Travel Tips: Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Stretching along the Antrim coast, the Giant's Causeway presents an unparalleled natural spectacle of interlocking basalt columns. From the dramatic cliffs to the crashing waves, the landscape unfolds before you in a breathtaking display of geological wonder. However, maximising this unforgettable experience requires a bit of savvy planning. This guide is packed with insider travel hacks, from timing your visit to avoid crowds to capturing stunning photographs and understanding the legends surrounding this remarkable site. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, these tips will help you elevate your Giant's Causeway experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.
history of the giant's causeway
The Giant's Causeway, located on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, is a remarkable natural wonder famous for its approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Its history is twofold: geological and legendary.
Scientifically, the Causeway formed about 50 to 60 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity. As molten basalt lava erupted and flowed, it cooled rapidly and contracted, causing it to fracture into the distinctive, mostly hexagonal columns seen today. These columns range in height and are part of a vast volcanic plateau that once stretched across the North Atlantic.
Legend, however, attributes the Causeway to the mighty Irish giant Finn McCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill). The popular tale tells of Finn building the causeway across the sea to Scotland to confront a rival Scottish giant, Benandonner. Upon seeing Benandonner's immense size, Finn's quick-thinking wife disguised him as a baby. When Benandonner arrived and saw the enormous "baby," he fled in fear, imagining how gigantic the father must be, and supposedly ripped up parts of the causeway as he retreated, leaving behind the stunning basalt formations we see today.
The site was first documented in 1693 and quickly gained international recognition, becoming a major tourist attraction. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986 for its outstanding geological significance.
pLANNING YOUR VISIT
iT'S ALL ABOUT TIMING
- Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid large crowds and capture beautiful lighting for photographs.
- Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for fewer crowds.
cHECK THE WEATHER
- Northern Ireland weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for rain, wind, and sunshine, sometimes all in the same day.
- Waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes are essential.
CONSIDER YOUR ROUTE
- There are different trails, including the Blue Trail (accessible paved road) and the Red Trail (cliff-top path with stunning views). Choose the one that suits your fitness level.
- Take time to explore the different areas of the causeway, not just the main section.
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY VISITOR CENTRE
- The Visitor Centre provides valuable information about the geology, history, and legends of the Giant's Causeway. It's worth a visit.
- Be aware that there are charges associated with the visitor centre experience.
- Note: you do not have to pay to visit the Giant's Causeway, to visit for free, ensure you walk to the right of the visitor centre and down the hill - this will take you to the rock formations without having to pay the entrance to the visitor centre.
tRANSPORT OPTIONS
driving
- Most Flexible Option: Driving offers the most flexibility to explore the Causeway Coast at your own pace.
- From Belfast: It's approximately a 1 hour 25 minute to 1 hour 30 minute drive (around 60 miles/90km) via the M2 motorway.
- From Dublin: The drive is considerably longer, around 3.5 to 4 hours, and often makes sense as part of a multi-day road trip.
- Parking: On-site parking at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre is available for Visitor Experience ticket holders and National Trust members (pre-booking recommended). There's also a "Causeway Coast Way Car Park" for walkers, or consider the Park and Ride service from Bushmills village (Dundarave Car Park) which includes discounted entry tickets and bus transfer to the Causeway.
Organised Tour
- Convenient & Popular: Many tour operators run daily excursions from Belfast and Dublin. These are often the most practical choice, handling all logistics and typically including other popular stops along the Causeway Coastal Route (like Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge viewpoint, Dunluce Castle, and sometimes Game of Thrones filming locations).
- Direct & Guided: Tours offer direct transport and often include a knowledgeable guide, providing insights into the history and legends of the area.
We chose an organised tour from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway, and it was a fantastic, well-organised, and timely option! At around £20 per person (approximate, as of 2022) for a full day of transport and multiple scenic stops, we found it to be excellent value, especially if you don't have a car or prefer to avoid longer public transport journeys. Highly recommended!
Public Transport
- Bus
- Direct Bus (Service 221): Translink operates a direct bus service (Ulsterbus Service 221) from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to the Giant's Causeway. This is a scenic route taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, but service frequency can be limited (e.g., often only two direct trips per day from Belfast).
- Ulsterbus Service 402 (Causeway Rambler): This bus runs frequently between Coleraine and Ballycastle, stopping at the Giant's Causeway, Portrush, Dunluce Castle, and Bushmills.
- Train and Bus Combination
- Take a train from Belfast (Lanyon Place Station) to Coleraine (approx. 1.5 hours).
- From Coleraine Train Station, connect with Ulsterbus Service 172 or 402 directly to the Giant's Causeway. The total journey time can be around 3 hours with transfers.
cycling
The National Cycle Network's Route 93 runs along the Causeway Coast, offering a scenic and healthy way to reach the Giant's Causeway for keen cyclists.
on foot
You can walk to the Giant's Causeway along the Causeway Coast Way, a breathtaking 33-mile coastal path. A popular shorter walk is from Dunseverick Castle to the Causeway. Once at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, the famous stones are about 0.8 miles (1.2 km) down a road; a shuttle bus service (for a small fee, free for National Trust members) runs between the Visitor Centre and the stones for those who prefer not to walk.
Experiencing the giant's causeway
Safety first
- The rocks can be slippery, especially when wet. Wear appropriate footwear and be cautious when walking on the columns.
- Pay attention to warning signs and stay away from the edge of the cliffs.
Take your time
- Don't rush your visit. Allow ample time to explore the causeway and soak in the atmosphere.
- Take time to take in the views.
Beyond the causeway
- The surrounding area of the Causeway Coast is equally beautiful. Consider exploring nearby attractions like Dunluce Castle or the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
- The Bushmills Whiskey Distillery is located only 3 miles (10 mins drive) away from the Giant's Causeway.
Last Updated: 2 June '25
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