Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular natural formations—a UNESCO World Heritage site of approximately 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns stretching from cliff foot into the sea. Created by ancient volcanic activity and shaped by waves, the causeway has inspired myths and attracted visitors for centuries.
This guide reveals the Giant’s Causeway in full, explaining what makes it special, how to visit responsibly, and understanding both the geological reality and the myths that make this site so compelling.
Understanding the Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway was formed approximately 60 million years ago during a period of intense volcanic activity. Molten basalt lava erupted through cracks in chalk beds and cooled rapidly, contracting into hexagonal columns. Later, glacial erosion exposed these columns and created the distinctive headland we see today.
Key geological features:
Hexagonal columns: The causeway is famous for its hexagonal basalt columns, formed as basalt lava cooled and contracted. These columns are remarkably regular—some have up to seven sides.
Stepping stones: Many columns have distinct steps, formed by differential cooling rates during contraction. These give the causeway its distinctive appearance.
Cliff face: The exposed cliff face shows the basalt column structure clearly, revealing how the lava flowed and cooled.
Headland: The causeway extends from the cliff foot into the sea, creating a dramatic coastal landform.
The Finn MacCool Myth
While the geological reality is extraordinary, the Giant’s Causeway has a more famous mythological origin. According to legend, the causeway was built by the Irish giant Finn MacCool as a path to Scotland to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner.
The myth goes that Finn built the causeway in sections, leaving it incomplete because he fell asleep before finishing. When Finn heard that Benandonner was coming to fight him, his wife Oonagh disguised Finn as a baby and tricked Benandonner into fleeing when he saw Finn’s “son.”
Benandonner, realising he’d been tricked, fled back across the sea to Scotland, ripping up the causeway in his rage to prevent Finn following. The torn-up basalt columns we see today are supposedly where Benandonner ripped them up.
It’s a wonderful story, and the columns do look like torn-up causeway in places, even if the geological reality is rather different!
Visiting the Giant’s Causeway
Location and Access
Location: County Antrim, Northern Ireland (approximately 60 miles north of Belfast)
Nearest town: Bushmills (4 miles away)
Access by car: From Belfast, take M2 motorway north, then A2 towards Portrush. Allow approximately 1.5 hours.
Public transport: Bus services from Belfast and other towns (check Translink for schedules).
Parking: National Trust visitor centre car park charges approximately £12-15 for full day (free for National Trust members).
The Visitor Centre
Start your visit at the National Trust visitor centre, which provides essential orientation, exhibitions about geology and mythology, and facilities including café and toilets.
Opening hours: Generally 9am-6pm (seasonal variations)
Admission: Free to outdoor causeway; some facilities and tours charge fees
What to expect: Interpretive displays explaining geology and mythology, café serving food and drink, toilets, and shop. Allow 30-45 minutes before heading to the causeway.
The Causeway Experience
Getting to the causeway: From the visitor centre, walk approximately 0.5 miles (20-30 minutes) to the headland. The path is well-signposted and relatively flat.
The descent: Steps lead down from the cliff top to the causeway level. The descent is steep but has handrails and is manageable for most visitors.
The causeway: Walk along the causeway towards the sea. The hexagonal columns are extraordinary, and you can get close to many of them. The path is rocky and uneven—good footwear is essential.
The sea stack: At the end of the causeway, the basalt columns continue into the sea, forming a sea stack that’s particularly atmospheric at high tide or rough weather.
Return journey: Return by the same path (approximately 30-40 minutes back to the visitor centre).
Total time: Allow 1.5-2 hours for a comfortable visit, more if you’re photography or taking your time.
Photography Tips
Lighting: The best light is early morning or late afternoon/early evening when the sun is low and creates dramatic shadows on the columns.
Weather: Overcast or cloudy days can be better than bright sun—soft light reveals the column details better than harsh direct sunlight.
Views: Get low and shoot along the columns to show their scale and regularity. Include people in some shots to demonstrate the size of the columns.
Sea stack: The sea stack at the causeway’s end is particularly photogenic, especially in rough weather with dramatic waves.
Golden hour: Sunset can be spectacular, with warm golden light on the basalt columns. However, this is popular time—arrive early for good position.
Safety Considerations
Footwear: The path is rocky and uneven. Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip are essential. Flip-flops or smooth-soled shoes are dangerous.
Steep descent: The descent from cliff top to causeway level is steep with steps. Use handrails and take your time, especially in wet or icy weather.
Weather: The coast can be windy, especially in rough weather. Check forecasts and be prepared. The path can be slippery when wet.
