The Giants Causeway (Giant’s Causeway), managed by the National Trust, is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular rock formations formed 60 million years ago. Deemed as one of the most amazing natural phenomena in the world, the 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns, packed like commuters on a busy train, huddle the shoreline.
Travel Essentials – The Giants Causeway
Where is The Giants Causeway?
A 6km (4 mile) stretch of rock along the northern coast of Northern Ireland. It lies on the edge of the Antrim plateau between Causeway Head and Benbane Head, about 40 km (34.9 mile) northeast of Londonderry. The Giants Causeway resides within the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of the premier tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
Getting to The Giants Causeway
Preferred mode of transport: Car although several bus companies are available.
Buses: Ulsterbus Service 172, Goldline Service 221, Causeway Rambler Service 402, Antrim Coaster Service 252.
Entry: £13 (Adult single) but free for National Trust members with a valid membership card.
Parking onsite: Free for National Trust members (display sticker in car). £5 for non-members.
Notes: Four trails for walking (blue, red, green and yellow).
Quick facts about The Giants Causeway
- Formed between 50 and 60 million years ago.
- Fourty thousand stone pillars stretching for 6kms (3.7 mile).
- Each stone has between five and seven irregular sides.
- The stones can reach heights of 25m (82 feet).
- Home to over 50 species of birds, and 200 species of plants.
The Giants Causeway walking trails
Green
Difficulty: Easy.
Duration: 1hr 30 minutes (return).
Distance: 3.2km (2 mile).
Route: 15 minutes from Causeway Hotel to the picnic site and viewpoint – 700m (0.7km).
Access: Level 2m (6.6ft) wide formal path.
Caution: Unfenced cliff edge and high winds.
Notes: Rest stops with seats. Wheelchair and buggy-friendly. This trail joins the Yellow trail.
Summary: Mobility friendly and fenced off from the clifftops so children can explore safely.
Blue
Difficulty: Moderate.
Duration: 1hr (return).
Distance: 1.2km (0.8 mile).
Route: 25 minutes from Visitor Centre to Giants Causeway.
Access: Formal hardcore footpath with kerb stones and steep gradients in places.
Caution: The bus route runs parallel to this footpath.
Notes: Some rest stops with seats. Falling rocks and Causeway stones are slippery when wet. Option to join Red trail.
Summary: Has most footfall of all the causeway trails and leads directly to the world-famous stones.
Red
Difficulty: Difficult.
Duration: 1hr 30 minutes (return).
Distance: 3.2km (2 mile).
Route: 35 minutes from the trail head to the Shepherd’s Steps 1.2km (0.8 mile), 90 minutes circular route.
Access: Formal hardcore gravel footpath – uneven and single track in places. Steep stone steps (162)
Caution: Unfenced cliff edge, high winds, steep steps and falling rock.
Notes: Optimal route to Amphitheatre viewpoint (5 minutes), the circular route joins the Blue trail.
Summary: A bracing clifftop walk with spectacular views of the world-famous Causeway Coast and North Channel.
Yellow
Difficulty: Challenging.
Duration: 1hr (return).
Distance: 3km (1.86 mile).
Route: The Causeway Coast Way includes a 53km (32.9 mile) section of the Ulster Way National Trail.
Access: Variety of surfaces, some informal tracks without defined paths. Beach and rocky seashore.
Caution: Unfenced cliff edge, high winds, falling rock, high tides and traffic sections.
Notes: The Causeway Coast Way links to the Giants Causeway trail network.
Summary: More challenging walk starting at Runkerry Head and ending at Hamilton’s Seat.
The Red walking trail
1. The start
In front of The Causeway Hotel, built in 1836, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean as the first place for travellers to stay near the rock formations.
The Causeway Hotel overlooking the Atlantic, Giants Causeway, NI
With the Visitor Centre on your left, walk on the sloped grass roof, picking up signs for the Red Trail from the rear. There is a plinth with a map and directions.
2. Weir Snout
Continue along the visible path and up a steep hill leading to Weir Snout. A viewfinder provides more information on the views. The Vikings first raided here in small parties, then later with fleets before attempting to conquer the country.
View across Portnaboe, Giants Causeway, NI
3. Aird Snout
The next vantage point is a headland known as the Aird. Overlooking Port Ganny are boulders that act as a deterrent to people walking out onto this headland. This area is spectacular but dangerous, and there are usually high winds.
Port Ganny, Giants Causeway from Aird Snout, NI
4. Shepherd’s Steps
Continuing from Aird Snout, you’ll reach the top of Shepherd’s Steps overlooking Port Noffer. Onwards, the path becomes the Yellow Trail and leads to Hamilton’s Seat, providing an aerial view of the Amphitheatre.
Port Noffer, Giants Causeway, NI
To continue on the Red Trail, descend the steps from the clifftop. On reaching the bottom, there is a choice to follow the trail towards the Organ or turn left and head towards the Grand Causeway, linking to the Blue Trail.
View heading back to the Visitors Centre, Giants Causeway, NI
At this point head back towards the Visitor centre and car park.
The Giants Causeway stones
The basalt stones are the main attraction at the Giants Causeway. Deceptive in height, with stones as high as 10m (32.8ft), with a backdrop of spectacular cliffs and seascape. Legend says that Finn MacCool, the folklore giant built the causeway, although a geological explanation is the most plausible formation theory.
60 million year old basalt columns, Giants Causeway, NI
Close up of the hexagonal stones, Giants Causeway, NI
Tightly-packed basalt columns, Giants Causeway, NI
The verdict
The Giants Causeway makes an ideal day trip with numerous walking trails. The Visitor Centre offers guided tours, hand-held audio guides, and access to the exhibitions shop, cafe and all facilities. With a 24-hour car park, access to the trails at sunrise or sunset makes perfect photo opportunities. Combine a visit to the Giants Causeway as an excursion from Belfast or as part of a Game of Thrones guided tour.
Cabin Bags Only rating: 8/10
More information – The Giants Causeway
National Trust – Giants Causeway.
Giants Causeway Official Guide – things to do, tours and information.
Giant’s Causeway – Wikipedia.
Read about our other National Trust visits.