Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway, Ireland - Complete Travel Guide

Giant's Causeway, located on Northern Ireland's dramatic Antrim Coast, is one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This extraordinary geological formation consists of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, created by volcanic activity around 50-60 million years ago. The hexagonal columns, which appear almost too perfect to be natural, stretch from the clifftops down into the sea, creating a landscape that has inspired legends of giants and continues to captivate visitors from around the globe. The site is steeped in mythology, with local legend telling of the giant Finn McCool who built the causeway as stepping stones to reach his rival in Scotland. Beyond the causeway itself, the surrounding area offers impressive coastal scenery, including dramatic cliffs, hidden bays, and the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The region forms part of the Causeway Coastal Route, considered one of the world's most beautiful coastal drives, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Northern Ireland's impressive natural heritage.

Top Giant's Causeway

the Giant's Causeway Columns

Walk among the famous hexagonal basalt columns that form this UNESCO World Heritage Site, marveling at their geometric perfection and volcanic origins. The site offers several walking trails of varying difficulty, from the easy access path to the columns to more challenging cliff-top routes. The visitor center provides excellent context about the geology and mythology surrounding this natural wonder.

Booking Tip: Entry to the site is free, but parking costs £12.50 and the visitor center charges £13 for adults. Book parking online in advance during peak season (June-August) as it fills up quickly. Visit early morning (8-9am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.

Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Test your nerves on this famous rope bridge suspended 30 meters above the Atlantic Ocean, connecting the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. Originally built by salmon fishermen over 350 years ago, the bridge offers spectacular views of the coastline and, on clear days, Scotland's Rathlin Island. The surrounding cliff-top walk provides impressive photo opportunities and seabird watching.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost £12 for adults and must be booked online in advance, especially March-October. Time slots are allocated to manage crowds, so book early for preferred times. The bridge may close in high winds, so check weather conditions. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience including walks.

Drive the Causeway Coastal Route

Experience one of the world's most scenic coastal drives along the 120-mile Causeway Coastal Route, stretching from Belfast to Londonderry. This spectacular journey takes you past rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, charming fishing villages, and historic castles. Key stops include Dunluce Castle ruins, the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, and numerous viewpoints offering impressive Atlantic vistas.

Booking Tip: Rent a car for maximum flexibility, with costs from £25-40 per day. Allow a full day for the complete route, or focus on the 40-mile stretch from Larne to Portstewart for Giant's Causeway highlights. Download the official Causeway Coastal Route app for audio commentary and stop recommendations. Book accommodations along the route in advance during summer.

Dunluce Castle

Explore the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on clifftop basalt outcrops overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This medieval castle, once the seat of the MacDonnell clan, offers a glimpse into Northern Ireland's turbulent history and provides some of the most photogenic castle ruins in Ireland. The visitor center features interactive exhibitions about medieval life and the castle's fascinating history.

Booking Tip: Adult entry costs £5.50, with family tickets available for £14. Open daily year-round except Christmas, with extended hours in summer (9am-6pm) and shorter winter hours (10am-4pm). Combine with Giant's Causeway for a full day trip. The castle is very photogenic during golden hour, about an hour before sunset.

the Dark Hedges

Walk through the mystical Dark Hedges, an avenue of intertwined beech trees planted in the 18th century that creates a natural gothic archway. This atmospheric location gained international fame as the King's Road in Game of Thrones and has become one of Northern Ireland's most photographed natural phenomena. The tunnel of trees creates an otherworldly experience, particularly atmospheric in misty conditions.

Booking Tip: Access is completely free, but parking can be challenging as there's no official car park. Use the designated parking area at Hedges Hotel (small fee) or park in Armoy village and walk. Visit early morning or late evening for the best light and fewer crowds. The nearby Hedges Hotel offers refreshments and Game of Thrones memorabilia.

Getting There

The Giant's Causeway is located about 60 miles north of Belfast and 25 miles east of Londonderry. By car, take the A26 from Belfast to Ballymena, then the A44 to Bushmills, following signs to the Giant's Causeway - the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Public transport options include the Ulsterbus service 172 from Belfast to Ballycastle, which stops at the Giant's Causeway, though services are limited and the journey takes around 2.5 hours. During summer months, the Causeway Rambler bus service connects major attractions along the Antrim Coast. The nearest airports are Belfast International (70 miles) and George Best Belfast City Airport (65 miles), both offering car rental services for onward travel.

Getting Around

The Giant's Causeway area is best explored by car, offering flexibility to visit multiple attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route at your own pace. Car rental is available from Belfast airports and city center, with rates from £25-40 per day. The Causeway itself has a visitor center with paid parking (£12.50), and shuttle buses run from the center to the stones for those with mobility issues (£1 each way). During summer, the open-top Causeway Rambler bus service connects major attractions including Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Dunluce Castle, offering a scenic alternative to driving. Many visitors combine driving with walking, as the area offers numerous cliff-top trails and coastal paths that provide spectacular viewpoints inaccessible by vehicle.

Where to Stay

Bushmills

Portrush

Ballycastle

Ballymena

Coleraine

Portstewart

Food & Dining

The Giant's Causeway region offers a mix of traditional Irish fare and fresh seafood, reflecting its coastal location. The visitor center houses a café serving local specialties and light meals with views over the causeway. Bushmills village, home to the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, features several pubs serving hearty Irish meals, with the Bushmills Inn being particularly renowned for its restaurant and whiskey selection. Along the coast, Portrush and Portstewart offer the widest dining choices, from fish and chips shops to upscale restaurants specializing in locally-caught seafood. Many coastal pubs serve excellent seafood chowder, fresh Atlantic salmon, and traditional Ulster fry breakfasts. The nearby Rathlin Island offers unique dining experiences, while the Dark Hedges Hotel provides themed Game of Thrones dining. Local specialties to try include Guinness beef stew, fresh Portavogie prawns, and traditional Irish soda bread, often accompanied by a dram of Bushmills whiskey.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Giant's Causeway is during late spring through early autumn (May to September) when weather is mildest and daylight hours are longest, though this is also the busiest period. Summer months offer the warmest temperatures (15-18°C) and extended opening hours for attractions, but expect large crowds, especially July and August. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide an excellent balance of decent weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful lighting for photography. Winter visits can be magical with dramatic stormy seas and atmospheric conditions, though weather is unpredictable and some attractions may have reduced hours. The shoulder seasons offer the advantage of lower accommodation prices and more authentic local experiences, while still maintaining reasonable weather for outdoor exploration.

Insider Tips

Visit the Giant's Causeway very early in the morning (before 9am) or late in the evening to avoid tour bus crowds and capture the best photographs in golden light

Download the free Giant's Causeway audio guide app before your visit to learn about the geology and legends while exploring the site at your own pace

Bring waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes regardless of season, as Atlantic weather can change quickly and the basalt columns can be slippery when wet