The Giant's Causeway is an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption, part of the North Atlantic Igneous Province active in the region during the Paleogene period.
You can walk to the stones for free, but our on-site car park is reserved for those buying tickets for our Visitor Experience, which includes guided tours, running throughout the day; use of the audio guides, access to the shop, cafe and exhibition.
How long does it take to walk to Giants Causeway from Car Park?
Causeway Coast Way Car Park
The second Giant's Causeway Car Park, known as the 'Causeway Coast Way Car Park', is a 7-minute walk away (here on maps). You'll pay £10 to park here and this doesn't include access to the visitor centre.
Pedestrian acess to the Giant's Causeway is free. However, if you wish to use any of the facilities at the site, including parking but excluding the Visitor Information Service, the visitor experience charge will apply.
Amazing footage captured by visitor at Giant's Causeway!
How much time do I need at Giant's Causeway?
There are different paths and tours available at the Giant's Causeway, so the amount of time needed to see the columns will vary. It is entirely up to you how much time you spend walking around, but most people allow at least two hours.
How much does it cost to get into the Giant's Causeway?
The Giant's Causeway and public walkways are free to access. The Visitor Experience, including car parking, entry to the Visitor Centre, a guided tour, and an audio guide, costs £15.00 for adults and £7.50 for children during peak times; during off-peak times it costs £14.00 for adults and £7.00 for children.
How many people get stuck on Lindisfarne Causeway?
Northumberland County Council say between 10 and 20 vehicles get stranded every year on the causeway, prompting rescue efforts from the RNLI and the Coastguard. Holy Island Causeway is only safe to cross during published safe crossing times.
The Nook is one of two restaurants you can find when visiting the Giant's Causeway. While there aren't many options, this one isn't too bad. The restaurant has a historic feel and was surprisingly quite spacious. It's a nice place to warm up with some drinks and Irish food after embracing the Northern Ireland winds.
For the best rates, pre-book your Visitor Experience tickets in advance via the official Giant's Causeway website. Pre-booking in advance helps the team to prepare for your arrival and to spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the day, improving everyone's experience overall.
Why do shops not open until 1pm in Northern Ireland?
Large shops in Northern Ireland can only open on a Sunday between 1pm and 6pm. Large shops are defined as retail businesses with a floor area of more than 280 square metres (3,014 square feet). There are significant fines for large shops that fail to comply. Smaller shops can open whenever they choose.
There can be the occasional more difficult day. Suitable for fit weekend walkers. Consecutive walking days, of around 4-8 hours on generally good paths.
Slea Head Drive, one of Ireland's most scenic routes, takes you on a journey through historic sites, Irish speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close up views of the world renowned Blasket Islands and distant views of the Skellig Islands on the south western horizon.
Do you have to pay for Carrick a rede rope bridge?
To visit and walk around the paths is free but if you wish to cross the bridge you will have to pay and to do that it is essential to book a time ticket in advance for your visit, especially during the holiday season. I will come back to this at the end of the post.
The breathtaking coastal views, brooding skies, and ancient Lindisfarne priory ruins make Holy Island an impressive movie set and an ideal day trip. The island has a rich heritage, with centuries-old Lindisfarne Castle and a history that dates back to before the Vikings Castle.
There are two pubs; The Ship and The Crown and Anchor, as well as one bar at The Manor House hotel. Both pubs and the Manor House are popular and can get fully booked for evening meals in summer, so it is advisable to book ahead.
How much money should I bring to Ireland for 10 days?
Ireland uses the euro (€). Most places accept cards and tap-to-pay. Be sure to carry some cash for rural cafés, taxis, small pubs, activity providers and tipping. Budget around €120 to €150 per day for meals, sights, and small purchases.
Beach Road car park BT57 8RT - free - at the end of the sea front road. Bushmills Road car park BT57 8WB - free - slightly inland, use if the beach car park is full. Either head towards the beach (see map), or follow the road round the bend, and continue to railway path, turn left and follow it.
Prebooking helps us prepare for your arrival and to spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the day, improving everyone's experience. Prebook your visit to save and help us reduce congestion around the World Heritage Site over the summer months.
Start at the Causeway Hotel, where there's a path on the left side of the building leading towards the cliff path. Turn left and just follow the path towards Runkerry Head. On your right side you'll have views of the Causeway stones and the chimney tops. On a clear day you can also see right across to Scotland.
Bushmills. If you visit Causeway Coast and Glens, make sure the conservation town of Bushmills is on your itinerary. Just two miles from the Giant's Causeway, its history and people are intertwined with Bushmills Distillery.
