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      Giant's Causeway Travel Guide

      The Magic of the Giant's Causeway

      Jutting out dramatically into the sea along the famed Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a collection of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns about 60 million years old clinging to the coast in dramatic columns and causeways.

      Science claims that the Giant’s Causeway was created ago by quick-cooling lava after a volcanic eruption. Myth claims it was angry giants chucking rocks into the sea to decide who would be the next ruler of Ireland. Which story is right? That’s up to you to decide.

      To make the most of your visit, check out our top things to do at the Giant’s Causeway below. 

      Hike the Causeway Coast to the Giant's Causeway

      Wildflowers along the Causeway Coastal Route

      Wildflowers along the Causeway Coastal Route

      The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, so naturally, the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre is proportionally quite busy. Most visitors simply drive to the Giant’s Causeway, visit the centre, and then walk down to the Giant’s Causeway (or take the shuttle).

      The Route

      However, as local experts, we recommend that the most rewarding and adventurous way to visit the Giant’s Causeway is by hiking to this unique geological feature along the Causeway Coast. In all, the Causeway Coastal Route is a 52-km (32 miles) long route along Northern Ireland’s coastline, but it’s easy to hike a shorter section.

      Following the coast, you’ll come across crumbling castles, towering sea stacks, beautiful ocean vistas, quaint harbours, postcard beaches, and nesting seabirds. In fact, this is the route we take our clients on our Hiking the Causeway Route and Donegal trip.

      Starting at what little remains of Dunseverick Castle, follow the Causeway Coastal Route, voted Lonely Planet’s top 2018 destination, along the narrow coastal trek. This 4.5-mile hike will take you about two hours. Along the way, admire rolling emerald farmland dotted with grazing livestock on one side and ocean waves flecked with diving seabirds rolling out to the horizon on the other.

      Giant's Causeway hiking

      Overlooking the Causeway Coast.

      The Geology

      As you approach the Giant’s Causeway, watch as the geology grows more and more strange. Start spotting the basalt columns and formations made famous by the Causeway along the cliffs and coasts. You’ll get a stunning view overlooking the Giant’s Causeway from above.

      Once you’re close to the causeway, descend the clifftop via the panoramic Shepherd’s Steps – 162 stone steps leading down to visit the “Organ,” a row of unique, enormous columns towering over the bay. Pass the “Amphitheatre,” where you can drink in the coastline panorama as well as admire curious rock formations such as the chimney stacks.

      Finally, after much anticipation, follow the coastal path down to the Giant’s Causeway. It’s worth the wait!

      Read more about Ireland’s unusual geology here.

      Hike to the Giant’s Causeway

      Photograph the Stones

      Giant's Causeway hiking

      The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most intriguing landscapes in Ireland – and the world in general. In fact, it is so unique that it has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for being a “spectacular area of global geological importance on the sea coast at the edge of the Antrim plateau.” This all combines to make it a spectacular photography spot.

      Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a pro behind the lens, avail yourself of the amazing landscapes for stunning photography. It’s difficult to explain the awe-inspiring experience of being able to walk, climb and scoot your way across this ancient volcanic battlefield.

      Wildlife lovers and birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the variety of birds, such as stonechats, gannets, fulmars, and peregrine falcons, who live in and around the Causeway Coast. This region is great for spotting and photographing Irish wildlife. Learn more about birdwatching in Ireland here, or if you prefer the oceans, read about Ireland’s coastal wildlife in this article.

      The Giant’s Causeway at sunset.

      When to Visit for Photography

      Test out different perspectives, angles, and lighting with your camera to get the most remarkable pictures possible. Photographer’s tip: avoid midday as much as possible; early morning or late afternoon lighting is the best for photos. The Giant’s Causeway is also a popular site to visit, so if you want to avoid too many other people in your shots, an early morning or evening visit will see the smallest crowds.

      Though the Giant’s Causeway is stunning under clear blue skies, alternatively, visit the Causeway during a storm, as the waves pounding on the 40,000 basalt chimney stacks are a force to be reckoned with.

      Prefer to travel at your own pace?

      Self Drive – Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway

      Look out for...Giants?

      Blue skies at the Giant's Causeway

      The Giant’s Causeway

      Irish Folklore: The Story of the Giant’s Causeway

      Ever wondered why it’s called the Giant’s Causeway? Why… ‘giants’? To answer that, we’ll dip into one of Ireland’s most fascinating myths. A long time ago, Irish giant Finn McCool got into an argument with the Scottish giant Benandonner over property rights. Angry, Finn McCool started chucking boulders from the Antrim Coast into the sea. Inspired, he built a causeway (a bridge) across the sea to Scotland to challenge Benandonner to a duel.

