Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
3.5
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
The full Giant's Causeway is reopening on Monday 24 May. You will need to book Visitor Experience tickets in advance online.Last admission to the Visitor Centre at pm daily, with final guided tour of the day departing at 3pm. Visitor Experience Car Park will close at 4:30pm daily
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Oscar_RetrieverNewton, North Carolina333 contributionsTerrific gateway to experience the Giant's CausewayThe Visitor's Center was a great launching point to see the Giant's Causeway and also do the trails at the water level as well as on top of the cliffs. We chose to not do the guided tour and instead took the provided audio tour. That allowed us to move at our own pace. The audio tour was informative from the perspective of the folklore surrounding the Giant's Causeway. The visitor's center itself is a beautiful facility, and it does a great job explaining the geology and natural phenomena there. Of course there's a big gift shop. The cafe there is okay... we had a coffee and sausage roll after doing our hike. Parking was very efficient, and the timed entries made sure we didn't get overwhelmed with bus loads of people all coming at the same time.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 14, 2023
- Megan L17 contributionsWonderful tour, rude staffGreat tour from Keith, so much insight. A real shame about the staff on reception, a member of staff was rude and unwelcoming. The wee blonde lass called out my elderly mother for temporarily losing her wristband. It felt unnecessarily aggressive as we are national trust membersVisited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 14, 2023
- Alistair TaylorBasingstoke, United Kingdom79 contributionsWhile the Visitor Experience is optional I found it to be value for money.Having booked the Visitor Experience I was a little concerned having read some of the reviews about rude and unfriendly staff. This could not be further from the truth based on my experience. Staff were friendly, helpful and polite particularly to my elderly parents. I thought the £20 paid for my children and myself (my parents are NT members) was value for money since it included parking and use of toilets, cafe and gift shop. The exhibition was limited but engaged my children for a few minutes. I enjoyed the audioguide which was included in the price. You don’t have to pay for the Visitor Experience to access the Giant’s Causeway, which I thought was stunning. A bucket list experience for me and helped by the bright sunny day. There were plenty of visitors but that didn’t spoil the trip. The walk down and back was only around 20 minutes each way. A small bus runs regularly for £1 each way (or free to NT members, so I am told).Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 22, 2023
- clare s2 contributionsOver pricedWhilst the Causeway was a good as expected, we thought the visitor centre, although had it reasonable exhibitions and information, for me it lacked detail and could have been more informative. Comparing it to other places such as culloden visitor centre which is outstanding, this felt a bit lacking for the £13.50 fee. It also seems nuts that you can't just enter the cafe for free. We were walking past the next day and asked if we could get a cup of tea at the cafe but couldn't without paying an entrance fee. National trust maybe need to rethink this! I'm fully in support of being able to access the stones for free, it would be criminal to charge for a national asset. I wouldn't recommend folk bother with the visitors centre. Also could people on low incomes be able to access toilets for free? The staff however were lovely and friendly.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 24, 2023
- Alyssa1990vineLondon, United Kingdom25 contributionsGreat place to visitVisitor centre was useful in giving a basic background. Personally I found it too basic but the rest of the party were happier with it. To be fair it has to be geared to people with a wide range of knowledge and understanding. The centre itself was very clean, architecturally interesting, and the staff very helpful. We took the tour, which was excellent with a very knowledgeable guide, Mark. The views along the path were wonderful. The iconic pictures of the columns are only seen from the sea and perhaps this could have been made clearer in advance. The big disappointment was the cafe, already out of many lunch options and scones by just past noon. There were vegan and vegetarian optionsVisited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 17, 2024
- HelenAMHuntsville, Alabama11 contributionsWorthwhile.You can do the Causeway without the Visitor's center, and that's not a bad option. We enjoyed the cafe and the exhibits and the parking and the shops at the visitor's center. In short, the visitor's center itself is not a must see, but it's a very convenient and enjoyable option if you are going to see the Giant's Causeway.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 28, 2024
- phillso12 contributionsShout out to the toilet cleaner!We booked the day before visiting and got in free with being National Trust members. We spent longer than usual in the visitors centre because of the rain and really enjoyed it. The staff were really friendly, welcoming and helpful. The toilets were kept clean in keeping with the rest of the visitors centre.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 29, 2024
