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Published on December 12, 2024. Last Updated on June 30, 2025.
Nestled on the rugged coastline of Northern Ireland, Giant’s Causeway is a place where myths and geology intertwine. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts travelers from around the globe, drawn by its dramatic rock formations and rich folklore. If you’re planning a trip to this iconic landmark, you’re in for an enchanting experience that blends natural beauty with cultural heritage. After visiting Giant’s Causeway, Buddy and I are sharing our 5 Simple Tips to make the most of your visit.
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Buddy and I visited Giant’s Causeway on the same day but at different times. We visited on a Wednesday in early July. Buddy visited when he toured Northern Ireland with his choir. And Sal and I visited when we did the Coastal Route road trip from Belfast. This is when we followed Buddy’s tour around Northern Ireland. Driving up from Belfast, Sal and I visited Giant’s Causeway early arriving before 9 am to beat the tour buses. On the other hand, Buddy arrived later in the afternoon with his choir.
Visiting Giant’s Causeway: The details
Giant’s Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site located at Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom. This site is a geologic wonder and is grounded in legend. The volcanic activity that created the causeway’s black basalt hexagonal columns took place around 60 million years ago. And legend is that of rival giants: Finn McCool the Irish giant and Benandonner the Scottish giant. Legend has it that after losing to his rival, Benandonner destroyed the causeway as he fled back to Scotland.
Pro Tip: Visiting Giant’s Causeway coastline is free. However, it does cost to park at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park and to go to the Visitor Centre. The Visitor Experience ticket covers both admission to the exhibition and parking. Advanced tickets are recommended.
Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim is 2 miles from Bushmills Village. Parking is available on site but space at the car park is limited. The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre hours vary depending on the season. For the most up-to-date information, visit the website.
When we visited, we chose the audio guide and did a self guided tour of the causeway. We enjoyed the self-guided tour because we could experience the site at our own pace.
5 Tips for Visiting Giant’s Causeway
1. Arrive early
If you want to truly appreciate the grandeur of Giant’s Causeway without battling crowds or feeling rushed, aim to arrive early in the morning. The Giant’s Causeway is a popular tourist destination and it gets crowded during peak season. To avoid crowds, arrive early in the morning or visit at the end of the day.
When we visited on a Wednesday in early July, Sal and I arrived early in the morning. During our visit, there were very few people in the visitor centre and at Giant’s Causeway. It was nice to explore the area without large crowds. Not only that, but the weather was nicer earlier that day. It didn’t rain during our visit but it did for Buddy.
Pro Tip: Arrive early if you do not want other visitors in your photos.
A Teenager’s Perspective
Unfortunately, my choir travel itinerary had us arrive at Giant’s Causeway in the afternoon. Not only were there a lot of people, but it also rained when we got there.
2. Watch your step
While exploring the causeway, it’s important to be mindful of your footing. The basalt columns can be uneven and slippery underfoot and require careful navigation. This is especially true if you are visiting Giant’s Causeway with children or older family members. Wearing sturdy shoes with good grip is crucial; hiking boots are ideal if you have them packed.
Make sure that you wear appropriate shoes with good grip. But even then, watch your step.
Pro Tip: Watch out for snails that are on path to the Causeway!
A Teenager’s Perspective
My top tip is be careful the rocks at Giant’s Causeway can get very slippery. And you don’t want to fall.
I fell when I visited. It rained when I visited and I slipped, fell, got wet, and hurt my knee. If it is raining be careful where you are walking because you can slip on the rocks.
3. Take a hike
Giant’s Causeway has four hiking trails spread out over the world heritage site. The trails are color coded by difficulty. The green trail is an easy and accessible trail that takes you to a viewpoint. The blue trail is a moderate and paved walk that takes you to the causeway. The red trail is a cliff path rated as difficult. And the yellow path is the long distance walking route listed as challenging. If you like hiking, or want to see some stunning views of the causeway coast, take a hike on one (or all!) of the trails.
