Giant's Causeway: The Ultimate Guide
Read our guide on the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. It includes the best things to do and see, tips on how to get, parking, where to stay, or when to visit.
No trip to Northern Ireland is complete without visiting the Giant's Causeway, one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.
We know it's a cliche to say. But this World Heritage UNESCO site is truly spectacular and definitely worth exploring.
It's not just us who think that. You will find it pretty much on every Ireland itinerary.
So why should you visit Giant's Causeway? Giant's Causeway is known for its majestic cliffs, epic coastal views, unique rock formations, and basalt columns formed millions of years ago.
Plus, you will get a chance to follow in the footsteps of giants. It's located in County Antrim along the Causeway Coastal Route, and you can easily get there by car.
Driving the Causeway Coastal Route is an incredible experience. You will get an opportunity to visit places such as Ballintoy Harbor, Dunluce Castle, or Downhill Demesne.
The main highlight of this incredibly scenic drive is undoubtedly the Giant's Causeway.
On top of that, Giant's Causeway offers several great walking trails, and it's accessible for all ages and abilities.
So, here is everything you need to know about Giant's Causeway before you go.
Giant's Causeway
Giant's Causeway is one of the most spectacular seascapes in Northern Ireland.
The Causeway stretches several kilometers along Antrim's coast and consists of some unique structures and 40.000 hexagonal basalt columns.
It's the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Skellig Michael and Bru na Boinne are located in the Republic of Ireland.
Today, Giant's Causeway is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland.
Where is Giant's Causeway Located
Giant's Causeway is located on County Antrim's north coast.
The UNESCO site can be found between Portballintrae and Ballintoy, just a few kilometers north of Bushmills.
How Was Giant's Causeway Formed
Giant's Causeway formed about 50-60 million years ago during the Paleogene period.
The hexagonal basalt columns were the result of intense volcanic eruptions.
The basalt layers formed on the chalk beds at first. Once the lava started to cool down, it contracted, and the cracks created the hexagonal columns.
Some of the most notable rock formations and structures within the accessible area are Giant's Boot, the Organ, Amphitheater, Chimney Stacks, the Camel, and Wishing Chair.
This geological wonder was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Myths and Legends
Giant's Causeway origins also include a tale of two giants. The story has several versions, depending on who you talk to.
According to a legend, Giant's Causeway was created by an Irish giant, Finn McCool (Fionn Mac Cumhaill).
It was a result of a dispute between two Irish and Scottish giants.
The clash with his Scottish rival, giant Benandonner, was inevitable. He built the Causeway across the Irish Sea so they could meet in a fearsome battle.
Both giants, as the word suggests, were huge. But Benandonner was simply gigantic.
When Finn McCool saw Benandonner for the first time, he realized he bit off more than he could chew.
So, he and his wife devised a plan to trick Benandonner into thinking that Finn McCool was bigger than him.
When Benandonner arrived in Ireland and saw Finn McCool dressed as a toddler in a huge cradle, his first thought was how big his father must be.
Benandonner then fled back to Scotland while destroying the natural bridge behind him.
Interestingly, there is a place called Fingal's Cave with similar hexagonally jointed basalt columns formed by the Paleocene lava flow.
The sea cave is located in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland, so it's often associated with this story.
What to See and Do
Giant's Causeway is one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland. It's a heaven destination for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Giant's Causeway is best explored on foot. The three walking routes that start at the visitor center are easy and relatively short.
The scenery will leave you speechless whether you explore the coast or the clifftops.
The best part is that Giant's Causeway is a great destination for all types of travelers, no matter what brings you to County Antrim.
Plus, if you're looking for a challenge, there is always the Causeway Coastal Way.
So put on your hiking shoes and discover the best trails at Giant's Causeway.
How to Visit the Giant's Causeway
If you want to follow in our footsteps, here's what we did. First, we explored the Green Trail that will take you west of the Visitor Center.
This lovely trail gives a small taste of what to expect next.
Then, we returned and walked along the Red Trail until we joined the Yellow Trail. We continued along the Yellow Trail for a few kilometers until it was time to return.
This stunning clifftop walk was probably our favorite part of the visit. The views are beyond words.
This is the Northern Ireland at its finest.
The crowds on the trail below were nowhere to be seen at the top.
At some point, we turned around and retraced our steps all the way to Shepherd's Steps junction. Descending 162 steps was definitely easier than walking uphill.
The section with steps gets slippery during rain, so be careful.
At the coast, we turned right and walked for a bit to see the Amphitheater up close.
This was a dead end, so then we headed back to the most scenic part of Giant's Causeway.
Eventually, we joined the Blue Trail and explored all those amazing basalt columns up close.