      Intimidated by the Scottish giant’s huge size, Finn retreated to Ireland. Realising that a con was the best way to win, his wife disguised him as a giant baby. Benandonner concluded that if Finn’s child was that big, Finn himself must be huge. Benandonner runs away, ripping up bits of the causeway behind him, leaving it the fragmented causeway we see today.

      Learn More at the Visitor’s Centre

      Though you may not see the giants on your visit, knowing the story gives insights into the ancient Celtic people. Before you explore the stones, visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, an interactive centre perfect for introducing you to the mythos of Irish folklore of the Giant’s Causeway. Alongside the folkloric tale, the visitor centre also provides a scientific context to the creation of the causeway and its iconic basalt stone columns.

      You can even pick up an audio guide for more details as you explore the stones. Note that access to the stones is free, but use of the car park or Visitor’s Centre has a fee. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre has a cafe, shop and toilets.

      Read more about the myths of the Giant’s Causeway here. Or if Irish folklore intrigues you, why not check out our Folklore page?

      Visit the Giant's Causeway at Sunrise & Sunset

      Sunrise Giant's Causeway

      Sunrise at the Giant’s Causeway.

      The Giant’s Causeway will always be beautiful – but to see it in the best light, you’ll have to wake up early. Watching the dawn break and the world come to life is always a special and meaningful experience – you’ll get the feeling that you have the world all to yourself.

      One of the most meaningful sunrise experiences you can have in Ireland is a visit to the Giant’s Causeway at dawn. You’ll have this usually crowded place all to yourself. Practice meaningful travel, embrace the tranquillity, feel the first light on your face, and appreciate the raw beauty and rich mythology of the Giant’s Causeway before other visitors arrive. Listen to the sound of the waves lapping the columns as you watch the seabirds dive for food as the sun slowly warms the glowing rocks of 40,000 basalt columns. 

      Alternatively, if you can’t make it in the morning, a visit in the late evening as the sun sets is perhaps less gleaming but still amazingly beautiful.

      Explore the Giant’s Causeway at sunset, free from daytime crowds on two wheels on our epic, bucket-lister bike trip.

      Bike the 5 Countries

      Explore the Geology

      Causeway Coast Geology

      Causeway Coast Geology

      Ireland is home to some truly unique geology. The limestone sheets of the Burren, the sheer cliffs of the Cliffs of Moher or Slieve League, the erratic boulders left behind by ancient glaciers, fossilised dinosaur prints embedded in the rocks of Kerry, the imprint of long-ago bottom sea creatures in the limestone of the west coast, from when Ireland was on the sea floor.

      But the epitome of weirdly wonderful Irish geology is the Giant’s Causeway.

      Giant’s Causeway Formation

      A geological marvel, the Giant’s Causeway was formed by volcanic activity around 50 to 60 million years ago during the Paleogene period. Composed of some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, this natural wonder is the result of multiple overlapping lava flows that erupted and gradually cooled as they reached the Atlantic Ocean.

      As the lava cooled, it contracted and fractured, forming the thousands of basalt columns we see today, with their strikingly regular polygonal shape. Ranging in height, these unique formations almost seem to resemble stepping stones leading into the sea.

      Because of this unusual geological formation and volcanic origin story, the Giant’s Causeway has captivated the imagination for centuries, sparking myths and legends while offering a glimpse into the Earth’s dynamic geological history.

      More about Hiking & Northern Ireland

      Tours to Visit the Giant's Causeway

      Hiking the Causeway
      Coast & Donegal

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      Hiking the
      Northern Coast

      View Trip

       Self Drive: Belfast, Giant’s
      Causeway & Donegal

      View Trip

      Things to Do Near the Giant's Causeway

      From distilleries to castles to coastal hikes, we’ve singled out some of our favourite places to visit along the Causeway Coast in the vicinity of the Giant’s Causeway. All of the items listed are within a short driving distance from the Giant’s Causeway.

      Read more below, or check out our trips taking place in this stunning and iconic region of Ireland.

      Bushmills Whiskey Tasting Room

      Bushmills Whiskey Tasting Room

      Old Bushmills Distillery

      One of Ireland’s most revered whiskey distilleries is found a stone’s throw from the Giant’s Causeway: Old Bushmills Distillery. Located in the cheerful village of the same name, Bushmills is one of Co. Antrim’s most intriguing places to visit for whiskey lovers or those simply curious about this beloved Irish drink.