Sea edges: Never turn your back on the sea. Large waves can catch people unawares. Always respect the power of the ocean.
Children: Supervise children carefully near the cliff edge and sea. The descent and causeway can be challenging for young children.
Crowds: In busy periods, keep children close and be aware of other visitors on the narrow path.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May): Good weather, wildflowers, fewer crowds than summer. Best all-around time to visit.
Summer (June-August): Best weather but most crowded. Early morning (before 10am) offers fewer people and best light.
Autumn (September-November): Often good weather, spectacular autumn colours, fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (December-February): Fewest crowds, but coldest and wettest weather. Shortest days. Can be atmospheric in winter light.
Nearby Attractions
The Giant’s Causeway is part of Northern Ireland’s spectacular coastline. Consider combining your visit with:
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: A nearby rope suspension bridge across a river gorge, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the causeway.
The Carrickarede Inn: Nearby village with beautiful harbor, castle, and seafood restaurants.
The Glens of Antrim: Six spectacular glens within 30 minutes’ drive, each worth visiting.
Dunluce Castle: Beautiful ruined castle approximately 30 minutes’ drive.
Bushmills: Nearby town with restaurants, accommodation, and facilities.
Giant’s Causeway Myths
Beyond the Finn MacCool story, the causeway has inspired numerous other myths and stories:
The “Stepping Stones”: Irish folklore claims the columns were stepping stones for giants crossing between Ireland and Scotland.
The “Witch’s Chimney”: Some columns are shaped like witches’ chimneys, creating folkloric associations.
The “Organ”: One set of columns is shaped like a pipe organ, inspiring local names and stories.
The “Boot”: Another column formation is shaped like a boot, again inspiring local folklore.
These stories show how the causeway has captured human imagination for centuries, long before modern geology explained its true origins.
Geological Reality vs. Mythical Stories
While the myths are wonderful, the geological reality is equally fascinating:
Time scale: The causeway was formed over millions of years, not built in days or years by giants.
Volcanic origin: The columns are basalt lava, not purpose-built structures, though they show remarkable regularity.
Natural processes: Erosion by glaciers, waves, and weathering have shaped the causeway we see today, not deliberate destruction by giants.
Continuing processes: The coast is still changing, with the causeway being gradually eroded by waves and weather over time.
The geological reality is actually more extraordinary than the myths—nature’s ability to create such regular, beautiful structures over millions of years is genuinely remarkable.
Practical Information
Facilities: National Trust visitor centre has café, toilets, and shop. No other facilities at the causeway itself.
Weather protection: The causeway is completely exposed. Bring waterproof clothing even in good weather.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leads but must be kept under control around the cliff edge and other visitors.
Camping: No camping at the causeway. Campsites available nearby (check with local tourist information).
Guided tours: The National Trust offers guided tours explaining geology and mythology. Check website for times and prices.
Accessibility: The causeway is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and steep descent. Some viewing points are accessible.
Planning Your Visit
Timing: Allow half a day for the causeway plus time to explore other Northern Ireland attractions.
Transport: If not driving, research public transport options. Buses connect but require planning.
Accommodation: Stay in nearby towns like Bushmills or Portrush for easy access.
Food: The visitor centre café serves food and drink. Alternatively, bring a picnic—there are no other food facilities at the causeway.
Combining: Consider combining with the Glens of Antrim (easily done in a day) for spectacular scenery.
A Final Thought
The Giant’s Causeway is extraordinary—a geological wonder that happens to coincide perfectly with dramatic coastal scenery and compelling mythology. The hexagonal columns are a natural phenomenon that seems almost designed, their regularity and scale genuinely remarkable.
Whether you’re drawn by the geological reality or captivated by the myths, the causeway offers an extraordinary experience. The walk along the hexagonal columns, with the sound of waves and the view across the sea to Scotland, is one of Northern Ireland’s most memorable experiences.
The key to enjoying the causeway is to appreciate both its natural and mythological aspects. Yes, it’s volcanic basalt cooled 60 million years ago—but it’s also a place where stories were told, where people found inspiration, and where imagination met geological reality.
So walk the causeway, understand its geology, and appreciate the myths that have made this place famous. The causeway is one of those rare natural wonders that truly seems otherworldly, even when you understand its scientific origins.
Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway is a gift from geological time and human imagination combined. It deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status and should be on everyone’s bucket list.
This guide reveals the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, explaining both its geological reality and mythological stories. From hexagonal basalt columns to coastal cliffs, from Finn MacCool’s legend to responsible visiting tips, discover why this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular natural formations.