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The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the north coast of Northern Ireland near Bushmills. It’s pretty incredible- a collection of around 40,000 Basalt rocks, mostly in hexagonal shapes (although some are tall columns), that act like stepping stones protruding from the ocean.
What is the Myth Behind the Giant’s Causeway?
Geologists say the Giant’s Causeway was created by a volcanic eruption around 50-60 million years ago, but I prefer the Irish tale.
There are numerous versions of the Giant’s Causeway legend but this is what I was told by our guide:
The Giant’s Causeway was created by a giant called Finn McCool so that he could cross over to Scotland and fight the Scottish giant Benandonner. He tore rocks from the coastline and threw them into the sea. Unfortunately he fell asleep before he could get to Scotland and the giant crossed over looking for him.
Finn ran to his wife Oonagh, who disguised him as their baby son and made him curl up in a huge cradle. When the giant Benandonner saw this huge ‘infant’ he became frightened thinking that Finn must be gigantic. He fled to Scotland, destroying the Causeway on the way back so that Fionn couldn’t follow him.
How was the Giant’s Causeway Actually Formed?
Around 50 to 60 million years ago Antrim experienced intense volcanic activity and when the lava came into contact with the sea, it cooled. The molten rock (basalt) contracted and fractured into columns, and the pressure between these columns caused them to be sculpted into polygonal shapes.
The columns vary from 15 to 20 inches in diameter and measure up to 82 feet (25 meters) in height. The resulting size of each column largely depended on the speed at which the lava cooled. Scientists believe the Giant’s Causeway formed at temperatures between 1,544 and 1,634 degrees Fahrenheit.
Photos never really do it justice until you’re there stood on those hexagonal rocks looking out on the ocean. The rocks act like stepping stones so you can hop about from one to the other. I sat on one of the rocks for a while and watched in amusement as people who were standing too close to the ocean got splashed by the waves.
Visiting the Giant’s Causeway
Much of the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site is owned and managed by the National Trust. You can walk to the Giant’s Causeway for free but if you want to park in the on-site car park you’ll need to pay to go into the Visitor Center.
Tickets for the Visitor Center cost £13 per adult, £6.50 per child, £32.50 for a family and £19.50 for a one adult family. The price includes on-site parking, guided tours, use of hand-held audio guides, access to the Visitor Centre’s exhibition, the shop, cafe and all facilities.
If you don’t want to go into the Visitor Center then you can park your vehicle at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park, which is located at 60 Causeway Road and is open 24 hours per day. The fee is £5 and the car park uses a PayByPhone system. From here you can walk to the Giant’s Causeway.
The best time to visit the Giant’s Causeway is near sunrise or sunset, although the busiest time for visitors is usually around noon. It can get very busy, so try to avoid the middle of the day if you can.
Since the landscape is very exposed, it can get pretty wet and chilly. If you visit on a rainy day, remember to bring a warm, waterproof jacket. Since you’ll be walking over rocks, it’s best to wear shoes that have some grip so you don’t slip and fall.
Opening hours:
- Coastline – dawn to dusk
- Causeway Coast Way Car Park – 10am to 5pm
- Visitor Centre – 10am to 5pm
FAQs About the Giants Causeway
You can walk to the Giant’s Causeway for free but if you want to park in the on-site car park you’ll need to buy tickets to the Visitor Experience, which includes a guided tour, use of audio guides and access to the shop, cafe and exhibition.
Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting. You can see lots of photos of The Giant’s Causeway online but photos don’t really do it justice. It’s incredible to walk over rocks that formed millions of years ago! The landscape is dramatic and definitely memorable.
The coastline is open from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Centre is typically open 10am to 5pm.
I’d give yourself about an hour to experience the Giant’s Causeway.
Yes, the Visitor Centre is now fully dog friendly. Previously only assistance dogs were allowed but now all dogs are welcome. Dogs must be kept on leads at all times and dog owners must clean up any dog poop and dispose of waste responsibly.
Location
The Giant’s Causeway is located in Antrima 5-minute drive from the Old Bushmills Distillery, a 10-minute drive from Dunluce Castle and a 15-minute drive from Carrick-a-rede.
If you want to put it in your GPS or Google Maps, the addresss is 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU
The Causeway Coast Way Car Park is available, up the Causeway Road, for walkers to access the Causeway Coast Way. It operates a PayByPhone system and the car parking charge is £5. Location code 805951. This car park is open 24 hours per day.
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