The basalt columns we saw at Giant's Causeway reminded us of Reynisfjara, Svartifoss, or Litlanesfoss, which we visited a few years back on our trip to Iceland.
Seeing similar rock formations brought up very fond memories, especially when the overall experience was so different.
When we were done, we tackled the last section of the Blue Trail and reappeared at the Visitor Center.
Giant's Causeway Walks
There are four walking trails at Giant's Causeway. The Green, Red, and Blue trails will take you through some of Giant's Causeway's most scenic spots.
These are the three main Giant's Causeway trails used mostly by the day visitors.
All three trails start at the main visitor center area. The Yellow Trail is part of a long-distance hike known as Causeway Coastal Way.
It's accessible from the visitor center area and can also be explored while you're there.
All trails within Giant's Causeway are well-signposted and easy to navigate.
By the way, you can easily explore Giant's Causeway without a guide.
Everything is clearly marked and first-time visitors friendly.
Green Trail
Starting at the visitor center, the 1.5-kilometer Green Trail serves as a great introduction to Causeway Coast.
If you want to explore all this area has to offer, we recommend tackling this trail first.
This easy clifftop trail offers great views of the Antrim's Coast, the Inishowen Peninsula, and even Scotland.
Of all three trails, this one is probably the least exciting in terms of overall scenery.
That doesn't mean that it's not worth exploring. It's just that you should focus on the Red and Blue trails if you're short on time. Green Trail is a nice bonus.
If you're walking to Giant's Causeway from Portballintrae, the Green Trail is part of the route.
Blue Trail
The most popular walking route at Giant's Causeway is the Blue Trail.
With a length of just 1 kilometer (one way), this is the shortest and easiest trail you can explore at Giant's Causeway.
Technically, this is a paved road (with a sidewalk for pedestrians) serviced by the shuttle bus.
The section between the Visitor Center and the most visited spot of Giant's Causeway is heavily visited.
You can expect crowds here during the peak hours.
By its very nature, Blue Trail is not the most exciting trail in the area. The purpose is to bring quickly visitors to the basalt columns.
If you're short on time, we recommend taking the Blue Trail to the basalt columns first and returning via the Red Trail.
Red Trail
The 3-kilometer Red Trail is mostly a clifftop walk that offers some of the most spectacular views of Giant's Causeway.
In our opinion, this section features one of the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland.
The upper part of the trail starts at the Visitor Center and ends at Shepherd's Steps (where Yellow Trail starts).
To follow the Red Trail, turn left and walk down toward the sea.
The Red Trail then extends to the right, where you will find Amphitheater.
Or you can just turn left again and join the Blue Trail that will eventually bring you back to the Visitor Center.
The best part about the Red Trail was that it was relatively quiet, at least compared to the Blue Trail.
Yellow Trail
The Yellow Trail stretches along the Giant's Causeway coast for around 3 kilometers.
The trail starts at Runkerry Head and ends at Hamilton's Seat, though it's usually accessed from the Visitor Center that is along the way.
This scenic walking route is part of the Causeway Coastal Trail and extends the Red and Green Trail.
If you want to escape the crowds, the Yellow Trail is your best bet.
The best part about the Yellow Trail is that you can walk in either direction as long as you want.
If you have extra time, Giant's Causeway Yellow Trail is definitely worth exploring.
Shuttle Bus
Tickets cost £1 per person one way (£2 return). The Giant's Causeway minibus runs every 15 minutes.
This is a perfect option for travelers with mobility issues, those who visit on a particularly rainy and windy day, or if you don't want to walk uphill on the way back.
If you're moderately fit, the trail is very easy to walk.
Giant's Causeway Visitor Center
The visitor center at Giant's Causeway is housed in a modern building beside the main parking lot.
Inside, you will find an exhibition area, souvenir shop, cafe, and toilet facilities.
The issue is that the exhibition focusing on the origin of the basalt columns is tiny, especially when compared to the size of the building.
Another thing is that it's very expensive for what it offers.
Probably the most controversial thing is that you can't enter the cafe or use the toilets without a Visitor Center ticket.
Not even the gift shop, which is just strange.
Sure, you also get a chance to join a guided tour, but this is one of those places you can easily explore on your own.
If you travel with your family or a group of friends, it's way more economical to use the parking where you pay per car, not per person.
When it comes to Giant's Causeway, it's not easy to recommend visiting the visitor center, especially if you travel around Ireland on a budget.
The Causeway Coast Way
The 53-kilometer trail known as the Causeway Coast Way is one of the most epic hikes in Northern Ireland.
This long-distance trail stretches between Ballycastle and Portstewart and can be walked in either direction.
