Giant's Causeway

Giant\'s Causeway featuring general coastal views, a monument and heritage elements
Giant\'s Causeway which includes general coastal views, heritage elements and a monument
Giant\'s Causeway which includes heritage elements, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Giant\'s Causeway which includes general coastal views and tranquil scenes
Giant's Causeway


This dramatic rock formation was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago however, the locals might tell you otherwise.

Giant’s Causeway is one of the premier natural history attractions in Northern Ireland. Discover the rock formations, take in the views from the cliffs, go bird-watching, or enjoy a picnic. Giant’s Causeway is a unique landscape of about 40,000 basalt columns that rose from the earth along what is now the coast of Northern Ireland. This an internationally recognized World Heritage Site. The rock formation is the product of volcanic activity that occurred 50-60 million years ago. However, Irish legend has it that the mighty Finn MacCool, a giant from the area, built the causeway to fight an enemy. Find the natural rock formations that the locals saw as signs of the Giant, including the Wishing Chair, the Organ and the Giant’s Boot. Climb over the ancient pillars the columns are tessellated so it’s easy to walk across their tops. Enjoy breathtaking views and see if you can identify some local sea birds. Cormorants, petrels and the razorbills circle the shoreline in search of fish. The autumn season is seal breeding season, so scan the shores to spot those shy sea mammals. The area is also home to many rare plants, making Giant’s Causeway a great destination for nature lovers. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the fresh coastal air in this picturesque setting.Stop by the Visitor Centre to learn about the history of the area, the legends and the native flora and fauna of Northern Ireland. Giant’s Causeway is accessible every day of the year. It’s located just outside of Bushmills, near the northern coast of Northern Ireland. Drive the 62 miles (100 kilometers) from Belfast, or take the shuttle bus from Bushmills. There is free parking, but you have to pay to visit the actual site.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Causeway Hotel

Causeway Hotel

3 out of 5
40 Causeway Road, Giants Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Causeway Hotel
Carnside Guest House

Carnside Guest House

3 out of 5
23 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Carnside Guest House
Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel

Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel

2 out of 5
32 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel
Giant's Causeway Holiday Cottages

Giant's Causeway Holiday Cottages

3.5 out of 5
71 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Giant's Causeway Holiday Cottages
Causeway Headland Gem - 4BD Cottage Retreat

Causeway Headland Gem - 4BD Cottage Retreat

Causeway Coast and Glens
Causeway Headland Gem - 4BD Cottage Retreat
3 bedroom house

3 bedroom house

Bushmills
3 bedroom house
Bayview Hotel

Bayview Hotel

4 out of 5
2 Bayhead Road, Portballintrae, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Bayview Hotel
Stillwaters

Stillwaters

3.5 out of 5
17 Ballyallaght Farm Cottages Whitepark, Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Stillwaters
Bushmills Townhouse

Bushmills Townhouse

4 out of 5
Main St, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Bushmills Townhouse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Giant's Causeway

At Giant's Causeway, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including exhilarating adventure sports and nature explorations. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy nearby courses, while ferry rides offer stunning views of the coastline. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, adventure parks and guided tours provide exciting ways to experience the breathtaking scenery. Be sure to book your tours in advance to fully savour the unique natural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shopping

The Causeway Speciality Market, located 16.1km away, offers a vibrant public market experience with local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, Castlecroft Square, 19.3km away, is a family-friendly market with a blend of shops, while Fairhill Shopping Centre, 43.5km away, features a wide variety of retailers.

Recreation

Experience the stunning Royal Portrush Golf Club, where you can indulge in a round of golf amidst beautiful scenery, only 8.0km from the Causeway. Alternatively, unwind at Roe Valley Country Park, 37.0km away, offering serene walks and a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

Waterworld, a vibrant waterpark located 9.7km from Giant's Causeway, offers exhilarating slides and family-friendly fun. For fishing enthusiasts, Moorbrook Trout Fishery, 20.9km away, provides thrilling water sports. Embark on the Millennium Riverside Walk, 29.7km distant, for stunning views and an adventurous hiking experience.

Nightlife

At Giant's Causeway, the nightlife is charming and relaxed. The nearby Bushmills Inn offers a cosy atmosphere with live music, while the Distillery Bar serves delightful local whiskies. Enjoy traditional Irish music sessions at local pubs, creating an enchanting evening experience amidst stunning coastal scenery.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway area offers a delightful mix of attractions, from stunning beaches and historic castles to charming villages steeped in culture. Visitors can indulge in outdoor experiences while immersing themselves in the rich heritage of Northern Ireland. Whether you're exploring the natural wonders or enjoying the local culture, the region promises an unforgettable getaway.

  • Causeway Coast: Experience the rich cultural vibes of this historic village, located a mere 50m from Giant's Causeway. With stunning coastal views and charming local shops, it's an ideal spot to soak in the beauty of Northern Ireland.
  • Dunluce Castle: Just 4.8km away, this romantic castle perched on dramatic cliffs offers a glimpse into Ireland's storied past. Explore its intriguing ruins and enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
  • Giants Causeway Visitors Centre: Located 805m from Giant's Causeway, this historic site provides an informative experience about the unique geological formations and legends of the area, all within a culturally rich atmosphere.

Best time to go to Giant's Causeway

The best time to visit Giant's Causeway can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Giant's Causeway falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Giant's Causeway falls in January and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Giant's Causeway

To save money on your trip to the Giant's Causeway, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower accommodation prices. Booking your hotel about a month in advance often yields the best deals, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia, where you can filter results by budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Additionally, combining your hotel with flights and activities through a package can further reduce costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Giant's Causeway are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Giant's Causeway about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Giant's Causeway is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Giant's Causeway is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Moreover, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation at the Giant's Causeway with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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