Giant’s Causeway: Visitor Guide, Tips and What to See Nearby

Forty thousand basalt columns plunging into the Atlantic: the Giant's Causeway It's the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's located on the Antrim coast, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Belfast. Based in the UK and Ireland since 2012, we include it in our tailor-made trips. Here's how to visit, our practical tips, and other sights to see nearby.

In short: The Giant's Causeway comprises approximately 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic activity over 50 million years ago. Access to the site on foot is free, but there is a charge for parking and the National Trust visitor centre. Allow 2 to 3 hours for your visit, and consider combining it with the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle, and the Bushmills Distillery.

What is the Giant's Causeway?

The Giant's Causeway is a collection of approximately 40,000 basalt columns, mostly hexagonal, that extend into the sea like a vast paved road. They were formed during the cooling of lava flows more than 50 million years ago. In 1986, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

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Your ideal coastal spot?

Cliffs and sweeping panoramasBeaches, harbors and small villages

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On foot along a pathBy car with several stops

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Need a break?

A beautiful viewpointA cafe or pub by the water

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What appeals to you most?

The wild sideThe atmosphere of the villages

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The perfect end to the day?

A sunsetA good local dinner

The legend of Finn McCool

Legend has it that the Irish giant Finn McCool built this causeway to cross the sea and confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner. In fact, similar basalt columns can be found on the Isle of Staffa, in Scotland, on the other side of the sea. While there, look for the "Giant's Boot" and the "Organ," two famous rock formations.

How to visit the Giant's Causeway

• Accessible on foot : the site is freely accessible via coastal paths.
• Reception center Managed by the National Trust, it is a paid attraction and includes parking, an exhibition and an audio guide.
• Trails : the red trail, high up, offers superb views of the cliffs; the blue trail descends directly towards the columns.
• Shuttle : a small bus connects the reception centre to the columns for those who can't walk as much.

Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, especially in summer. Also, wear good shoes: the stones are slippery. More information is available on the website of National Trust.

What is there to see around the Giant's Causeway?

• The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, suspended 30 meters above the sea.
• Dunluce Castle, spectacular ruins perched on the edge of the cliffs.
• The Bushmills Distillery, one of the oldest in the world, with a license dating back to 1608.
• The Dark Hedges, the famous tree-lined avenue from Game of Thrones.
• The port of Ballintoy, a small, picturesque port on the coast.

All these stops are located on the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Europe. For series fans, also read our guide to... Game of Thrones filming locations.

Our 2-day itinerary on the Antrim coast

• Day 1: Belfast, then the coast to Ballintoy and Carrick-a-Rede.
• Day 2: the Giant's Causeway early in the morning, Dunluce, Bushmills and the Dark Hedges.

Finally, this tour combines perfectly with a longer trip. Discover our guide to...’Northern Ireland, our ideas for visit Belfast and our road trip from Titanic to Connemara.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Giant's Causeway

Is the Giant's Causeway free?

Access to the site on foot is free. However, the National Trust visitor centre and its car park are subject to a fee.

How long does it take to visit the Giant's Causeway?

Allow 2 to 3 hours to see the columns and hike part of the trails. Plan a full day for the Antrim coast.

How to get to the Giant's Causeway from Dublin?

The journey takes approximately 3 hours. Therefore, we recommend spending at least one night on the Antrim coast or in Belfast.

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