You will need two or three days to finish the walk, depending on your fitness level.
Opening Hours
As Giant's Causeway is technically a public land, it's open 24/7.
The official website mentions that the coastline is open from dawn to dusk.
The Visitor Center and nearby Causeway Coast Way Car Park are open from 9 AM to 6 PM during the summer, 9 AM to 5 PM during the shoulder season, and 10 AM to 4 PM in winter.
The last admission to the visitor center is one hour before closing time.
Entrance Fee
Technically, there is no entry fee to Giant's Causeway.
However, you need to pay either for parking or access to the visitor center if you want to access the most scenic part through the main entrance.
To make it clear, you only need to buy a ticket for the visitor center or pay for the parking if you want to access Giant's Causeway through the main entrance.
Obviously, this is the best option for most visitors as it saves time and extra effort.
Parking or a ticket with parking costs from £10 - £15 for regular visitors.
The National Trust parking areas are free for National Trust Members.
The bus at Giant's Causeway costs £1 per person (£2 return).
If you're confused about the whole parking situation, stay tuned. We fully explain all your options in the text below.
Can You Visit Giant's Causeway for Free?
The short answer is yes; you can see Giant's Causeway for free. The long answer is that it's not that simple.
Simply put, this option is not for everyone, as you will need to park your vehicle either at Portballintrae in the west or Dunseverick in the east.
Portballintrae has a free Salmon Rock Beach Car Park right next to the beach.
The walk is about 3.5 kilometers long (one way) and finishes at Giant's Causeway's main entrance area.
It has adequate parking for a moderate crowd but gets busy during the summer.
You can use Dunseverick Castle Car Park, about 7.5 kilometers (one way) from the main entrance.
This parking lot is small, and finding a space here during peak times can be difficult.
If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus from Coleraine (Translink) that stops about 100 meters from the visitor center.
This way, you don't need to pay for Giant's Causeway, as you can simply walk past the building and connect to one of the trails.
Just make sure to check the timetable so you know what time the bus will arrive/depart from here.
Another option is to do the whole Causeway Coastal Way, which requires two or three days of your time.
Parking
Even though a visit to Giant's Causeway is very straightforward, parking can be slightly confusing.
When we reached the main entrance - National Trust - Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre - we found two lines of cars queuing to enter.
The situation was a bit chaotic, so we picked the left one as it was a bit shorter.
There were two attendants, one for each line.
When we got to the end of the queue, we realized that the left line was for the Causeway Hotel Parking, while the right one was for the Visitor Center.
As we heard that the visitor center experience is somewhat underwhelming, we didn't mind leaving our car at the hotel.
Visitor Center Car Park
This is the main official parking at Giant's Causeway. The parking lot is accessed from Causeway Road.
Once you leave the Causeway Road and turn onto the access road, take right on the first fork.
Visitor Center Car Park is pretty large, and you can book your timeslot in advance.
The Visitor Center Ticket, which includes parking, costs £13.50 per person in the low season and £15.50 per person in the peak season.
The entry fee is free for National Trust members. The main downside is that the tickets are per person instead of per car.
The result is that this experience quickly gets very expensive.
If you travel with your family, make sure to get a Family Ticket, which is slightly discounted.
The main reason to pick this parking is that you will directly support the National Trust and get access to the visitor center.
Giant's Causeway – Standard Visitor Experience Ticket includes reserved parking, guided tour, hand-held audio guides, access to the Visitor Centre's exhibition and interpretation area, the shop, café, and toilets.
Causeway Hotel Parking
If you pick the parking on your left-hand side, you will leave your car at Causeway Hotel Parking.
Parking is £10 per car at Causeway Hotel. This is where we parked.
Unlike other parking options in the area, you get £10 off at the hotel restaurant.
The main trail is easily accessed from here, as the trailhead is just behind the hotel.
This is a good choice for those who want to save some money and don't want to explore the visitor center.
Causeway Coast Way Car Park
The Causeway Coast Way Car Park is just off the Causeway Road, less than 500 meters east of the main entrance.
This is a good option for those who want to explore only the walking trails.
You will save money but won't get access to the visitor center. Parking is available for £10 per car.
How Much Time Do I Need
If the weather permits, we recommend at least 2-3 hours for Giant's Causeway.
You will have enough time to take things slowly and see some of the most stunning places in one go.
On a beautiful summer day, it's easy to stay much longer to experience everything this area has to offer.
If you're pressed for time, an hour of your time should be enough for Giant's Causeway.
As the most famous place with the basalt columns is just 1 kilometer from the visitor center, you will need at least 30 minutes to walk there and back.
