When traveling along the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland, a stop at Giant’s Causeway is a must for any visitor. To truly maximize your experience at this iconic location, I suggest considering booking a Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast. This guided tour will take you to various filming locations from the popular series Game of Thrones.
Alternatively, if you prefer more flexibility and independence during your visit, renting a car in Belfast and exploring Giant’s Causeway at your own pace is also a great option. This allows you to spend as much time as you want at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also stop at other points of interest along the Causeway Coastal Route, such as Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle, making it a truly memorable road trip.
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Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast – Giant’s Causeway Tickets
I highly recommend considering the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast if you’re not planning to rent a car. This tour offers numerous photo stops at beautiful locations such as Carnlough, Cushendun Caves, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Dark Hedges, and the iconic Giant’s Causeway.
Once at Giant’s Causeway, you will have plenty of free time to explore the area. We spent around 2 hours at the site, which allowed us to take plenty of memorable photos and truly take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the location.
National Trust – Giant’s Causeway Tickets
By choosing to buy your ticket through National Trust, you can enjoy the convenience of reserved parking. Additionally, the guided tour and hand-held audio guides will provide you with valuable information about the site. Furthermore, with your ticket purchase, you will have access to the Visitor Centre’s exhibition and interpretation area, where you can learn more about the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Causeway Hotel – Giant’s Causeway Tickets
Upon our arrival at Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, we quickly realized that the National Trust car park was completely full. Thankfully, we were fortunate enough to find that The Causeway Hotel had a few parking spots open for visitors. We didn’t mind paying a fee to secure a spot for our rented car.
It’s worth noting that pedestrian access to the Giant’s Causeway is free. If you happen to forget to pre-book your ticket, you can always take a chance and see if there are any available spaces at The Causeway Hotel car park. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will find free parking spots, so it’s always best to plan ahead if possible.
How to Get to Giant’s Causeway?
🚗💨 BY CAR
📍 Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre Car Park: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU
To ensure a parking spot at this location, it is highly recommended to purchase your Giant’s Causeway ticket online through the National Trust website.
📍 The Causeway Hotel: 40 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU
Another option for parking when visiting Giant’s Causeway is at The Causeway Hotel. Guests staying at the hotel have the advantage of parking onsite, making it a convenient choice for those looking to explore the area. If there are available spaces, visitors to Giant’s Causeway can also park at this car park, with payment collected before entering.
🚌💨 BUS
For those embarking on group tours such as the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast, parking fees are one less thing to worry about. With transportation provided as part of the tour package, visitors can enjoy the journey without the need to find parking.
If you’re looking for another way to get to Giant’s Causeway, you can consider taking a direct bus from Donegall Square North or High Street in Belfast. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a relatively good option. However, it’s important to note that the ticket price may not be the most cost-effective choice when compared to other transportation options including group tours.
For those who prefer not to rent a car but still want the flexibility to explore at their own pace, taking a bus from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway can be a great alternative. The bus route includes a stop at Bushmills War Memorial, which is ideal for travelers planning to stay in the area. If you’re considering accommodation, I highly recommend looking into Bush House Accommodation for a comfortable and convenient stay during your visit.
Where to Stay Near Giant’s Causeway?
Booking a room at Bush House Accommodation proved to be a wise decision as it was conveniently situated just a short drive away from all the iconic attractions in Northern Ireland. In fact, we were delighted to discover that Bush House Accommodation was only an 8-minute drive from the famous Giant’s Causeway. Deciding to rent a car online was also one of the best choices we made before our trip.
One of the highlights of our stay was having the Bush House Bar located downstairs. It provided the perfect setting for us to unwind in the evenings after a day of exploring. Additionally, being within walking distance of the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world added an extra layer of enjoyment to our trip.
Moreover, the abundance of dining options near Bush House Accommodation was a pleasant surprise. With numerous restaurants and cafes to choose from, we were truly spoiled for choice. However, the Flash In The Pan quickly became our favorite spot for meals during our stay at Bush House.
Stories and Legends About Giant’s Causeway
Legend has it that the incredible columns are said to be the remnants of a causeway constructed by a giant. The tale tells of the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, also known as Finn MacCool, who hailed from the Fenian Cycle of Gaelic mythology.
It is said that Fionn was dared to a battle by the Scottish giant Benandonner. In response to the challenge, Fionn built the causeway stretching across the North Channel to facilitate their meeting.
Legend has it that in one version of the tale, Fionn managed to defeat the giant Benandonner in an epic battle. However, in another version, Fionn cleverly hides from Benandonner upon realizing the immense size of his opponent.
To outsmart the giant, Fionn’s wife, Sadhbh, disguises him as a baby and places him in a cradle. Benandonner assumes that Fionn’s father, must be a colossal giant among giants. Terrified, Benandonner retreats back to Scotland, destroying the causeway behind him to prevent Fionn from pursuing him.
Interestingly, there are similar basalt columns found at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish isle of Staffa, which are believed to be part of the same ancient lava flow as the Giant’s Causeway. The parallel between the two locations adds a mystical element to the story, connecting the folklore of Northern Ireland and Scotland through these natural wonders.
Geology of Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a breathtaking sight to behold, with around 40,000 stone pillars rising from the cliffs, resembling steps leading into the sea. These pillars are unique, each with five to seven sides, creating a mesmerizing landscape that captivates visitors from all over the world.
The geological history of the Giant’s Causeway dates back 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene Period. The formation of this natural wonder occurred as lava flows gradually cooled upon reaching the sea, resulting in layers of basalt that eventually shaped into the iconic columns we see today. These columns vary in diameter from 15 to 20 inches and can reach heights of up to 82 feet, lining the cliffs that stand at an average elevation of 330 feet.
Recognized for its significance, the Giant’s Causeway was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. This status not only acknowledges its beauty but also aims to protect the diverse ecosystem that thrives in the area. The cliffs, seashores, marshes, and grasslands surrounding the Giant’s Causeway are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including 50 species of birds and over 200 species of plants, making it a vital conservation area for both nature enthusiasts and scientists alike.
Is the Giant’s Causeway Slippery?
If you’re thinking about going to the Giant’s Causeway, it’s important to be aware that some of the basalt columns can be quite slippery. It’s estimated that between 500,000 to 700,000 visitors come to the Giant’s Causeway annually, and as they walk and climb on the columns, they become smooth and slick. While the majority of the columns are safe to walk on, there are certain areas where extra caution is necessary.
Walk to Giant’s Causeway
Walking to Giant’s Causeway from the car park takes about 20 minutes. If you decide to begin your journey from The Causeway Hotel, you may encounter a few stairs along the way. The path leading to Giant’s Causeway is paved, making it accessible for individuals using wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. This means that everyone can enjoy the stunning views and unique rock formations that Giant’s Causeway has to offer.
As you stroll along the path, you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking sights of the Bay of the Cow. For those who are feeling a bit more adventurous, continuing on will lead you to the Organ Pipes – a fascinating rock formation at Giant’s Causeway. Additionally, if you keep going, you will reach the Amphitheatre Viewpoint at the end of the cliffwalk, where you can marvel at the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
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