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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  • WDoot
    Carryduff, United Kingdom149 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Have been numerous times. It has become very commercialised. But worth going. I would skip the visitors centre. You don't have to go into it to access the Causeway. The Café wasn't great last time I was in it and avoid the Causeway Hotel beside the visitors centre. An absolute rip off. You've to pay for parking. Attendants are ready to pounce in the carpark. Loads of coaches drop off visitors. I remember parking for free, before the huge new visitors centre. You can get an audio guide and browse the gift shop if you do pay the expensive price to go into it. I was with a friend from Japan years ago and they were unimpressed with the Giant's Causeway. I think it's worth seeing though and the scenery around it is spectacular. The Causeway itself is unsafe for kids if they're clattering over wet stones and there is a sheer drop down one side. Even more unsafe if you have kids with you is the path above the Causeway. There are numerous viewpoints that have sharp drops below them, no fencing/railings etc. But beautiful views. The shepherd's Steps were steep but worth doing also. They lead up to the unsafe area for children though. I've given it 4 stars overall because the scenery is amazing. Even though I've also mentioned some negative points.
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 19, 2025
  • MacMav
    Glasgow, United Kingdom68 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    We drove there and parked at the nearby Railway station (£10), it is cheaper than buying tickets from the visitor’s centre. We walked at the back of the centre’s bldg to access the path to the Giant’s Causeway. It was very windy and wet day so make sure you are suitably attired. There is also option of paying £1 each way for shuttle bus from the back of the visitor’s centre if you don’t want to walk. Wonderful experience to see this UNESCO site.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 20, 2024
  • Benefis Irina
    Wolin, Poland40 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    I recently visited that place being on a day tour of Giants Causeway, Belfast City & Dunluce Castle Day Tour from Dublin, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. We had ample time to walk around Giant’s Causeway, climb the iconic basalt columns, and take in the breathtaking scenery. The natural beauty of the area is unbelievable. For those who are tired or have some health problems (or prefer not to walk the full distance) there is an option of taking a shuttle to the site for just 1 pound/1 euro one way.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written September 28, 2024
  • kh1354
    Staindrop, United Kingdom372 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Visited here on an organised tour Just wow the scenery is beautiful and the Giants Causeway is quite a phenomenon Its definitely worth visiting whilst in the area. The drive to it down the coastal route is fabulous you pass lots of interesting places and beautiful coastal scenery. At the causeway car park there is a hotel called the causeway hotel this serves take away drinks aswell as dine in options for breakfast brunch lunch and evening meals. There's public toilets near the hotel for visitors. There is also a restaurant called the nook that serves lunches from 11-5pm its in a lovely old building with a red phone box outside. The Giants Causeway is over seen by the national trust there's a visitors centre there with cafe inside . They charge £16.50 to visit the Giants Causeway it's ok if you have a membership but expensive if people dont so top tip is just walk down the public path there's no need to pay its a lovely walk down but if you have mobility issues or have a wheelchair then don't worry it's still accessible as there's a bus that takes you up and down to it for a pound each way. Bushmills whiskey Distillary is about 5-10mins away by car too if you want to do some whisky tasting
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 8, 2024
  • Fairycakes
    Bristol, United Kingdom176 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    We came on a Friday in November so it was fairly quite. The stones are amazing and we'll worth visiting. Like every bucket list spot, if you come in peak season I think you'll get massive crowds. If you can come our of season like we did and get a much happier experience. National Trust members get free entry into the visitor centre so we went inside. I don't really think it's worth paying just to get inside although you do get an audio guide. You don't need to go into the centre, there are toilets by the hotel and the stones are free.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written November 16, 2024
  • emma l
    Nottingham, United Kingdom176 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    I had a great trip here from Belfast. I got the 221 up which is 1.5hr and on a Sunday you can get an adult rambler ticket for £10 for the day! Im a national trust member so I got in for free. There is a bus that you can get for £1 (free to members) down the hill to the causeway rocks and back up. There is an audio guide, but also guided tours. No difference to what you learn. The rocks are great to see. You likely won't get a decent picture without editing everyone out. There are 4 things to see. The causeway, gate, boot and organ. It will take you roughly 2 hours to walk around. There is the 402 bus which runs round the coast if you want to see Dunluce Castle and some other bits before you head home if you're going back to Belfast.
    Visited March 2025
    Traveled solo
    Written March 23, 2025
  • Ros
    28 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    We personally found the Causeway to be over-rated, it's interesting but its reputation has been hyped up far beyond the reality. We went on a dry sunny day, in the rain I would imagine it's miserable. The visitor centre is run by the National Trust, the gift shop prices are unbelievably extortionate although, more importantly, the cafe was good value. I was worried about walking down to the stones, envisaging a rough path with scrambling involved, it's completely the opposite though, a lovely smooth tarmac path, quite an easy walk with a bit of uphill coming back. Even if you walk further on from the stones it's still a good path, although it becomes shale. The stones themselves are of course a different matter. Don't believe the horror stories about the cost of parking, we parked our motorhome in the Bushmills carpark & caught the bus, £3.30 each return.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 3, 2024
  • Eric
    Singapore, Singapore602 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Very impressive natural feature which one could literally walk/climb on it. There are two main stacks of rock pillars with one extending further into the sea. On windy and strong wave days, guides will limit the distance to walk on it. Experienced it 35 years ago and seeing it again is still surreal - the power of nature is enormous! The public car park charges £10 and it’s a free and easy 1.5km walk down a paved road to the UNESCO site. Alternatively, there’s a closer parking area (~1.2km walk) that includes an experience at the visitor centre.
    Visited March 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 9, 2025
  • Phil R
    Street, United Kingdom396 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    The giants causeway is a National Trust owned property on the northern tip of Northern Ireland. It’s about an hours drive from Belfast. There are numerous options for getting there if you don’t have your own transport. Lots of companies offer coach tours or smaller taxi trips. Once there, you have a few options included in the entry price. A guided tour or a self guided headset tour, or you can just do your own thing. We did the guided tour, which lasted about an hour. Then you are left to your own devices to explore the stunning coastline or walk back to the visitor centre or get the bus back up the hill. Our guide was very good and explained how the causeway and surrounding cliffs were formed as well giving us lovely folk tales about the causeway. A lovely balance of science and pure fiction. Or is it. You decide ! They have a cafe serving sandwiches and some hot snacks as well as hot and cold drinks. You won’t get a full meal there, but there is a hotel next door where you can get something more substantial. Highly recommended
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 12, 2024
  • Darren B
    1 contribution
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Giants Causeway on the cheap. No need for the visitor centre or tour buses when visiting from Belfast. Get bus 221 outside Belfast City Hall in the morning for £10 return. It takes 90 mins. Tickets in visitor centre and bus stop outside. Check web for time table. When arriving at the causeway don’t go through the visitor centre to get charged £££. There is a tunnel to the right handside of the visitor centre by the car park. It’s not sign posted by the visitor centre for obvious reason. Walk through and your in. It’s perfectly legal and a public right of way. The visitor centre doesn’t tell you as they want you to pay to use the centre. Research on the internet if you are in doubt. Walk down and enjoy. The bus is £1 down and £1 up. Depending on fitness etc it’s your choice and takes about 20/30 mins to get the stones walking. You can walk further past and up the red trail if you like up the steep paths and steps. I thought it was really good and good value for what I paid after reading reviews were others had paid a lot more money
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written August 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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saranireland
Belfast, UK144 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Friends
The walk down has breathtaking views and the stones themselves are amazing to see. Took the dogs with us no problem and really enjoyed our visit.
Unfortunately even though we are National Trust members we couldn’t access the carpark and visitor centre as they close at 3 and we arrived at 3.05. This is despite opening hours being advertised on their social media as 10-4. I still can’t find the 3pm entrance closing time online and had also asked at Carrick a rede and was told 4pm. This meant we couldn’t get a drink, use the toilets or get any information. A real shame, surely it would make more sense to keep the centre open after the walk itself closes so visitors can use the facilities on their return?! Thankfully the carpark at the nearby hotel was open and they waived the £5 per person fee due to us holding a membership.
Overall a lovely experience with spectacular walk but National Trust do need to review their opening times and how they communicate them.
Written January 3, 2025
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.

