Giant’s Causeway - © Chmee2
The Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast are part of the recognised World Heritage Site and have been described as the eight wonder of the world. The Giant's Causeway has long been a favourite destination for visitors to Northern Ireland and long with the scenic and spectacular causeway coast make up a site that is considered of outstanding value historically and environmentally. The coast offers some great unspoilt beaches and scenery while the Giant's Causeway offers a marvel of nature.
Overview
The Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast are located on the northern tip of Northern Ireland. The area was been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 in recognition to the outstanding historic and environmental value of the area. The site is currently the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
The Causeway has over forty thousand many-sided columns of basalt of varying heights with each of these slotted next to each other, this stretches across the shore forming a pavement. The Giant's Causeway has been described as the eight wonder of the world since the 1700's, for visitors seeing this stunning natural phenomenon is breathtaking and the famous sight that awaits visitors on the shores has inspired many visitors from around the world to visit the site. The causeway was created over 60 million years ago with intense volcanic activity and the consequence of fast-cooling lava helped to create the Giant's Causeway as we see it today.
The site is managed by the National Trust and is probably the best known tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. The site has become an iconic one and is often seen in pictures depicting iconic scenes of Northern Ireland. The site along with the Causeway Coast have it can be argued gained a higher profile and more recognition since the WHS status back in 1986. With visitor numbers to Northern Ireland increasing helped by the improving political situation, the area is set to see ever increasing numbers of visitors.
The area is also a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) , visitors can see inspiring views of the coastline and Scotland from the hill that leads on to the Causeway itself. There is plenty of drama here, the scene offers some of the finest natural scenery in the UK. The flora, fauna and Geology are of international importance with the Causeway Coastal Path is 11 miles in length and offers visitors some of the finest coastal scenery and views in the UK. Geological studies carried out here have helped to make positive contributions to the development of the earth sciences.
The Causeway Coastal Route is a marked 120 mile trail consisting of both scenic drives and a number of attractions for visitors to enjoy. During the route visitors can experience a range of natural landscapes that include waterfalls, a spectacular coastal road, golden sands and cliffs.
The Causeway Coastal Route has been designed to assist visitors to see the best the region has to offer and get the best out of their trip here.
On the Causeway coast lays Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, among the favourite attractions in Northern Ireland. The area is of interest for its geology, flora and fauna while Carrick-a-Rede also offers an exhilarating rope bridge experience for visitors. Many visitors arrive here to take on the challenge offered by the rope bridge challenge. This is also a renowned place for bird-watching as well as offering great views of Rathlin and the Scottish islands.
Dunluce Castle is another attraction on the Causeway Coast visitors may wish to see, located on the North Antrim coast. The castle is in the middle of some stunning coastal scenery, the medieval castle is located here there was once an Irish fort. There castle offers visitors a look at medieval Irish life and history.
Visitor centre, shop and guided tours of the ruins, gardens and remnants of the town. Limited wheelchair access. Tours available Easter-September and pre-booked available out of season
Along the Causeway Coast lies the Royal Portrush Golf Club founded back in 1888 it contains two championship courses. The famous Dunluce Course and the less well known Valley Course. The Dunluce Course has hosted the Open Championship, the course offers golfers with a challenging course along with some wonderful natural scenery along the way.
How To Get There
By Car:
The closest road to the Causeway is the B146 Causeway to Dunserverick Road, the road is located approx two miles from Bushmills. For those driving from Belfast the approx driving time is around 80 minutes. For those with Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is BT57 8SU.
By Bus:
The bus numbers 172 and 177 run by Ulsterbus stop near the Causeway. While the Causeway Coaster minibus that runs from the visitor centre to Stones offers a free service for National Trust members.
In addition the Causeway Rambler bus, the Ulsterbus no. 376 runs from Bushmills and Carrick-a-Rede, offers a service to the causeway during the summer months only.
Service 252 run by Ulsterbus offers a circular route that goes to the causeway via the Antrim Glens from Belfast.
By Train:
The closest stations are Portrush and Coleraine that are located 8 and 10 miles away respectively. Services are available from Belfast & Londonderry to Coleraine.
Contact Details
Address:
44 Causeway Road Bushmills
County Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT57 8SU
Telephone: +44 (0)28 2073 1855
Fax: +44 (0)28 2073 1582
Website: Giant's Causeway
Facilities and Information
Facilities:
There is a Visitor Centre along with a cafe that serves drinks and light meals.
It is recommended visitors check all opening and closing times and specific days they plan to visit any of the attractions on the Causeway Coast, to get the latest information & avoid disappointment, as changes can occur.
Further Information:
There are tours available that include Specialist Guided Tours for Groups of 15+.
The Visitor Centre is open all year except on Christmas Day & New Years Day and offers visitors more information and help on their trip to the Giant's Causeway.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Giant’s Causeway & Causeway Coast Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. Visitors are advised to double check before going to ensure any attraction/place of interest is open and avoid disappointment.
When travelling follow safety tips, always remain alert and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view (particularly at tourist attractions & places with crowds). If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to the Causeway Coast & Giant's Causeway ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads.
If you are looking for car parking near the site, ensure you fully understand the rules, regulations & charges for car parks and street parking. The rules & regulations can be complex if you are not sure it is wise not to park there.
If you are travelling by public transport, it is useful to check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, trams, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
