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Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksGeologic Formations
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Northern Ireland's most popular tourist destination: this large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • KarenM1_10
    1,042 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely wonderful!
    We arrived here with our tour group. What amazing views and vistas! We had a great stay especially since the weather was cooperating. It was windy for a while, but no rain and sometime clear skies. There is a walking path from the visitor center, or for a small fee, you can take a local shuttle bus that is not affiliated with the site. We walked on the main path but there are areas where it is rockier and can be slippery. Once you get to the end of the main path area, you can take a walking path up the mountain to get some better views or simply turn around and walk back or wait for the shuttle bus. There is food onsite and a number of gift shops as well.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 October 2023
  • Mike B
    Mineral, Virginia1,045 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing To See, And Worth The Walk
    During our 13 day tour of Ireland, I would say this was one of the top 3 places that are "must sees". The day we went, it was somewhat misty, with a few quick very light showers. But nothing that prevented us from seeing everything we wanted to see. But it makes the causeway itself slippery. We wore our hiking boots that day, and I'm glad we did. There is a lot of walking, if you want to see it all. And if you wander out onto the causeway rocks, which we did, the hiking boots were very helpful. We did the audio tour, and I would recommend it. It was corny at some points, but was very informative. And listening to someone talking helps break up the long walk a bit. The trail down to the causeway is paved, so it was easy to walk. But it is sloped all the way down to the water, so keep in mind you're going to be walking uphill on the way back to the visitors center. If you are not a walker, or are unable to walk distances, there is a shuttle that will run you down the hill to the causeway for a couple euros. But however you choose to do it, don't miss this one.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 October 2023
  • Powislandboy
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Use the direct bus from Belfast to get to Giant's Causeway.
    This is an absolute must for any visitors to Northern Ireland. Plenty of ways to get there from Belfast, including train+bus and coach. We went on the direct bus from Belfast bus station. Drops you off right at the Causeway Centre. bus service (No 221) is 2 journeys north in the morning and 2 return trips in the afternoon. The direct bus is an excellent service and gives you plenty of time to see the Causeway and the adjacent cliff top walks at your leisure. Word of warning:- good weather enhances the experience!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 October 2023
  • Oscar_Retriever
    Newton, North Carolina333 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic views
    This attraction is really very impressive. While the crowds of tourists make it less than ideal (it's nice to be able to get photographs without having a bunch of people clambering all over it), the setting is gorgeous. The best part of this attraction is the walking trails at both the foot of the cliffs and at the top of the cliffs. Both provide spectacular views up and down the coastline. I recommend spending enough time to be able to walk at least 4 or 5 km east of the visitor's center (and then come back on the same trail). The views are incredible.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 October 2023
  • Jim C
    Birmingham, Alabama1,084 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Unique in the world.
    15 minute walk down to the causeway. Can be cold and windy so be prepared. Plenty of students climbing on rocks and out into the ocean waves. Can take a shuttle for 1 pound if needed. Will save you time. Worth a visit.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 October 2023
  • Leonie H
    79 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Giants Causeway fantastic
    I was here 15yrs ago and things have really changed. You now have to pay to park and you have to pay to go on the bus to the bottom and pay to come back up. The experience was still fantastic. But be prepared to pay for it. Great for all to enjoy. The price could be a bit cheaper because a lot of families would find it expense.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 21 October 2023
  • saul g
    Tel Aviv, Israel1,221 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A stunning must !
    Here is the last stop on our 1 day tour from Belfast. One of Northern Ireland top attractions, and for a good reason : Absolutely stunning !! Make sure to have your photographic equipment on hand. Going through the visitor center - will cost you money. Going through the tunnel on the right of the tourist center - free. The road down to the site is steep, but there is a bus shuttle to help you (if you are disabled). Highly recommended !!!!!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 October 2023
  • Vicky B
    Norwich, United Kingdom20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bucket-list experience
    The Giant’s Causeway is a must visit in Northern Ireland. The causeway itself if an amazing sight and larger than I had expected. A real natural wonder. If you are planning a visit I would advise to go early in the morning. We arrived at 9:30 and there were very few other people around, however when we left it was getting busy. We also didn’t book in at the visitors centre, instead we parked a bit further away at the National Trust paid car park (£10) and walked. You can’t use the shuttle bus if you do this but the walk down was beautiful and there are toilets at the car park.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 October 2023
  • cheshire3131
    Runcorn, United Kingdom780 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must if visiting Northern Ireland
    It was always something I wanted to see and it met my expectations There are many walks to get to the causeway it's self depending on your ability and the amount of time you have. If you have poor mobility there is a small bus which takes you down and then back up again for £1 each way. There is a visitors centre which is run by the National Trust and free to enter if you are a member and £13.50 per adult if you aren't. There is also cafe in there. Give yourself a few hours to get to view the causeway.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 1 November 2023
  • FireTim44
    Wetherby, United Kingdom901 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    N I Mini Break
    We dropped really kucky with the weather sunny bright and windless day. The Causeway is a thing of beauty and awe. Plenty of walks to try as well we managed the Red Route. Get a self guided narration to enhance the experience
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 November 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles11,836 reviews
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8,150
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2,437
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helenandpaul13
Worcester, UK1,684 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I went here with the family after visiting the hidden hedges. When we arrived here we realised that when it comes to parking your car you have two choices, either pay to park at the visitor centre or find your own spot somewhere and walk up. We chose to find our own place and the information below explains this. We drove down the hill a couple hundred yards to the train depot where there is ample parking but you are charged £8 per car to park here. You can use the toilets inside and get drinks and snacks as you will have to pay for your parking here. You can then walk back up to the causeway from there.

