About Giant's Causeway

The myths surrounding the Giant’s Causeway are even more amazing and entertaining than how it was actually created.

The truth is that 50 to 60 million years ago when the lava from the volcanic activity in the area cooled, it contracted and fractured into pillars of bricks. When the lava cooled downwards it created an estimated 40,000 basalt pillars of varying heights.

The sight inspires the imagination and legend. The Giant’s Causeway gets its name from a story about two feuding giants, Irish Finn McCool, and Scottish Benandonner. Finn McCool built the causeway to challenge the Scot. The outcome of the challenge is told differently. In one Finn hides because Benandonner is bigger. His wife disguises him as a baby and when Benandonner sees him he decides if the baby is that big, Finn must be even bigger. Benandonner destroys the causeway behind him as he runs home. On the Scottish Isles, there is a similar formation which furthers the foundation of this particular story. Another folktale says that Finn McCool was a hero who turned into a giant.

The original name of the Giant’s Causeway was Clochán na bhFomhóraigh or Clochán na bhFomhórach which means "stepping stones of the Fomhóraigh", giants of Irish mythology.

Which version do you wish to believe?

 

Must See

  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
  • Busmills Distillery
  • Dunluce Castle

How to reach

By bus:

Take a bus from Belfast Bridge Street to Aird Giants Causeway The Nook. It is a journey of 118 km that is covered in 3 hours and costs 17 to 25 EUR. It is followed by a 15 minute walk to Giant's Causeway.

Tips

  • A waterproof warm jacket is a must.
  • The Causeway is full of uneven surfaces. So please wear comfortable shoes.
  • A good level of health and fitness is required to complete the hike. 
  • Walkers are also advised to carry some water.
  • Make sure you carry some sunscreen.
  • Watch your step. Don’t climb too high or get too close to the water’s edge.

Visit Time

March to May:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

 

June to September:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

 

October:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

 

November and December:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Closed 24th to 26th December inclusive.

 

January and February:

Sunday:           09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Monday:          09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Tuesday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Wednesday:    09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Thursday:        09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Friday:             09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Saturday:         09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No waiting.

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 12.56°C

 

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