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).
Photo Credits
Giant's Causeway: Photo by Zhifei Zhou on Unsplash