When Sal and I visited, we hiked the blue trail to the Giant’s Causeway. Then we took the red trail until its closure. A section of the red trail is closed permanently due to erosion. We hiked until that end point, enjoying the views as we walked. Because we arrived early, we were the only hikers on the trail.
Pro Tip: T A section of the red trail is closed permanently due to erosion.
A Teenager’s Perspective
My choir had a tight schedule so I only hiked the blue trail to the causeway. But I did get a photo at Giant’s Gate, which my parent’s missed.
4. Stop by the visitor centre
Before (or after) exploring the causeway, stop by the visitor’s centre to learn more about the causeway. Visitor Centre highlights include exhibits about the geological processes behind the causeway’s formation. And a fun film that tells an animated version of the legend of the giant Finn McCool.
The visitor’s centre had a lot of great hands-on activities for kids of different ages. This is a perfect place to stop if you are visiting with your family. Our personal favorite was the Finn McCool cartoon.
A Teenager’s Perspective
Unfortunately, I did not have time to go to the Visitor Center because we had to get to Belfast to get ready for a performance that evening.
5. Dress for the weather
Be prepared for rain. It is Northern Ireland after all! Plus, Giant’s Causeway is on the north coast, so even if it isn’t raining, you may still get wet. So water-proof and rain gear is important when visiting Giant’s Causeway. A rain jacket, waterproof boots or shoes, waterproof pants to go on top, and a sturdy umbrella make a big difference in keeping you dry and comfortable.
When Sal and I visited in the morning, it was cloudy and cold but not raining. However, when Buddy visited in the afternoon, it rained. Sal and I arrived ready for the elements in water and windproof clothing. Buddy did have a rain jacket, but his choir required jeans so when he slipped he did get wet.
When visiting Giant’s Causeway, I did see a lot of people in summer clothes at the causeway. However, a Northern Ireland summer temperature wise is probably close to a Southern Arizona winter. So I wore my warm wintery clothes because I did not want to get cold and wet. And it was cold and wet. Layers are great because you can always take things off if you get too warm.
Pro Tip: Bring a sturdy umbrella. And wear a hat or beanie. It is windy and cold.
Below is what I wore in case it is helpful!
- waterproof Columbia Hiking Shoes
- merino wool socks
- a North Face woman’s jacket that I could layer a Columbia rain jacket on top
- REI Co-op waterproof pants
- And a base layer of dark colored pants, a tank top with a long sleeve shirt layered on top. All from Stitch Fix
And I had my trusty cross body bag with me as well, which I am sharing below.
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag
Buy Now →How much time do you need when visiting Giant’s Causeway?
It depends on what you want to do and see. For most travelers, it can be done in half a day.
For example, we arrived at the Giant’s Causeway at 9 am and left at 11:45 am spending almost three hours onsite. During this time, we explored the Causeway, hiked, and looked around the visitor’s center.
Buddy and his group visited Giant’s Causeway for an hour. They went directly to the Causeway skipping the exhibitions at the visitor center and the hike.
How long does it take to walk to Giant’s Causeway from the car park?
The half mile walk takes approximately 10-15 minutes. The walk is downhill.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Giant’s Causeway
A Teenager’s Perspective
I liked visiting Giant’s Causeway and my friends liked it too. For that reason, I do recommend it for teenagers who want to learn about the history and lore of the causeway.
The views are beautiful. It looks like a computer wall paper came to life. I liked the shape of the rocks. It really does look like a giant created the causeway.
Visiting Giant’s Causeway is a lovely experience! From the legends, to the land, there are many things to do and see at this world heritage site. We hope these tips make your experience even more memorable.
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Do you have questions about family travel or traveling with teens? Feel free to reach out! We are happy to chat and share our experiences and look forward to connecting with you.
If you enjoyed reading this, check out these blog posts!
- 5 Things To Do Near Giant’s Causeway: Travel Made Easy
- Titanic Belfast Tips: Travel Made Easy
- Cliffs of Moher: 5 Simple Tips for Visiting
- Renting a Car in Ireland: 5 Simple Tips
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I don’t know much about Ireland, but this spot looks really interesting! Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to add it to my Ireland itinerary when I visit!
You are very welcome!