- Sarah BStratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom34 contributionsInteresting, informative and fun tour by Molly !We loved our guided tour with the fabulous Molly - so worthwhile - a great blend of humour, folklore and useful context. As members of the National Trust we were grateful for the ease of parking, toilets and found the staff very pleasant. Would agree re sausage roll prices!!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- Dave PulsNottingham, United Kingdom2,189 contributionsAmazing, a must see, great accessibilityIt's expensive but well worth the money. The visitor centre is amazing and a great place to shelter from the rain. Cafe food is acceptable. The exhibition is good and a good film. It is exceptionally good if you have accessibility needs. The path to the causeway was easy and useable by a mobility scooter and the bus can take the scooter easily. Of course the "stones" are amazing, as are the cliffs. Wonderful for walking all over. Essential to book in advance, before 10.30am is best to avoid the worst of the crowds.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 28, 2024
- cathywhelan1968Dublin, Ireland128 contributionsExcellent day out for people of all ages.I took a trip up yesterday and we did the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge and then visited the Centre and walked down to see the Causeway. It is a fantastic experience. Superb visitor centre, great facilities, super friendly staff, fantastic tour guides and audio guides. The walk to the Causeway is one of the most beautiful views you will ever see. I highly recommend this. Huge thanks to Jo, Beverly and all the staff. CathyVisited September 2024Traveled on businessWritten September 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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BallymoneyBaileyBoy
Portstewart, UK116 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
This review is for the visitor centre and not the Giant’s Causeway itself.
Having recently joined the National Trust we decided to go into the centre and not just walk to the causeway and back. Now, for NT members entry to the centre is free as it’s included in the membership fee. However for casual visitors entry is currently charged at £13:50 per person, which includes parking at the centre (subject to parking space availability), a self-guided audio tour of the causeway (which was actually very good), and/or a guided tour depending on your choice.
Inside the centre is a cafe, NT souvenir shop, and the exhibition area. However, and here’s the rub, access to the cafe and shop are both free. The exhibition area is very small with many of the exhibits not actually on display (apparently due to COVID-19). There is a (very) short continuous film that explains the formation of the local geology combined with the legend of the giants of the causeway. Unfortunately there is no audio with the film so not very child friendly.
In the cafe there was a dire shortage of seats available to cater for the number of visitors.
Finally, and as commented by other reviews, there are few toilet facilities available. Outside the centre there are one male, one female and one disabled toilet frequently resulting in long queues of people waiting to use them. The small number of toilets inside the centre are only available for people who have paid the centre entrance fee.
Given how new the visitor centre is it does seem remarkably lacking in facilities for visitors.
Overall a very disappointing visit to the centre.
Having recently joined the National Trust we decided to go into the centre and not just walk to the causeway and back. Now, for NT members entry to the centre is free as it’s included in the membership fee. However for casual visitors entry is currently charged at £13:50 per person, which includes parking at the centre (subject to parking space availability), a self-guided audio tour of the causeway (which was actually very good), and/or a guided tour depending on your choice.
Inside the centre is a cafe, NT souvenir shop, and the exhibition area. However, and here’s the rub, access to the cafe and shop are both free. The exhibition area is very small with many of the exhibits not actually on display (apparently due to COVID-19). There is a (very) short continuous film that explains the formation of the local geology combined with the legend of the giants of the causeway. Unfortunately there is no audio with the film so not very child friendly.
In the cafe there was a dire shortage of seats available to cater for the number of visitors.
Finally, and as commented by other reviews, there are few toilet facilities available. Outside the centre there are one male, one female and one disabled toilet frequently resulting in long queues of people waiting to use them. The small number of toilets inside the centre are only available for people who have paid the centre entrance fee.
Given how new the visitor centre is it does seem remarkably lacking in facilities for visitors.
Overall a very disappointing visit to the centre.
Written August 20, 2021
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.
SLW20
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
The Causeway itself was amazing! However really disappointed with the visitor centre. You are not allowed to access the cafe or shop unless you pay for entry to the exhibition. We thought this was such a shame and surely the National Trust would stil want to benefit from tourists wanting to buy souvenirs etc? As part of an organised tour bus we would not have been able to enjoy the exhibition at the admission price for enough time for it to be worth the money. Disappointed 😞
Written August 24, 2022
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.
