Giant's Causeway

Rising out of the Atlantic coastline on Northern Ireland’s north shore, the Giant’s Causeway is a place where nature, history and legend meet. Within easy reach of Belfast, Derry~Londonderry and even Dublin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is unforgettable.

What Makes the Giant’s Causeway Special - Created by volcanic activity more than 60 million years ago, the Giant’s Causeway is made up of around 40,000 perfectly formed basalt columns. These striking hexagonal stones inspired the legend of Finn McCool, the giant who is said to have built the Causeway as a path to Scotland. Visitors today can walk across the famous stones, explore the rugged coastal paths and enjoy views that stretch across the sea towards Scotland on a clear day.

The Visitor Experience - A trip to the Giant’s Causeway is more than just seeing the stones. The Visitor Experience includes guided tours led by expert storytellers, audio guides in 11 languages, interactive exhibition spaces, a shop and café, and full use of on-site facilities. Accessibility is built in, with equipment available to borrow and a shuttle bus to help visitors reach the stones.

There are a total of 4 walking trails at the Giants Causeway, the blue, red, green and yellow trails. The blue route is the shortest and begins at the Visitor Centre and continues for about 15 minutes before reaching the main part of the Causeway. The distance until the very end of the trail is 0.8 miles where you will see the giant's boot.

 When to Visit - The Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors all year round. Summer months and Bank Holidays are the busiest times, so it is recommended to book in advance to guarantee entry and secure the best value tickets.

Even if you are a National Trust Member or Local Pass Holder with free access, advance booking is strongly advised to make sure your visit is as smooth as possible.

Tickets and Booking - The easiest way to plan your visit is by pre-booking tickets online through the official National Trust website. This ensures you get the best price while also helping the team manage visitor numbers, creating a more relaxed experience for everyone. Tickets include access to the Visitor Experience, guided tours, exhibitions and facilities. 

Parking and Travel - If you are travelling by car, the Causeway Coast Way Car Park at Innisfree Farm provides easy access to the coastal walking routes. Parking here costs £12 per vehicle, payable via the JustPark app, with free parking available to National Trust Members who register their membership through the app.

Visitors arriving by campervan or motorhome are advised to use the Park and Ride facility in Bushmills village, which also gives the opportunity to enjoy local shops and cafés before heading to the site. National Trust Members and Blue Badge Holders can access limited spaces at the main Visitor Centre car park if available.

Accessibility and Shuttle Service - The Giant’s Causeway is committed to being accessible for all visitors. An accessible Shuttle Bus runs between the Visitor Centre and the Grand Causeway, providing easy access to those who may not be able to walk the distance. This service is wheelchair-friendly, accepts card payments, and is free for National Trust Members.

The Clifftop Experience - For those who want to see the Giant’s Causeway from a new perspective, the Clifftop Experience is a fully guided five-mile hike from Dunseverick Castle to the stones. Led by knowledgeable guides from Away A Wee Walk, this route offers breathtaking views of the Causeway Coast and stories about the history, geology and folklore of the area.

Pre-booking is essential for this unique experience.

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Opening times

The Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience is open from 9am - 5pm. The last admission into the Visitor Centre is at 4pm.
Access to the coastline never closes (Dusk-Dawn).

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Book using

https://www.nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk/tickets?branches.branchID=2473

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Getting to the start by car

Directions from Town: Road: 2 miles from Bushmills. 11 miles from Coleraine, 13 miles from Ballycastle. Drive time - Belfast 1 hour 25 minutes, Londonderry/Derry 1 hour 10 minutes,

Dublin 3 hours 45 minutes. Map and Sat Nav locations: Visitor Centre C944439; postcode BT57 8SU

Park and Ride C94104 41034; postcode BT57 8SE

Bus: Regular services available, some of these are seasonal. Ulsterbus Service 172; Goldline Service 221; Causeway Rambler Service 402; Open Top Causeway Coast Service 177; Antrim Coaster Service 252. For further details visit www.translink.co.uk

Train: Regular services from Belfast or Londonderry/Derry to Coleraine then change to bus connection - Ulsterbus Service 172. Cycle: NCN93

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Price from £

For the best rates, pre-book your Visitor Experience tickets online via the official Giant's Causeway website in advance of your visit.

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Directions from Town

This attraction is accessible via public transport. Ulsterbus service 402 and 221 – Stop name: Giant's Causeway. Please visit Translink for information on planning your trip.