      Start off with an educational tour of the distillery before perfecting your taste buds with a whiskey tasting. Bringing your family? They’ll organise a family-friendly non-alcoholic tasting for the kids.

      Read more about Bushmills and other whiskeys of the Emerald Isle in our guide to Irish whiskey here.

      Dunluce Castle

      Dunluce Castle on its clifftop location.

      Dunluce Castle

      Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the North Channel, the mystical Dunluce Castle was built by the Ulster Scots. First owned by the McQuillans, it was later stolen by their rivals, the MacDonnells.

      Local legend claims that the castle kitchens once toppled spectacularly off the cliffs, though this probably didn’t happen. Another legend states that Belfast native C.S. Lewis used Dunluce Castle as his model for Narnia’s royal castle Cair Paravel (read more here). As another bit of pop culture, the Game of Thrones infamous Red Wedding scene was inspired by a real wedding that took place (in much the same way as in the novel) between the McQuillans (the Starks) and the MacDonnells (the Freys).

      Read more about Dunluce Castle in our blog.

      Ballintoy Harbour

      Ballintoy Harbour

      Ballintoy Harbour

      Another place that has piqued inspiration in pop culture today is Ballintoy Harbour, used as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones series (in scenes on the Isle of Pyke). A tiny harbour tucked into a rocky cliff, Ballintoy is a picturesque stop whether or not you’re a Game of Thrones fan.

      If you are interested in learning more about Game of Thrones and Northern Ireland, perhaps you’d like to check out our guide to the series’ filming locations here.

      Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge

      Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge

      Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

      This swinging 30 m (100 feet) high rope bridge spans a 20 m (65 feet) gap between the mainland and the tiny rock of an island, Carrickarede. The original Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was built by salmon fishermen some 350 years ago, though it was disused by the fishermen at the end of the 20th century due to a lack of salmon. (In the 1960s, for example, roughly 300 fish were caught per day; by 2000, just 300 fish were caught over the whole season.)

      Today, the bridge connects the islet, offering visitors a breathtaking bridge experience leading to stunning coastal views.

      Mussenden Temple perched upon a clifftop.

      Mussenden Temple

      Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple

      Downhill Demesne is an 18th century mansion built on a windswept headland on the Causeway Coast by the Bishop of Derry. Destroyed by fire and then by disuse following WWII, the impressive ruin is now owned by the National Trust.

      Overhanging the bluff is the famous Mussenden Temple, a round neoclassical structure named in honour of the Bishop’s cousin Frideswide Mussenden, and once used as a great library. Recently, Mussenden Temple and the beach below the cliff were used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, where Melisandre visited Stannis Baratheon. Just below the estate is the beach town of Portstewart.

      Cushendun Caves

      View from Cushendun Caves

      Cushendun Caves

      Cushendun Caves, located along Northern Ireland’s rugged Antrim Coast, were carved over 400 million years of natural erosion. These atmospheric caves, formed from ancient red sandstone, have been continually shaped by the relentless forces of the sea. Easily accessible from the picturesque village of Cushendun, the caves offer visitors a chance to explore their shadowy depths and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Their dramatic appearance has even made them a popular filming location, adding a touch of mystique to this already enchanting landscape. Like many other places on this page, Cushendun Caves also featured in Game of Thrones (see our filming guide here).

      Visit the Giant's Causeway

      Hiking

      Hiking – The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal

      View Trip Details
      Hiking

      Hiking – The Northern Coast

      View Trip Details
      Road Cycling

      Bike Tour – The Five Countries Tour

      View Trip Details
      Giant's Causeway

      Coins left behind in crevices at the Giant’s Causeway.

      Note: At the Giant’s Causeway, especially around the gate, you may notice dozens of wishing coins wedged in between the columns, slowly discolouring the surrounding rock. Although there is certainly a sense of history and romance in these corroding wishes, it also distracts from the natural beauty of the Causeway. Please do not similarly pollute the area with coins or any other rubbish – let’s keep this incredible place beautiful and clean.

      Read more about our views on nature conservation here.

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      It was an absolutely magnificent tour! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The scenery was astoundingly beautiful and the pace was perfect. The week was made even more special by the personalities of our two awesome guides. I would absolutely use your company again and I will recommended it to all my friends!!!

      Jennifer Belcher
      Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal
      Reviewed on 03/08/2019

      Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 2,294 reviews

      Read More Reviews

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      Hiking – The Northern Coast

      Love all things Ireland? Make the Emerald Isle your next great adventure. We think you might love our Hiking – The Northern Coast Itinerary. To download a PDF copy of this itinerary, containing full details about this tour, please complete the form below.



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