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Giant’s Causeway

  • Bushmills, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 10 February, 2024

With its roots in both Irish mythology and ancient geology, the Giant’s Causeway is an astonishing rock formation that’s become an icon of Northern Irish tourism.

Tumbling towards the sea on the country’s northernmost section of coast, this collection of around 40,000 naturally hexagonal basalt columns is constantly battered by the Atlantic, and at its most atmospheric when framed by glowering skies.

Theories differ on how the neatly-shaped columns and stones came to look this way – some believe they were placed by the giant Finn McCool, on his way to battle in Scotland; others concede the formation was more likely due to volcanic activity (though not when they’re within earshot of the local storytellers).

Either way, a blustery stroll among these impressive hexagons is a must-do while in Northern Ireland.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

If coming from Belfast, allow a full day to experience the Giant’s Causeway. If you’re driving yourself, it will take around an hour and a half, but there are plenty of organised tours if you want to avoid driving the country roads – make sure to book one that includes entry to the site itself.

Be cautious on stormy days and listen to the advice of the guides who oversee visitors – waves can crash unexpectedly and the rocks are slippery. Wrap up warm, even on summer days.

When to do it

The Causeway can be accessed all year round, but obviously being outside your experience will be heavily dependent on good weather.

If you’re staying locally or comfortable travelling at night, the Causeway is better seen in the late afternoon, before the sun starts to set.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Dublin

Depart Dublin travel by luxury coach to Belfast for a political black cab tour, followed by a trip to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. From the comfort of your black cab, tour Northern Ireland's capital, see the landmark sites including the Falls and Shankill neighbourhoods. Stopping at various locations and sign the Peace Wall, learn of Belfast’s tragic political history. After departing Belfast we travel through the county of Antrim onto the spectacular Antrim Coastal route. Our next stop is the world famous Dun Luce Castle. Admission is included with a visiting time of 30 minutes. We then proceed just down the coastal road to the Giant’s Causeway (lunch options available there). Explore its dramatic cliffs and rock formations with a visiting time of 2 hours. Head for home, with lots of fun on the way and a designated rest stop.

Price €88

Min age 3

Rating 4.85 / 5 [6344 ratings]

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  • Belfast

Combine ‘Game of Thrones’ gossip with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway on a full-day tour from Belfast! With a friendly local guide, visit key Northern Irish filming locations that were used in the award-winning HBO fantasy drama while learning about popular characters like Daenerys Targaryen. After seeing sites like the Dark Hedges road, enjoy free time to explore the unique rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway.

Price £35

Min age 2

Rating 4.77 / 5 [2112 ratings]

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  • Dublin

Explore Northern Ireland without hassle—no hard border check between Ireland and Northern Ireland! This comprehensive tour takes you to the most iconic attractions Northern Ireland has to offer, including the world-renowned Titanic Belfast Experience, the natural wonder of the Giant's Causeway, the enchanting Dark Hedges, and the vibrant city of Belfast. Designed for your convenience, this tour maximizes your time at each destination, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and charm of this incredible region. Perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable Northern Ireland experience!

Price €83

Min age 0

Rating 4.83 / 5 [1465 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Belfast

Enjoy this award winning full-day Giants Causeway and Antrim Coast day tour and explore the world-famous Antrim Coast and UNESCO listed Giant's Causeway. Our 5 star Giants Causeway tour including GOT filming locations departs every morning at 9am, our tour has 7 stops at different locations throughout the day taking in places such as the picturesque 'Dark Hedges' made famous in the hit HBO show Game of Thrones as the 'King's Road', Dunluce Castle, Carnlough Harbour and much more! The main stop for the day would be our final stop at the Giant's Causeway, made up of over 40,000 columns of basalt and often referred to as the 8th wonder of world, the Causeway is a 'must see' when visiting Northern Ireland! *Please note that this tour is not suitable for passengers arriving at Belfast on a Cruise Ship*

Price £25

Min age 3

Rating 4.77 / 5 [1248 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Dublin

Visit the Giant's Causeway , Belfast Titanic Exhibition and some of Northern Ireland's most stunning attractions and Natural beauty locations. This is really a Best of Northern Ireland tour! Not only will you get to visit The Giant's Causeway , a UNESCO world heritage site , but also a visit to the highly acclaimed Titanic experience in Belfast city . Other stops during the day will be at Dunluce Castle , where you can take a picture of the most photogenic Medieval castle in Ireland. Visit and explore the Dark Hedges where you will get around 20 minutes to wander through the ancient lane of Beech Trees.

Price €83

Min age 0

Rating 4.78 / 5 [1020 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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