Ian J
5 contributions
Oct 2021
The Giant’s Causeway is exceptional and is free to visit but the visitor centre is a total rip off. As a member of the National Trust I didn’t have to pay but for non-members entrance to the centre is £13.50 per person and for that you get a pretty low key exhibition, a very large souvenir shop and a cafe. The price also includes car parking but if you’re a couple or a family the cost becomes ridiculous.
My advice would be to pay the minimum you can to park your car and then just enjoy the amazing free walks and experience of the Causeway. (There are 2 main options, the longer red route includes some steep steps down to the Causeway but the blue route is a steady slope down a surfaced road. The red route also takes you as far as the Ampitheatre and is the one to do if you’re reasonably fit and able)
My advice would be to pay the minimum you can to park your car and then just enjoy the amazing free walks and experience of the Causeway. (There are 2 main options, the longer red route includes some steep steps down to the Causeway but the blue route is a steady slope down a surfaced road. The red route also takes you as far as the Ampitheatre and is the one to do if you’re reasonably fit and able)
Written October 15, 2021
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.
A W
Livingston, UK4 contributions
Apr 2022
My family and I, a party of six, decided that we would wish to visit the National Trust's Giant's Causeway site. When we arrived, having travelled from Belfast, we discovered that admissions had to be pre-booked. Having not done so, I was told that we would have to make a booking by smart phone to gain access. I am aged over 65 and feel sure that I will not be alone in my age group not to have a smart phone. If my son and his wife had not been with us, we would simply not have been allowed to enter the Visitor Centre. I personally believe that the National Trust is for everyone and not just those in possession of a smart phone.
When we entered, given the inhospitable weather outside, we decided to go to the cafe for an early lunch with the hope that the weather would improve for the afternoon. When we entered the cafe area, it became obvious that sadly the cafe was as inhospitable as the weather outside. There was a queue of more than twenty visitors waiting to be served by just two staff, needless to say far fewer than were in the shop trying to sell souvenirs. The vast majority of tables were covered by an array of rubbish and had evidently not been cleared for some time. We were also told that although the menu appeared to offer soup, this was not available due to staff shortages.
The standard of hospitality was abysmal! Whilst this is not the first time that we have found a National Trust experience to be poor, what must visitor's from other countries think of this British hospitality ?
When we entered, given the inhospitable weather outside, we decided to go to the cafe for an early lunch with the hope that the weather would improve for the afternoon. When we entered the cafe area, it became obvious that sadly the cafe was as inhospitable as the weather outside. There was a queue of more than twenty visitors waiting to be served by just two staff, needless to say far fewer than were in the shop trying to sell souvenirs. The vast majority of tables were covered by an array of rubbish and had evidently not been cleared for some time. We were also told that although the menu appeared to offer soup, this was not available due to staff shortages.
The standard of hospitality was abysmal! Whilst this is not the first time that we have found a National Trust experience to be poor, what must visitor's from other countries think of this British hospitality ?
Written May 4, 2022
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.
OffalyMena
offaly6 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We did not use these facilities when we visited the giants causeway. We had always wanted to visit the Giants causeway . So this weekend the hubby, myself and our 4 yr old daughter packed up the car and finally seen it. When we got there we were Informed the visitor centre was £33 or so for the family. This includes entrance to the visitor centre, the cafe, and a tour guide if you want it. Information centre. An audio tour guide if you want it. We did not pay this we just walked to the stones at our own pace. When we got back, after 40 mins or an hour or so our 4 year old was desperate for the toilet. I asked the girl at the exit door, which is right beside the toilet, if she could use the toilet. She said NO. You have to pay to enter and there is a public toilet around the corner. When we got there the public toilets consisted of 2 toilets and a wheel chair accessible toilet. But there was a long que. so we had to go to pub down the road and the lovely staff there allowed me to bring her in to use the toilet.
Written June 27, 2021
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.
trstravels1217
2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Used to be a beautiful, public wonderful spot. But the visitor center has turned this into a money-making operation. Adding the museum and paid parking (charged per person…not per vehicle) is a bit annoying as you have to park about 0.5 miles away just to park for £10 and not pay the £13.50 per person for the visitor center and parking there. However, what put it over the top in terms of a bad experience for me was 2 things.
