Giant's Causeway
UNESCO World Heritage Site
About Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway is a spectacular rock formation on the north coast of Northern Ireland, consisting of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. This natural wonder was created by ancient volcanic activity around 50-60 million years ago.
According to legend, the causeway was built by the Irish giant Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill) as a bridge to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner. The scientific explanation is equally fascinating - it was formed when molten lava cooled and contracted, creating the distinctive hexagonal columns.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, the Giant's Causeway attracts over one million visitors annually who come to marvel at this geological masterpiece and explore the surrounding Causeway Coast.
Essential Information
Location
44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU
Opening Hours
Daily: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Last entry: 5:00 PM
Admission
Adults: £13.50-£16.50
Children (5-17): £4.50-£7.50
Under 5: Free
Prices vary by season
Duration
Allow 2-3 hours for full experience
Things to Do
Explore the Columns
Walk among the famous hexagonal basalt columns and discover the different formations including the Giant's Boot, Wishing Chair, and Camel's Hump.
Visitor Centre
Learn about the science and legends behind the causeway through interactive exhibits, audio-visual presentations, and guided tours.
Clifftop Walks
Take the scenic clifftop path for stunning views of the coastline and discover hidden bays and the dramatic Organ formation.
Practical Tips
Getting There
Free parking available. From Belfast: 1 hour drive via A26 and A2. Regular bus services from Belfast and Portrush.
What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes essential. Waterproof jacket recommended. The rocks can be slippery when wet.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Summer months offer the best weather but are busiest.
Photography
Golden hour provides the best lighting. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the formations.
Food & Drink
Visitor centre has a café and gift shop. Nearby Bushmills village offers restaurants and the famous whiskey distillery.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible paths to viewpoints. Shuttle bus available from visitor centre to causeway stones (seasonal).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend at Giant's Causeway?
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the Giant's Causeway. This allows time to walk down to the causeway stones (15-20 minutes each way), explore the formations, take photos, and visit the excellent visitor centre. If you want to hike the clifftop trail, allow 3-4 hours total.
Is Giant's Causeway free to visit?
The causeway stones themselves are free to visit if you park at the free parking area 2km away and walk in. However, most visitors pay the £13.50 admission fee which includes parking at the main car park, access to the award-winning visitor centre, and use of shuttle buses (when operating). National Trust members get free entry.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Early morning (8-9am) and late afternoon (after 4pm) are ideal for avoiding crowds and getting the best photography light. Sunrise is spectacular but requires arriving before the visitor centre opens. The site is accessible 24/7 but the visitor centre has set hours. Mid-day in summer (July-August) sees the largest crowds.
Can you walk on the Giant's Causeway stones?
Yes! You're encouraged to walk on and explore the basalt columns. However, be careful as they can be slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good grip and watch your step, especially when it's been raining. Some columns are quite tall so supervise children closely.
How difficult is the walk to the causeway?
The walk from the visitor centre to the causeway stones is moderate - about 1.5km downhill on a paved path. It's an easy 15-20 minute walk down, but remember you'll need to walk back uphill. There's also a shuttle bus (£1 each way) if you prefer. Once at the causeway, exploring the stones requires some scrambling over uneven surfaces.
Is Giant's Causeway suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Children love climbing on the columns and exploring the formations. The visitor centre has interactive family-friendly exhibits. However, close supervision is essential as there are cliff edges and the rocks can be slippery. Bring a carrier for very young children as buggies/strollers cannot access the stones themselves.
What should I bring with me?
Essential items: waterproof jacket (weather changes quickly), comfortable walking shoes with good grip, camera, water bottle, and sunscreen in summer. Optional but recommended: binoculars for wildlife spotting, snacks (though there's a café), and a small backpack. Don't forget your National Trust membership card if you have one!
Can you visit Giant's Causeway in winter?
Yes, the causeway is open year-round and winter visits can be magical with dramatic seas and fewer crowds. However, be prepared for cold, windy, and potentially wet weather. Daylight hours are limited (sunset around 4pm in December). The site can close temporarily in severe weather for safety reasons, so check ahead if conditions are bad.
Are dogs allowed at Giant's Causeway?
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Be aware that the walk and the causeway stones may be challenging for some dogs. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor centre building but there are dog-friendly areas outside. Always clean up after your pet.
What other attractions are nearby?
The Giant's Causeway is on the Causeway Coastal Route with many attractions nearby. Within 15 minutes: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (8 miles), Dark Hedges (10 miles), Bushmills Distillery (3 miles), and Dunluce Castle (6 miles). You can easily visit 3-4 of these in one day. Consider getting the National Trust membership if visiting multiple NT sites.
How was the Giant's Causeway formed?
About 60 million years ago, intense volcanic activity caused molten basalt lava to pour across the landscape. As this lava cooled rapidly, it contracted and cracked, forming the distinctive hexagonal columns - similar to how mud cracks when it dries, but in three dimensions. The process created nearly perfect geometric shapes that seem almost too perfect to be natural.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months (June-August) and school holidays. The site operates a timed entry system to manage crowd levels. While you can sometimes buy tickets on arrival, pre-booking guarantees entry and often offers a small discount. Book through the official National Trust website.
Plan Your Visit
Getting There by Car
From Belfast (60 miles, 1.5 hours): Take M2 north to Ballymena, then A26 to Ballymoney, then B17 to Bushmills, finally B146 to Giant's Causeway. Well signposted throughout.
From Derry (45 miles, 1 hour): Take A2 coast road east through Coleraine to Bushmills.
Parking: Main car park £6 (included with admission ticket). Free parking 2km away at Causeway Hotel layby - requires walking along road.
Getting There by Public Transport
Bus: Translink route 172 Causeway Rambler (summer only) connects Belfast, Coleraine, Bushmills, and Giant's Causeway. Route 402 operates year-round from Coleraine.
Train: Nearest station is Coleraine (13 miles away). From there, take connecting bus or taxi.
Guided Tours: Many companies offer day tours from Belfast including Giant's Causeway, typically £35-50 per person.
Where to Stay Nearby
Bushmills (3 miles): The Bushmills Inn is excellent. Quiet village location, perfect base for Causeway Coast exploration.
Portrush (7 miles): Larger town with more dining and accommodation options. Lively atmosphere, beaches.
Ballycastle (10 miles): Charming coastal town, quieter than Portrush. Good value accommodation.
Photo Credits
Giant's Causeway: Photo by Zhifei Zhou on Unsplash