Niamh C
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2025 • Family
I decided that I would take my family to the Giants Causeway for a day trip. We live in Derry which involves some travelling to and from the causeway and it is where I study travel and tourism. Within my course I have spent months researching the Giants Causeway for my coursework. Discovering the Giants Causeway online was a better experience than visiting to say the least. After we had a long journey with two children, we were all excited when we seen the amazing visitor centre and it was bigger than I expected it to be. We were unkindly greeted by a man in the car park who was charging for parking. He held his hand out to the left of him which me and my mother assumed meant that we should park on his left side of the car park and we would go and pay for our parking after this. As we started to go over, he came over with no “hello, how are you” but rather the most unpleasant interaction any of us have had in a while. This is not the attitude we should be showing our tourists as they are an extremely important part of our economy. He was so unhelpful and really should not be the first or any member of staff visitors interact with as after that we felt like leaving and going home. However we didn’t as we wanted the children to experience the Giants Causeway. The rude man directed us over to another, nicer but still not the most pleasant man. He instructed me to park head in, this was not possible as it was an end space with another car parked very close so when I decided I was going to reverse into the space the grown man through his hands up in the air like a child throwing a tantrum. Thank god we had a nice long walk to calm down after this as everyone in the car was flustered. We left the car park and made our way to the visitor centre which we were told we needed a ticket or a national trust membership to enter. Not once when conducting my research did I come across this, you are able to buy tickets in the site or online. After the member of staff said this he just walked away before we could even ask if we could purchase tickets. I myself was so excited to explore the visitor centre which had lots of interactive displays with a cafe and many other facilities. We made our way to the causeway which was beautiful, we all enjoyed the walk down and up. It was quite cold so we only made it to the first area with the basalt columns. At this stage we were all wanting a nice warm drink which we could of bought in the visitor centre but no. We made our way to the Causeway Hotel and were greeted by the kindest staff in a warm and welcoming environment. We ordered some hot chocolates, coffee and tea which were great. We then nervously made our way back to our car in hopes we wouldn’t come into contact with the men before and thankfully only one of them was there. For an organisation that welcomes tourists from all walks of life, backgrounds, ethnicity and beliefs it is unbelievable they cannot welcome the people native to the country the same. All in all, it was a waste of millions of pounds building a visitor centre that no one can access without a membership according to staff as well as paying staff to work face to face with visitors when they do not have the ability or attitudes to interact with them.
Written February 17, 2025
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.