1. My parents were with me and my dad had hurt his Achilles yesterday. They went to get on the bus down to the Causeway (costs £1 each way), and when they handed the driver a 20, he gave a response that he didn’t have any change and used a rather aggressive tone that made it seem like it was our fault for not having a smaller bill.
2. After coming back up from the Causeway, I wanted to get a Christmas ornament. I get one every place I visit and the natural wonder itself is quite memorable. However, I was told I wasn’t even allowed to enter the gift shop without a ticket to the visitor center. So to buy something and spend money in the gift shop, I was told I had to buy a £13.50 ticket?
Such a shame because a previous visit was wonderful and the natural beauty of the Causeway is undeniable. But this has unfortunately been turned into a money-making first operation.
1. My parents were with me and my dad had hurt his Achilles yesterday. They went to get on the bus down to the Causeway (costs £1 each way), and when they handed the driver a 20, he gave a response that he didn’t have any change and used a rather aggressive tone that made it seem like it was our fault for not having a smaller bill.
2. After coming back up from the Causeway, I wanted to get a Christmas ornament. I get one every place I visit and the natural wonder itself is quite memorable. However, I was told I wasn’t even allowed to enter the gift shop without a ticket to the visitor center. So to buy something and spend money in the gift shop, I was told I had to buy a £13.50 ticket?
Such a shame because a previous visit was wonderful and the natural beauty of the Causeway is undeniable. But this has unfortunately been turned into a money-making first operation.
Written July 26, 2022
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.
Parent778865
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
It would be nice to see the National Trust making some effort to combat corona virus at the Giants Causeway but unless you regard yourself as impervious to it I can’t recommend going now. I grew up in NI so have been to the Causeway many times & it is amazing, the attraction itself cannot be faulted but the National Trust are doing less than the bare minimum to keep people safe.
You have to book to come, but people park everywhere on the road up so the numbers are not controlled and the scheme is pointless. Masks required in the visitor centre, but the staff don’t wear them.
Not a one way system in sight (except for the car park you don’t need to book anyway)
The bus isn’t running, which is fair enough (& a good idea) but then the road to the causeway could easily have a line up the middle to allow for social order, stay to the left. But the road and the stones are just a chaos of people intermingling. Yes it’s outside but there are pinch points to get onto the stones which aren’t policed at all. This attraction brings in tourists from all over the world and today we had close encounters with many nationalities which the national trust could have helped us avoid. It’s a shame but for now it’s simply not safe, no matter how much they claim to be following guidance.
You have to book to come, but people park everywhere on the road up so the numbers are not controlled and the scheme is pointless. Masks required in the visitor centre, but the staff don’t wear them.
Not a one way system in sight (except for the car park you don’t need to book anyway)
The bus isn’t running, which is fair enough (& a good idea) but then the road to the causeway could easily have a line up the middle to allow for social order, stay to the left. But the road and the stones are just a chaos of people intermingling. Yes it’s outside but there are pinch points to get onto the stones which aren’t policed at all. This attraction brings in tourists from all over the world and today we had close encounters with many nationalities which the national trust could have helped us avoid. It’s a shame but for now it’s simply not safe, no matter how much they claim to be following guidance.
Written August 18, 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.
Maureen M
Gravesend, UK61 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The visitor centre looks very attractive on first view but is absolutely appalling in reality. The National Trust have seriously misjudged the facilities needed for a venue with this number of visitors. The toilet facilities are inadequate for the numbers and the service in the Cafe was absolutely appalling, long queues and interminable waits for food. I would suggest you bring your own picnic. There is a large section taken up with gifts and souvenirs and if you want that kind of thing you will find a good selection of high quality products, at a premium price.
Written August 23, 2022
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.
Dave P
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Totally rubbish £13 to use the cafe, toilet and shop is robbery I didn’t want the museum or tour or car parking I just wanted to get a gift and coffee why can’t the national trust be more accommodating and allow people to use the basics surely they want people to spend the money in the gift shop. Day light robbery by the national trust. The causeway is poorly managed by the national trust with poor footpaths that are bad with light rain which should be better if they are charging that much. The nook next to it are much nicer and welcoming place.
Written April 14, 2022
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.
