The Giant’s Causeway is a wonder of nature set on the coast of Northern Ireland. It’s a unique formation of more than 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns spilling into the sea. The columns fill the hills along the coast, and they are of varying heights. Ask anyone who has visited Northern Ireland about highlights and favorites, and you are sure to hear about the Giant’s Causeway.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway is in the County Antrim between Belfast and Derry, making it an easy day trip from either city. It’s on the North Atlantic Ocean, specifically the North Channel that lies between Northern Ireland and Scotland.The powerful Atlantic surf crashing into the basalt columns gives the Causeway its dramatic, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
While just the sight of this unusual display of creation formed by volcanic activity will take your breath away, the really fun part is that you can explore to your heart’s content. Jump from column to column, climb up hills of columns, venture out over the water. All while taking in magnificent views along the Atlantic.
Visiting the Giant’s Causeway is an unforgettable experience. To get the most out of your visit, read on for tips, recommendations, and things to know before you go.
Timing your visit to the Giant’s Causeway
Every recommendation you read will advise going early in the morning to avoid crowds at the Causeway. While this is ideal, don’t hesitate to go even if you arrive at midday. My tour pulled up about 11:00 am and I didn’t find it too crowded. If you are coming from Belfast or Derry, you likely won’t arrive early. Go anyway!
The Visitor Center is typically open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you wish to take the path down to the Causeway, it is accessible from dawn to dusk.
Coming from Belfast by tour or self-driving takes about an hour and a half. From Derry, allow about an hour.
Park and go to the Visitor Center
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, which houses interactive exhibits on geology and folklore. Grab a coffee and snack at the café. You will need to purchase a ticket to enter the center. Adult tickets are 15 Euro. Check prices on the Visitor Center website before you go.
Outside you’ll find the path leading a short distance away to shuttle buses that will drive you down the hill to the Causeway. You can also choose to walk down. Take a few Euro with you. When I went, the shuttle was two Euro each direction, cash only.
If you are short on time (as you may be if you are on a tour), take the shuttle bus and focus on spending longer at the Causeway itself. You may also want to skip the Visitor Center until after your visit to the Causeway.
Exploring the Causeway
Every minute I spent at the Causeway was incredible. So many basalt columns, so many hills, so many breathtaking views!
Once you descend the hill from the Visitor Center (by shuttle bus or walking), you are free to go in any direction over the columns. Some of the formations you’ll see have names such as the Chimney Stacks, The Harp, The Organ and The Camel’s Hump.
Prepare before you arrive by keeping these tips in mind:
- Wear good walking shoes that have soles that will grip rock. The columns can be wet and slippery.
- Dress in layers. Even on a sunny, warm day, the sea spray may bring a chill.
- Bring water and snacks. You won’t want to cut your visit short due to hunger and thirst.
- If you are tired after your time at the Causeway, take the shuttle up the hill and save your energy.
Become familiar with trails and walking routes before you visit
If you have several hours to spend in the area, you may want to follow one of the walking trails above the Causeway.
There are four walking trails (Blue, Red, Green, Yellow) that vary in length and difficulty.
The Blue route is the shortest trail. It starts at the Visitor Center and goes down to the Causeway area. Allow 15 to 25 minutes.
A popular suggestion is to start on the Red route. This is a scenic route that gives you elevated views of the Causeway before you go down the hill. It starts in the parking lot and runs for less than a mile.
The Green route goes for two miles along the clifftop. It is marked as “easy.” Allow about one and half hours.
The Yellow route is a challenging hike of about 2 miles on the clifftop.
Learn how nature formed this wonder
As you visit, you will likely be in awe of the formation of the Causeway. A brief explanation of how it was formed is enlightening.
The Giant’s Causeway was formed 50 to 60 million years ago during a volcanic eruption. The ground at the time was made from chalk, a soft material that was easily penetrated by molten basalt due to the eruption. As the basalt lava cooled, it began to contract and fracture, splitting the basalt into the predominantly hexagonal pillars that are so recognizable today.
Then there’s the folklore explanation for the Causeway
The Irish love their stories, and you are sure to hear the folklore version of how the Causeway was formed. A legendary Irish giant named Finn McCool built the Causeway as a path to Scotland to fight a Scottish giant named Benandonner. When Finn realized Benandonner was much larger, he fled. His wife disguised him as a baby to trick Benandonner, who then retreated and destroyed parts of the Causeway.
Where to eat near the Causeway
As you will want to spend at least a couple of hours at the Causeway, you will likely need some nourishment after your visit. Options for a meal include:
The Café at the Visitor Center
There is a charge to enter the Visitor Center (15 Euro per adult) and eat at the café. If you buy a ticket, you can eat near the large windows and enjoy grand views of the coastline. Baked goods feature homemade scones. Wraps and sandwiches are also available.
Note: Dogs (on leash) are allowed in the café.
The Nook
The Nook is a comfortable eatery located in a restored 1850s schoolhouse right at the entrance to the World Heritage site. I enjoyed a chicken salad sandwich here after exploring the Causeway. It was delicious and service was fast and friendly.
Note: Dogs are accepted in the outdoor eating area.
The Causeway Hotel
The Causeway Hotel is a more upscale dining option next to the Visitor Center.
Cafés in Bushmills
Bushmills is a village close by with several cafés and restaurants to visit before or after your time at the Causeway. And of course it’s known for whiskey.
Where to stay to visit the Giant’s Causeway
A day trip to the Causeway is easy from either Belfast or Derry. You can self-drive or visit on a day tour or longer tour of Northern Ireland.
To spend longer at the Causeway area, stay in nearby Bushmills.
What to see near the Giant’s Causeway
Driving through Northern Ireland? Here are amazing places to visit near the Causeway.
Old Bushmills Distillery is a short distance away; if you’re interested in whiskey (and tours), this distillery makes a good add-on.
Dunluce Castle is a dramatic castle in ruins on a cliff near the Causeway Coast.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is often visited in the same itinerary. This rope bridge leads to a small island and offers thrilling views.
The Dark Hedges is an area of beech trees growing high over a country path. These are famous for their part in HBO’s “The Game of Thrones.” And they are a wonder of nature in their own right.
Exploring the Giant’s Causeway is the kind of day that will stay with you forever and bring a smile. As my friend said after our visit here, “This beautiful place in nature feeds my soul.” I think you’ll feel the same way!
Visiting Belfast? Learn about awesome places to explore in this vibrant city.
Consider an organized tour
I toured Belfast (and more of Northern Ireland) with the excellent tour company Essential Ireland Tours. You’ll find a vast array of tour companies in Ireland, so it may help to know this one is amazing for several reasons. The smaller group size (no more than 16 people) meant we enjoyed plenty of conversations and interaction as we explored Ireland.
The guides on our tour grew up in Ireland, are familiar with its history and culture, and kept up a running commentary as we drove. They truly love their country and want to share all its goodness with you.
We were on our own for dinner, which gave us time to explore and choose pubs and restaurants to our liking.
We learned, we laughed, we grew to be a tight-knit little group in just a few days. Your tour guide may even serenade you as you ride along. (Ask for Londonderry Air!).
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