Alison D
Lisburn, UK205 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Friends
If I was rating the walk/the stones alone this would be a 5 star experience.

However, there are various issues (mostly pertaining to the national trust):
1. It costs £15 to get in and then there is an additional £2 to get the bus up and down the hill. We walked, but ridiculous to charge extra after the price of admission.
2. If you want to do the walk for free (which you can) you cannot use the toilets, gift shop or cafe unless you pay th £15 admission.
3. In the cafe, I was charged 30p for a disposable cup to get some tap water. The man did not mention I could get a glass for free.
4. No one offered us national trust membership, which is worth offering. For our family to visit (4 adults) it was £60.
5. Cafe was very very slow. Queued for 20 mins to get 3 ice lollies, a bag of crisps and a coffee.
6. They should be sourcing all food from Northern Ireland e.g. Tayto crisps instead of crisps from Tipperary. This would give back to the local economy. The gift shop is very good at this as the art is all local.
7. You need to pre-book or be a National Trust Member to use the carpark on a busy day.

I would love to know where all the admission money is going because I have been coming here since the visitor centre opened and nothing has ever changed.
Written July 24, 2023
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.

terpat_belfast
Belfast, UK11 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
My first visit to the causeway since National Trust took over. I am a NT member and was totally underwhelmed at the visitors centre. Filled with retail space and little of no information. Staff friendly and helpful, carrying items to my table and offering to carry purchases to my car as I use crutches.

I hoped to use the publicised mobility scooters but they cannot be taken down the road to the actual causeway. I had to catch the small and overcrowded bus. If I had paid to enter the visitors centre I would have been extremely miffed to have to pay for the bus as well. The bus driver hadn’t parked close to the kerb so there was a big step up and she made no attempt to deploy the ramp.

NT staff shouting at people not to walk in certain areas of the causeway for a variety of reasons. A sign would have been better

Luckily I had overheard the last bus back up the hill was 5pm or I would not have been able to get back up the hill.

It seems everything stops at 4 to prepare for closing at 5. Scooters must be back for 4 pm, cafe closes etc.

There is no signage to let people know that they visit the causeway free, without going via the centre.

Accessible parking is not close enough to the centre.

The disabled toilet door would not close and anyone wanting to use the changing places toilet had to ask staff for a key, this is what the RADAR key scheme is meant for.

A world heritage site ruined by officious rules
Written July 28, 2023
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.

Laura K
Birmingham, UK704 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
I had an amazing day exploring the Giants causeway it has been on my bucket list for some time and I decided to take myself on a solo adventure during half term. The placed lived up to all of my expectations and more. Its like a huge natural play area for adults and kids to enjoy climbing over, sitting on and taking moments to enjoy the spectacular views and and an opportunity to take the most amazing photos.

I am a national trust member so I visited free of charge and did the visitors centre which I also highly recommend there is helpful staff on hand a gorgeous gift shop and cafe and an informative exhibition.

I also paid to do a walk with a company called Away a wee walk and it was amazing it was a 5mile guided cliff top walk that made the experience even more special. They work in conjunction with the national trust to organise local walks with a local guide.