If you park at the visitor centre you are charged £12.50 per person so with 4 adults in the car you will be charged £50 just to park your car. If you want to visit the visitor centre you have to pay this as there is no alternative. We didn't go into the visitor centre so I cannot comment on what is in there, but it's small and certainly not worth this amount of money.

We walked up from parking our car and walked through a tunnel which takes you to the road leading to the causeway. There is a bus at the top but you have to pay about £1.30 each way to use this. I don't know if this is included in the cost to the visitor centre, but I don't think it is. We walked to the causeway, it's not a steep drop and it's about a half mile from the top to the bottom.

Now the causeway itself is lovely, it's much smaller than you think but there are staff there to ensure people don't fall from the ricks and there is an emergency phone just in case. You can walk down to the water's edge and for the really energetic there are walks towards the pillars in the far distance. The rocks are slippery so be careful and wear sensible shoes. After about 20 minutes we were getting ready to leave as there is nothing else really to see once you've taken your snaps. After taking some pictures we walked back towards the centre and to the car.

I have seen it now and don't need to go back, but my advice for those visiting is be careful with your wallet and don't be encouraged to park at the centre and get ripped off by the extortionate charges. Anyone visiting this from a distance would be best to get the tour included as part of a package deal. One person we met came from Belfast and went to the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, the Causeway and the Hidden Hedges all in a day for £30. That would be good value for money. But, visiting this as a single trip will be expensive if there is more than one person in the car. I know the parking by the railway station may seen expensive at £8 but it means you can get to see the causeway with a 20 minute walk. Paying the fees for the visitor centre parking is in my opinion not justifiable and just an exercise to take money from unsuspecting tourists. A family of two adults and two little children can get a family ticket from the visitor centre for £30 but unless you think the children will benefit from the experience don't bother.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Thank you for sharing your experience with us, we are sorry to learn that you feel the National Trust are ripping off tourists visiting the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site. The National Trust, a conservation charity, is the guardian of the Giant’s Causeway and is responsible for providing enjoyable, safe and well managed access where everyone is welcome. As an independent charity we do not receive any direct Government funding, therefore the money raised from the Visitor Experience charge is not only invested back into the World Heritage Site but also helps to maintain the National Trust’s other places and spaces across Northern Ireland. The Visitor Experience charge allows us to invest in essential conservation work to maintain this special place for generations to come. It also allows us to employ local people in 75 full time positions and this figure increases significantly during peak season. We contribute over £1.5 million in wages to local people and remain committed to working closely with the community - 90% of the craft for sale in the Visitor Centre is produced locally. At the Giant's Causeway site, we welcome hundreds of thousands of paying customers to our Visitor Centre every year who avail of the Visitor Experience, but we also respect people’s right to use the public right of way which is free. To make the most of your time on site, we believe the best way to experience the Giant’s Causeway is by availing of the Visitor Experience. Included within the charge is a broad offer including access to the state of the art Visitor Centre – cafe, shop and interpretation area, use of an audio guide, which is available in 11 languages, and a guided walk of the World Heritage Site led by one of our award-winning team, as well as parking. Parking on site is limited and therefore reserved for members and guests availing of the visitor experience. However, the World Heritage site is more than the Causeway stones, it stretches for 5km with different trials available for all mobilities. You can experience the site by enjoying an award winning tour learning about how the causeway was formed left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, not to mention the history, heritage, myth and legend of this natural wonder. We do hope your experience will not deter you from returning to visit us again in the future. Kind Regards, Lauren
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tigertribal
Craigavon, UK1,055 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
This is an update re parking & visiting July 2020.

