At first glance, you might think Giant’s Causeway was the product of thousands of sculptors chiseling away.
But it’s not. It’s a natural phenomenon, and one of the UK’s most celebrated tourist sites.
This amazing UNESCO site is the result of volcanic activity. It’s made of roughly 40,000 interlocking hexagonal columns made of basalt.
To top that off, the causeway is set on a promontory where steep cliffs and crashing waves make a pretty sight.
You can even clamor about on the rocks, although one does wonder a bit how much longer this will be allowed.
Quick Tips
- Giant’s Causeway itself is free to visit.
- However, the visitor’s center is 15 euros.
- You’ll also have to pay for parking, although you can park for free down the hill and walk up.
- You can opt for the blue trail (easy to moderate) or the red trail (more challenging hiking).
- There’s also a transit bus that goes up and down the blue trail for £ 1 each way.
- There are free public restrooms onsite.
Legend Of Giant’s Causeway
As with most sites in Ireland, Giant’s Causeway comes complete with a tall tale from Irish mythology.
The story involves an Irish giant named Finn McCool. Naturally, many tidbits seem to vary depending on who tells the tale.
Anyway, one day, Finn saw a Scottish giant, Benandonner, waving to him from across the Irish Sea. But the Irish giant misinterpreted the friendly gesture, thinking that the Scot had challenged him to a duel.
He built a causeway from Ireland to Scotland so the pair could meet and kick the bajaysus out of each other.
But Finn was dead tired from his efforts. He promptly fell asleep at home in his giant bed.
Finn’s quick witted wife, anticipating a visit from Benandonner, dressed him up like a baby, bonnet and all.
When Benandonner came to call with thunderous footsteps, the wife told him to shush or he’d wake the “baby.”
Benandonner took one look at the giant baby. He decided on the spot that if Finn’s baby was that big, Finn must really be the giant of all giants.
So, Benandonner legged it back home to Scotland. Along the way, he destroyed the causeway so Finn couldn’t follow him.
Fun Fact: Another version of the tale is the Finn built the causeway to reach his girlfriend on the island of Staff.
Guide To Giant’s Causeway
The Geology Bit
About 60 million years ago, there was an immense amount of volcanic activity and a lava plateau formed.
Eventually, it began to cool and fracture, much like dried mud.
When lava cools evenly, which it did here, it creates the distinctive hexagonal columns that the site is famous for.
The columns vary in size, with the tallest reaching about 39 feet. Others just make nice stepping stones.
Trails
There are four trails around Giant’s Causeway.
But the red and blue trails are the most accessible, popular, and well-marked. I did both of them, which I highly recommend doing if you have the time.
To do this, you start on the Red Trail over the tunnel. You can enjoy the clifftop views, then descend via the Shepherd’s Steps to the Blue Trail, which will take you down to the causeway.
This gives you both the high and low perspectives of the extraordinary landscape.
Here’s a quick run down of the trails:
Blue Trail:
The Blue Trail is the easiest and most accessible route and the most visually appealing. To access it, just head through the tunnel.
The trail is paved and relatively flat, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities, including families with strollers and those with limited mobility.
Along the way, you’ll also see formations like the “Wishing Chair,” a naturally formed seat among the columns, and the “Organ Pipes,” a series of tall, pillar-like columns resembling a giant organ.
The blue trail directly leads to the iconic basalt columns on the Grand Causeway, which are the main attraction.
So it’s a natural choice for first-time visitors. A blue bus runs along he footpath and there are some seats to stop and gawk at the views.
You can walk on and explore the rocks, some of which look like giant pencils. Just be careful not to turn an ankle!
Duration: About 30-45 minutes out and back. But you may want to plop down on a rock (with the rest of humanity) and just take in the setting.
Red Trail:
The Red Trail offers stunning bird’s eye views from the 300 foot clifftops of the rugged coastline.
Stay away from the cliff edge! It’s unfenced and the ground can be slippery.
It’s slightly more challenging than the Blue Trail with a dirt path and some uneven terrain. But still manageable for most visitors.
Duration: About 1-1.5 hours
Yellow Trail:
The Yellow Trail follows the Shepherd’s Path, starting at the Visitor Centre and ascending the cliffs.
It offers fantastic views of the coastline and the Giant’s Causeway from above. The trail involves some steep steps and a bit more exertion than the Blue Trail.
You can access the Yellow Trail directly from the Visitor Centre, where it begins by following the same route as the Blue Trail before diverging and climbing the steps known as the Shepherd’s Steps to the clifftop.
Duration: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
Green Trail:
The Green Trail is a longer route that offers a full circuit, starting at the Visitor Centre and following the Red Trail along the clifftop.
It then loops back inland, offering a more varied landscape that includes fields and views of Runkerry House.
This trail is relatively easy, with some moderate sections. You access it from the same starting point as the Red Trail at the Visitor Centre.
Duration: About 1.5 to 2 hours
Visitor Center
The Visitor’s Center is an interesting modern building. It was designed to reflect the natural architecture of the causeway.
You’ll have to pay a fee to enter, even if you’re only using the restaurant or gift shop.
Inside, there are exhibits on the causeway and the geology of the area.
Tips & FAQ For Giant’s Causeway
Where Is Giant’s Causeway?
Giant’s Causeway is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland, in County Antrim.
It’s about 3 miles northeast of the town of Bushmills and approximately 60 miles north of Belfast.
How To Get There
If you’re driving, it’ll be 1.5 to 2 hours from Belfast. From Dublin, it’s 3.5 to 4 hours.
You can also take a combination of trains and buses, but it will take much longer.
There are guided day tours from Dublin that include the Giant’s Causeway as part of a full-day itinerary.
These are loooong, typically lasting 12-13 hours. Buses depart from Parnell Square N in north Dublin.
You can also book a day tour from Belfast. Another popular option is a combined tour of Titanic Belfast and Giant’s Causeway.
Tickets:
Giant’s Causeway is free.
But the Visitor’s Center is 16.50 euros or 41.25 euros for a family.
Your ticket includes an audio guide to the blue and red trails.
When To Visit Giants Causeway
The site is open year round, though you’ll naturally get worse weather in the winter.
I was incredibly lucky to have a sunny day. But you should prepare for rain and high winds.
In terms of time of day, I would try to plan for early morning or late afternoon if that works for your schedule.
In the afternoon, you’ll get the “golden hour” before sunset. At this time of day, the columns are bathed in a golden glow, making for stunning photographs.
Sunset is also a splendid time to visit, as the sun sets into the Irish Sea.
If you’re concerned about being able to scamper on the stones, you might check the tidal forecast. Low tide is best for this.
What Other Attractions Are Nearby?
If you are out with the car for the day, there are a few other attractions you can visit on your gadabout along the coastal route.
Dunluce Castle is a dramatic cliffside ruin, which inspired the Greyjoy Castle in Game of Thrones. The castle, with some CGI magic, appears in season 2.
It was home to a colorful cast of warlords. The top kingpin was Sorely Boy, leader of the MacDonnell clan.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a must for dare devils, and just 7 miles away.
It spans 66 feet and connects the mainland to the small island of Carrick-a-Rede (just a large rock really). On clear days, you can see Scotland from the island.
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees planted in the 18th century. It’s famous as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.
It’s a little worse for wear, as some of the trees have died back over time, lessening the atmospheric effect. Still if you are a rabid GOT-er, it’s a must visit.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Giant’s Causeway. You may find these other UK travel guides useful:
- 1 day in Belfast itinerary
- 3 days in London itinerary
- 5 days in London itinerary
- Best day trips from London
Pin it for later.