February was a lovely time to visit too as it wasn't too crowded
Written February 23, 2023
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.

Rosie C
Nuneaton, UK12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
Really loved the Causeway, it was bigger than I had expected and we clambered over every bit of it we could and had a great time. It was a very calm day so not much waves splashing. We took the path up to the organ pipes which was worth the walk.

We are members of the National Trust and so it was free to get the Visitor Experience. We took the guided tour walk down to the stones (where they then leave you to explore at your own pace). The guided tour uses a headset so you can hear the guide easily (as long as you don't fall too far behind). This was worth getting, they also do an audio guide that has numbered points you can listen to at your own pace.

The visitor's centre doesn't have masses in it, a few displays, shop, cafe and toilets. The whole visitor experience gives closer parking, the visitor's centre, the guided walk and/or the audio guide. It was worth it as a member who could get it for free, not sure if it's worth it if you have to pay.

There is a bus down to the stones which is free for NT members, or quite cheep for everyone else (the visitor experience does not include this). We walked down with the guide (and easy downhill walk) but having clambered all over the stones we felt tired and took the bus back up the hill. There were queues for it, but they moved quite quickly.
Written August 23, 2023
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.

Susan H
Carrollton, TX24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
Such a beautiful piece of nature. We lived in the UK for a couple years, but for some unknown reason, never made it over to see the Great Causeway. We went this year with our son and daughter in law as it was on my husband's bucket list. It is so beautiful! Such a unique and amazing place to visit in the world - like no where else. I definately recommend visiting. We visited one evening after the welcome center was already closed. We parked in the free parking lot and walked over. We did the upper hike first, then the lower. The upper hike was just OK - nice coastal views and farm /field views, but if you're short on time (which we were because the sun was beginning to set), I'd just do the lower trail. Rocks are a bit difficult to walk on so just be warned. Luckily, because we went later in the day, the crouds were basically gone, so we were able to get lots of great photos without a lot of people/ strangers in them.
Written October 28, 2024
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.

Jane P
Ipswich, UK529 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Family
There are two aspects to this review - the Giants Causeway itself and the National trust experience.
Visiting and seeing this natural piece of coastline has been on my 'to do' list since I was about 8 years old as it was one of the landmarks shown on a jigsaw I had as a child. It was lovely to fulfil that for real, although I would have preferred a warmer and drier August day to do so - but thats Ireland for you!
The rock formation is fascinating and fun to walk across, guides are in place to help keep people safe so if you venture too far across the wet and slippery areas you will be politely but firmly told to move back.
We absolutely enjoyed our visit, but that said, there are several things to be aware of. The walk from the top of the cliff down to the causeway itself is about 20/25 mins, and once on the causeway you will need to be happy climbing across uneven surfaces. It is a very popular visitor attraction so be prepared for lots of people too. Other reviewers have suggested going early or later to avoid the main crowds which is a good tip. There is a bus which will save you the walk - we didn't use it as we were ok to walk but it's only £1 each way - although be prepared to queue for it!
Many other reviewers have pointed out the high charges that NT charge for their visitor centre experience and parking. Whilst I am in agreement with these criticisms (especially regarding access to the shop!) in fairness to the NT, its website does explain alternatives, it's is also cheaper to book in advance and reserve parking ahead.
There are also other web sites worth reading for budget conscious travellers wishing to visit this site which can easily be found by a google search but TA rules do not permit me to include the link here.
Written August 26, 2024
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.

Thierry-du17e
Paris, France35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
Exceptional place to visit. Hexagonal basalt stones are amazing!
Note that the site is very picturesque and therefore very visited. The official (and paid) car park as well as the reception and buses close at 5 p.m., even if the causeway remains open at all times. I suggest coming at 5 p.m. and parking in the overflow parking lot (which only offers around 30 spaces) which is open all the time, and from where you can walk in 5 minutes to the entrance of the site. Then a 15-minute walk gives access to this magical place.
Google
Written August 6, 2023
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.

Love2Travel
Ipswich, UK350 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
Had a fabulous day here last week even the rain showers didn’t bother us. The staff were absolutely brilliant especially our walking tour guide who was both knowledgeable and added a touch of humour to the experience which we really enjoyed.
The scenery is breathtaking and we were able to get a close look at the causeway. Be careful as it can be slippery under foot if in doubt I would recommend looking at it from the footpath.
The footpaths are very easy to navigate well laid out and maintained.
If you want to use the courtesy bus back to the information centre it will take you from the causeway for a small fare or if you’re a National Trust member it’s completely free.
The on site cafe is a great place to get a coffee and cake as well as lots of other snacks.
Highly recommended
Written July 17, 2023
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 (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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