report parking in Bushmills and walking or taking the shuttle to avoid the main entrance fee.
The Giant's Causeway is accessible at all times, but the National Trust visitor centre has specific opening hours. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date information, especially if you plan to visit the centre.
The cost can vary depending on whether you use the National Trust visitor centre and parking. Some visitors found the overall cost a bit expensive, but others were happy to contribute to conservation efforts. Parking in Bushmills and walking is a free alternative.
Yes, it's possible to access the Giant's Causeway by parking in the nearby town of Bushmills and walking or taking the shuttle bus. This allows you to experience the natural wonder without paying the visitor centre admission.
Yes, a shuttle bus operates from the visitor centre to the causeway, costing approximately £1 each way. This is a convenient option for those who prefer not to walk the distance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Many visitors recommend walking down from the visitor centre via the uphill trail and then exploring the rocks at the water's edge. Taking the upper cliff path on the way in offers great views before descending.
While children can enjoy the unique rock formations, caution is advised due to the slippery rocks and proximity to the sea. Adult supervision is essential.
The primary attraction is the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Visitors also enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery, the visitor centre's exhibits, and the mythical legends associated with the site.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the causeway and surrounding paths. Some enjoy longer walks along the cliff trails.
Layering is recommended as the weather can change quickly. Waterproofs are advisable, and comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential due to the uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, around sunrise or sunset, offers dramatic lighting that enhances the basalt columns. Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening also helps avoid crowds for clearer shots.
Absolutely! The Causeway Coast offers numerous stunning viewpoints. Nearby Dunseverick Falls is a beautiful, less crowded spot, and the Dark Hedges is a popular, atmospheric location for photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the basalt columns and the coastline. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on wet rocks and enhance the sky.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially within the National Trust site. It's advisable to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
The main basalt formations themselves are incredibly photogenic. The views from the cliff paths looking down onto the causeway and out to sea are also spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The Causeway Coast Way provides longer trekking routes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes. Remember to wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain can be challenging and uneven. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Legends of the Giant's Causeway
+1Complementing its scientific significance are the rich local legends. The most famous tale attributes the causeway's creation to the Irish giant Finn McCool. He supposedly built it as a path to confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner. While the exact details of their mythical battle vary, the story explains the presence of these colossal stones and adds a layer of enchantment to the site.
+1Visitors often find themselves captivated by both the scientific explanation and the folklore. The dramatic landscape, shaped by both geological forces and human imagination, creates a truly unique and memorable experience. The raw beauty of the basalt formations against the backdrop of the wild Atlantic Ocean is a sight that has inspired awe for centuries.
Exploring the Causeway Coast
Popular stops along the Causeway Coast include the atmospheric Dark Hedges, an avenue of ancient beech trees famously featured in Game of Thrones.
+1 Nearby, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers a thrilling walk across to a small island, providing spectacular sea views. For those interested in local heritage, the Bushmills Distillery, one of the world's oldest, offers tours and tastings. Many visitors combine a trip to the Giant's Causeway with exploring these other attractions, often creating a full-day itinerary. Whether you're driving yourself or on a guided tour, the Causeway Coast promises breathtaking scenery and memorable experiences at every turn. The combination of natural beauty, folklore, and historical sites makes this region a must-visit for anyone traveling to Northern Ireland.
Practicalities: Getting There and Around
If you choose to drive, parking is available at the National Trust visitor centre, but it's advisable to book your spot in advance, especially during peak season. A cost-effective alternative is to park for free in the nearby town of Bushmills and then take the shuttle bus, which runs frequently and costs around £1 each way.
Once at the site, there are various ways to explore. You can walk down from the visitor centre, take the shuttle bus, or even embark on longer walks along the cliff paths for stunning elevated views. Many visitors recommend exploring the basalt columns at the water's edge, but always exercise caution due to the slippery nature of the rocks and the proximity to the sea.
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