You must apply for a ticket to visit the Giants Causeway official carpark @ £13.50 per person. This entitles you to entrance to carpark, centre, cafe & shop.

We parked at the Bushmills-Giants Causeway train station for £8 & walked less than 10 minutes to the official carpark.

You could also park on the main road but do not park on the double yellow lines as you will get a ticket & they do enforce the rules.

The mini bus that ran up & down to the rocks is not running at the minute due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Toilets on site, left hand side before you enter the entrance tunnel.

Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Don Wright
Vancouver, Canada1,460 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019 • Couples
Giants Causeway is truly magnificent. On the advice of our guide, we chose the Red Trail that takes visitors up along the ridge overlooking the causeway, the views over the water, down to the shore, and in the other direction across the fields and villages is breathtaking. Near the end of the Red Trail we headed down narrow steps and path to the water, connecting with the Blue Trail over to the causeway. The Causeway is an utterly unique rock formation that prompted the idea a giant created a bridge to Scotland but all that remains are these stepping stones at the Irish end.

To save time and energy we paid the one pound fare for a ride back to the tour bus area - it meant we could spend more time rock hopping and enjoying the waves coming in over the rocks. Well worth a visit.

We didn’t go into the visitor centre, our guide suggested it wasn’t worth paying to go inside when the real attraction is outside and free.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ruth
7 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
The actual Giants Causeway is stunning, BUT, the visitor center is a joke. The website had told me that it was free to walk to the rocks - but it said that it would be better to pay for the visitor center so they could better control the amount of visitors on the rocks to help control COVID. We paid £26 to go in. But we found ourselves queuing in the rain to get into this building - while everyone else was already on the rocks. The center should be made free - people would defiantly go in and purchase things from the cafe and gift shop, but AFTER they have seen the Giants Causeway.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Finbarr M
Manchester, UK46 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
The causeway is beautiful. Rugged landscape and fresh sea air.

The parking and visitor centre - £13.50 for an adult to use the toilet or access the cafe. Absolutely mad. The shuttle they advertise isn't even included in the ticket.
Parking attendants stop the cars daring to bypass the visitors centre carpark and enter the hotel next door, and demand proof of purchase from the hotel to prove you weren't bypassing their highly expensive parking facility.

Sad to see that this wonderful natural tourist attraction seems to have been monopolised by the National Trust, especially considering the causeway itself is free to access. A tourist trap, smacks of an elaborate scam.

Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Thank you for sharing your experience with us, we are sorry to learn that you were disappointed by your visit, we always listen to visitors’ feedback and are constantly looking at ways to improve what we do. We welcome hundreds of thousands of paying customers to our Visitor Centre every year who avail of the Visitor Experience, but we also respect people’s right to use the public right of way which is free. We believe the best way to experience the Giant’s Causeway is by availing of the Visitor Experience which is a cost of £13.50 per adult. Included within the charge is a broad offer including access to the state of the art Visitor Centre – cafe, shop and interpretation area, use of an audio guide, which is available in 11 languages, and a guided walk of the World Heritage Site led by one of our award-winning team, as well as parking. Parking on site is limited and therefore reserved for members and guests availing of the Visitor Experience. We aim to provide access for all our visitors, for mobility impaired visitors a ramp access bus down to the stones and back again is provided; the charge of £1 is implemented by the external transport company operating the service. The National Trust is an independent charity we do not receive any direct Government funding, therefore the money raised from the Visitor Experience charge is not only invested back into the World Heritage Site but also helps to maintain the National Trust’s other places and spaces across Northern Ireland. We do hope your experience will not deter you from returning to visit us again in the future. Kind Regards, Lauren
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Five Diamond Traveler
Pittsburgh, PA264 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
I have visited the Giant’s Causeway twice (May 2018 and March 2020) and both times I was blown away by its beauty. Both times I visited were with tours so my admissions fee was already covered but I would highly recommend paying for admissions if you are in the area. The walk to and from the causeway itself is a bit of a journey, but if you do not feel like walking, there is a shuttle that takes guests to and from the causeway from the visitors center. The walk down to the causeway is beautiful. You get a glimpse of the coast as well as the green hills and valleys on the way down. Once you reach the causeway, there are simply no words to describe how amazing and unique this place is. If you are feeling adventurous, you can walk up and around the hexagonal columns. I would highly recommend bringing a warm jacket and wearing comfortable walking shoes to this location. During each of my visits, there was plentiful sunshine but the winds were cool and strong. Also, the columns can be slippery with the waves constantly crashing along them so if you are exploring all the causeway has to offer, just be very cautious. If you are interested, there is also a gift shop and cafe on site. Everything sold here seemed to be fairly priced for what you were purchasing. If you are planning a visit here, I would recommend spending at least an hour and a half here. A trip to Northern Ireland would not be complete without a stop here!
Written 30 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TonyPKL
Kings Langley, UK476 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
This is a National Trust property and definitely worth a visit if you hold NT membership but unless you are an NT member is extortionately expensive to use the car park, cafe and facilities. Once through though it is a spectacular piece of the coastline with an easy walk down to the Causeway itself. There is a bus service if you need it but the walk is worth the visit.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nattyshark
Tyne and Wear, UK202 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Couples
Made a bit of an error on the day and did the walk that overlooks the Causeway first when it was quiet, in hindsight I think it’s be better to go down to the Causeway first and try and avoid the crowds. It was pretty much impossible to get a picture of the actual Causeway with all of the people.
I believe free to park if you’re a member of the National Trust, we parked a little walk away at a local railway, I think was a fiver for the day. Well worth it as the price to park at the visitor centre was extortionate. Definitely worth it for the views but I’d be inclined to try and visit in a quiet season or early hours, it was the height of summer when we went so that may be why it was so busy.
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Caroline D
Portrush, UK67 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019 • Friends
You need good walking shoes although there is a bus for a small charge will take you down and back up the hill to the “stones”. The Causeway is worth seeing and it’s free although the National Trust will encourage you to pay the extortionate price for the visitor’s centre which is just really a gift shop and cafe. The National Trust also own the car park but you can park in nearby Bushmills and get a bus up.
It can get very busy with tours so be prepared for crowds. Many good walks and the Finn MacCool story is a good one.
Written 11 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dan M
Annapolis, MD26 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
From the time you park until you walk out of the Causeway, folks are there to help. There was a gentleman in the parking lot to tell us where to park, where to get passes and answer questions. The inside area certainly has things to sell but has great explanations of the area and how it was formed. Before starting the trek down to the causeway I would recommend getting the free headphones. They are useful to tell you what you are seeing along the way as well as telling stories about the Causeway. It was a bit windy and overcast that day but still a good sight to see.
Written 23 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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GIANT'S CAUSEWAY (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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