Add another 15-30 minutes for photos and wandering around.
We do recommend looping back via Shepherd's path, which will add another 15 minutes to your visit.
As Giant's Causeway is one of Ireland's most incredible natural attractions, make sure not to rush the experience and take in all the sights.
If you decide to walk the Causeway Coastal Way, you will need two to three days.
Obviously, this long-distance route is the most rewarding way to see Giant's Causeway, but it requires extra time that most visitors simply don't have.
When to Go
One of the best things about Giant's Causeway is that you can visit this UNESCO site all year round.
Simply put, there is no bad time to visit Giant's Causeway.
Summer
If you're looking for a classic tourist experience with good weather, visit Giant's Causeway during the summer.
Just be prepared that summer is the peak season with larger crowds and higher prices.
And not just for accommodation, as even the tickets are more expensive.
The good news is that there are still ways to escape summer crowds at Giant's Causeway.
You just need to plan your trip a bit more carefully.
Spring or Fall
Visiting Giant's Causeway in the late spring or early fall is ideal for several reasons.
The shoulder season still has relatively lovely weather, but crowds have thinned, and accommodations cost less.
We visited Giant's Causeway in May around midday, and the experience was very enjoyable.
Sure, the most popular area with basalt columns was packed with people, but the upper trails were relatively quiet.
Ireland's spring and fall are ideal for those who don't mind slightly more unpredictable weather in exchange for better prices and fewer crowds.
Depending on the type of Ireland trip you seek, there are optimal times for planning it.
If you're still not sure, check our guide on when to visit Ireland.
Winter
You can visit Giant's Causeway in winter but need to lower your expectations. Winter on the Antrim's coast is hit or miss.
You will have a blast here if you get lucky with the weather. No crowds and low prices will result in an amazing experience.
On the other hand, there will be many rainy and windy days, which can make the whole experience fairly miserable.
If you want to drive around the island and also see places such as Ring of Kerry or County Donegal, winter is not a great choice.
How to Avoid Crowds
Giant's Causeway is one of the top tourist sites in Northern Ireland (and on the whole island).
It won't come as a surprise that the site is often incredibly crowded, especially during the peak season and weekends.
If you want to see Giant's Causeway without crowds, you need to time your visit carefully.
Summer is the worst when it comes to crowds, so the most obvious tip is to travel to Ireland outside this season.
If there's no way around it, a good strategy is to visit Giant's Causeway early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
As you aim to avoid large bus tours, this general travel tip works pretty much in every tourist destination.
Another tip to help you beat the crowds is avoiding the weekends.
This is obviously easier said than done, especially if you're strapped for time.
Our favorite way to escape the crowds at popular tourist attractions is to leave the most popular spots behind and walk further. Giant's Causeway is no exception.
What to Pack
Giant's Causeway is one of the coastal areas that are prone to weather swings. Be prepared for basically all seasons, and check the weather forecast before you go.
Rain and wind are common in coastal areas, including Giant's Causeway.
As the Irish weather is unpredictable, the best thing you can do is be prepared.
A good quality rain jacket is the most indispensable item on every Ireland packing list.
You should consider wearing rainproof shoes if the weather forecast claims all rain.
Outside the summer season, you need to pack an extra layer or two to stay nice and warm.
A comfortable daypack is essential for carrying your gear, water, and extra layers.
A hat and good sunscreen are a must on sunny days as the cliffs are exposed.
Also, make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
We use these reusable water bottles whether we travel to Ireland, Peru, or Canada.
How to Get There
Giant's Causeway is located on County Antrim's coast. The easiest way to get to Giant's Causeway is by car or tour.
The main entrance is also accessible by bus.
As we found ourselves, the easiest way to travel around Ireland is by car.
So, if you truly want to explore Northern Ireland, you will need a car, especially if you're short on time.
Here you will find tips on renting a car in Ireland.
Car
Giant's Causeway is 60 kilometers east of Derry, 100 kilometers northwest of Belfast, and 260 kilometers north of Dublin.
Driving in Ireland can be a bit challenging at times.
The most challenging part is that you will need to stay on the left side of the road. Some rural roads are very narrow, so drive slowly.
When it comes to Giant's Causeway, this is an enjoyable drive. The main entrance is accessed from A2/Causeway Road; both roads have two lanes.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Bus
Several regular and seasonal bus services are available.
See Ulsterbus 172 or Causeway Rambler 402 to get to Giant's Causeway by bus.
The Causeway Rambler is arguably the best option for tourists looking for an affordable and convenient way to explore some of the best attractions along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Train
You can also take a train from Derry or Belfast to Coleraine.
Here you need to change to bus Ulster Bus 172. If you want to use public transport, it's probably better to stick with the bus.