@Alro
Tipperary, Ireland20 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We didn’t do any research before driving up to the causeway, it was spur of the moment. We walked up to the visitor center ask how to get down to the causeway. £25 pounds for two adults for that privilege apparently (incorrect ) .. so we asked some locals how to get down as we were not interested in visiting the center they told us to just walk down through the arch and pay £1, perfect. However on our way we past a bus and assumed it was the bus, (we were not aware there was two bus companies operating) the driver told us that we needed to pay the £25 in order to get to the causeway that it was the only way. It was pounding rain and with a 5 year old we just paid. Lesson learned not to turn up without doing some research as i feel we couldn’t get any straight information. Felt pretty stupid coming away....
Written February 15, 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.
What alternative parking sites are available at the Causeway in order to avoid the new £31 per family access charge Vs the old pre National Trust centre parking charge that was only about £6 in 2012?
Written December 26, 2020
Alternatives to avoid the £33 per family entry charges, these mean the visitor centre will not be available to you however, though toilets and food at the Nook or Hotel will be.
1. Causeway railway station, £8, summer only.
2. Causeway hotel, free to park if you eat or stay there.
3. Finn McCools Hostel £5 seasonal , very limited spaces.
4. Drop all passengers on the road, and pay a single "experience" entry for the driver only at the car park.
5. Walk from Portbalintrae along the rail line -long.
6. Local farmers who open their fields in July and August only for parking. Variable pricing.
7. Taxi from and to Bushmills or Portbalintrae
8. Causeway rambler bus Ulsterbus route 376
A lot of these alternatives do not work well in the off season and are not viable for those with young children or mobility problems however.
Written June 9, 2021
A Little bit over the Top there old Chap wouldn't you say? I mean, what has your bowels got to with it or even your coffin for that matter? Nobody twisted your arm to pay and you had a choice just like we had and drive away.
Written April 29, 2018
Hello,
my girlfriend and I are travelling to NI to see Giant's Causeway in January. I notice there are loads of Tours offered and so was wondering whether or not they were worth it, or if you could do it another way. We are not driving you see, but I noticed comments about buses, some advise, please?
George
Written November 20, 2017
I bet by the time you read this you will have come and gone and realized that it's a Total Money making rip off invented by the Northern Irish Tourist board to make jobs and get some VAT and tax.
A Bunch of Volcanic Stones - £11.50 a Pop.
Written April 29, 2018
Hi,
How wheelchair accessible is the Giants Causeway? Is just the visitors center accessible or does the shuttle bus have a wheelchair lift?
Thank you!
Kevin
Written July 7, 2017
Hi Kevin, I was not looking out for wheelchair access but I believe the point of the shuttle buses is to help those eg with disabilities reach the causeway, so I assume they are probably able to accommodate wheelchairs. Failing that there is a road down to the Causeway, although that may be a little too steep in parts - the National Trust website has a full access statement on its website which may help you work out what your specific requirements are (I tried to paste a link but TripAdvisor didn't like it- Google Giant's Causeway National Trust Access Statement' and it should come up).
Hope that helps!
Written July 25, 2017
Hi is it pushchair accessible down to the stones? how long for walking to the stones from the visitor center? Thanks in advanced.
Written October 25, 2016
I don't know what I can add to the answer you have received as I agree with the other reviewer. I would NOT want to push a wheelchair down nor up that slope. But the bus is a wonderful alternative. I believe the beauty and uniqueness of this place is so spectacular that you should make it work so you can enjoy all it has to offer. Best of luck.
Written October 30, 2016
How much time would you recommend we give ourselves to visit the Giant's Causeway?
Written March 6, 2016
Best to give yourselves 4-5 hours to really experience everything there is, including the visitors centre.
Written March 7, 2016
Are the bathrooms and cafe here open to only those who buy a ticket? Or are they also open to the public?
Written April 18, 2015
Yes. It seemed that way to me. I paid for the experienced and discovered that you could get in free on the right hand side of the centre. I left the tour group after ten minutes as I was cringing...my friend stayed and loved it. We made sure to use the loos twice!
Written September 11, 2015
how far are the hotels away from the causeways...and would it be better to drive from Glasgow or get planes ,trains,and automobiles...etc!..many thanks
Written December 15, 2014
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