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Last updated: 10 February, 2024
Expert travel writer: Nicola Brady

With its roots in both Irish mythology and ancient geology, the Giant’s Causeway is an astonishing rock formation that’s become an icon of Northern Irish tourism.

Tumbling towards the sea on the country’s northernmost section of coast, this collection of around 40,000 naturally hexagonal basalt columns is constantly battered by the Atlantic, and at its most atmospheric when framed by glowering skies.

Theories differ on how the neatly-shaped columns and stones came to look this way – some believe they were placed by the giant Finn McCool, on his way to battle in Scotland; others concede the formation was more likely due to volcanic activity (though not when they’re within earshot of the local storytellers).

Either way, a blustery stroll among these impressive hexagons is a must-do while in Northern Ireland.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

If coming from Belfast, allow a full day to experience the Giant’s Causeway. If you’re driving yourself, it will take around an hour and a half, but there are plenty of organised tours if you want to avoid driving the country roads – make sure to book one that includes entry to the site itself.

Be cautious on stormy days and listen to the advice of the guides who oversee visitors – waves can crash unexpectedly and the rocks are slippery. Wrap up warm, even on summer days.

When to do it

The Causeway can be accessed all year round, but obviously being outside your experience will be heavily dependent on good weather.

If you’re staying locally or comfortable travelling at night, the Causeway is better seen in the late afternoon, before the sun starts to set.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin

Dublin

Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin
Depart Dublin travel by luxury coach to Belfast for a political black cab tour, followed by a trip to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. From the comfort of your black cab, tour Northern Ireland's capital, see the landmark sites including the Falls and Shankill neighbourhoods. Stopping at various locations and sign the Peace Wall, learn of Belfast’s tragic political history. After departing Belfast we travel through the county of Antrim onto the spectacular Antrim Coastal route. Our next stop is the world famous Dun Luce Castle. Admission is included with a visiting time of 30 minutes. We then proceed just down the coastal road to the Giant’s Causeway (lunch options available there). Explore its dramatic cliffs and rock formations with a visiting time of 2 hours. Head for home, with lots of fun on the way and a designated rest stop.

Price: €88

Min age: 3

Rating 4.84 / 5 [4864 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast

Belfast

Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast
Combine ‘Game of Thrones’ gossip with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway on a full-day tour from Belfast! With a friendly local guide, visit key Northern Irish filming locations that were used in the award-winning HBO fantasy drama while learning about popular characters like Daenerys Targaryen. After seeing sites like the Dark Hedges road, enjoy free time to explore the unique rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway.

Price: £35

Min age: 2

Rating 4.78 / 5 [1975 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

Dublin

Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee
There is no Hard border check between Ireland and Northern Ireland A visit to the Titanic Belfast Experience, the Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Belfast. This tour will take you to all the best Northern Ireland has to offer. Designed to give you the maximum time at each attraction so you can truly enjoy Northern Ireland for the fantastic tourist destination that it is.

Price: €85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [1150 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Giant's Causeway Tour Including Game of Thrones Locations

Belfast

Giant's Causeway Tour Including Game of Thrones Locations
Enjoy this award winning full-day Giants Causeway and Antrim Coast day tour and explore the world-famous Antrim Coast and UNESCO listed Giant's Causeway. Hear the myths and legends of how the Causeway was formed, see the stunning ruins of the 14th century Dunluce Castle and travel the Antrim Coast Road. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. New for 2023 we are now including some of the most iconic film locations used for Game of Thrones including The Dark Hedges and Carnlough Harbour. *Please note that this tour is not suitable for passengers arriving at Belfast on a Cruise Ship*

Price: £25

Min age: 3

Rating 4.77 / 5 [995 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Giant's Causeway with the Titanic Exhibition and the best of Northern Ireland

Dublin

Giant's Causeway with the Titanic Exhibition and the best of Northern Ireland
Visit the Giant's Causeway , Belfast Titanic Exhibition and some of Northern Ireland's most stunning attractions and Natural beauty locations. This is really a Best of Northern Ireland tour! Not only will you get to visit The Giant's Causeway , a UNESCO world heritage site , but also a visit to the highly acclaimed Titanic experience in Belfast city . Other stops during the day will be at Dunluce Castle , where you can take a picture of the most photogenic Medieval castle in Ireland. Visit and explore the Dark Hedges where you will get around 20 minutes to wander through the ancient lane of Beech Trees.

Price: €85

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [985 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Belfast

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (UK)

Exterior view of the local parliament during the daytime

Northern Ireland’s capital makes for a surprisingly arty city break, with convivial and cosy pubs, elegant architecture and cutting-edge cuisine.

Round-ups

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Round-ups that include this experience