On Foot
One of the most adventurous ways to reach Giant's Causeway is on foot.
The 53-kilometer Causeway Coastal Way is considered the best two or three-day hike in Northern Ireland.
This coastal walking route allows you to see some of the finest scenery on the Emerald Isle.
There is no entry fee if you get to Giant's Causeway on foot.
Taxi
If you're staying in Bushmills (or any nearby town and village), you could also consider taking a taxi to Giant's Causeway.
This option saves time, but it's more expensive.
Guided Tours
Giant's Causeway is one of Ireland's top attractions. This is great news as most tour operators offer trips to Giant's Causeway, no matter if you're in Belfast, Derry, or Dublin.
The best Giant's Causeway tours include additional popular places such as Belfast, Dunluce Castle, the Dark Hedges, etc.
While we prefer to explore new destinations on our own, these tours are a great alternative for those seeking a comfortable way to see this attraction when pressed for time.
In fact, Giant's Causeway is one of the most popular tours from Dublin.
Top-Rated Giant's Causeway Tours
This top-rated Giant's Causeway Tour from Dublin is extremely popular as it allows you to see some of the most beautiful places Northern Ireland has to offer.
Be prepared that you will spend several hours on the road, but we believe this journey is well worth the time and money.
You can obviously visit also Giant's Causeway from Belfast.
Some of the most popular Giant's Causeway Tours from Belfast also include Game of Thrones filming locations.
The famous HBO TV series was filmed at truly amazing places. So you can safely join these tours even if you've never seen the show.
Where to Stay
Are you looking for recommendations for accommodation near Giant's Causeway? You've come to the right place.
Arguably, the best place to stay by the Giant's Causeway is the hotel at the entrance.
As this is an incredibly popular property with a hard-to-beat location, booking your stay early is recommended to avoid disappointment.
This general advice applies to all accommodations in County Antrim during the peak season. Hotels fill up fast, and prices skyrocket due to increased demand.
Luckily, you will find accommodations for every budget in County Antrim. Coleraine, Portrush, Portstewart, Bushmills, and Ballycastle are smaller towns with a good range of hotels.
Belfast and Derry are your best 'big city' options, but it takes 60-90 minutes to get here from there.
In addition to these towns and cities, tons of bed and breakfasts are scattered all over the countryside.
Here are tips on the best hotels near Giant's Causeway.
Bushmills | Causeway Hotel - Situated on the site of Giant's Causeway, this charming hotel offers spacious and clean rooms, great breakfast, free parking, and stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. This hotel is your best bet if you want to see Giant's Causeway without crowds.
Ballycastle | The Salthouse Hotel - This stylish hotel with beautiful rooms, free private parking, a great restaurant, and a lovely spa. It is located just outside Ballycastle, only 20 kilometers from Giant's Causeway.
Portrush | Golflinks Hotel - This 3-star hotel offers modern and affordable rooms, free parking, excellent food, and helpful staff. The property is located in Portrush, about 10 kilometers from Giant's Causeway.
Belfast | Hampton By Hilton Belfast City Centre - This is one of the most popular hotels in Belfast. Expect a central location, modern rooms, tasty food, and excellent hospitality. Discounted overnight parking is available beside the hotel.
Staying Safe
Giant's Causeway is generally a safe place to visit. As with any tourist destination, there are some general safety precautions you should take.
Firstly and foremost, the cliffs at Giant's Causeway are affected by erosion resulting from natural processes.
Stay away from the foot of cliffs, never climb the cliffs, and beware of falling rocks and debris from the cliff top.
If you're walking along the cliff top, you should always stick to the designated trails. Stay away from the edge even though it might appear safe.
Children and pets should be supervised at all times.
Another crucial thing is to watch the wind. It gets often super windy at Giant's Causeway, and the strong wind gusts can be potentially dangerous.
That's another reason you shouldn't walk too close to the edge.
Ireland is packed with cliff destinations. No matter if you travel to Slieve League or Kerry Cliffs, stay safe.
Here, you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Giant's Causeway Worth Visiting?
With its rugged beauty and jaw-dropping cliffside views, Giant's Causeway is one of the must-see places in County Antrim.
In fact, this is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and beyond words.
The cliffs sit on the Causeway Coastal Route and can be easily reached by car in around 60 minutes from Derry or 90 minutes from Belfast, making it a great place for a day trip.
Giant's Causeway is listed as a UNESCO site, which is a reason on its own to incorporate it into your itinerary.
If you love the outdoors, there are several great walking trails for all fitness levels.
Therefore, we believe Giant's Causeway is absolutely worth seeing.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
