Exploring Northern Ireland and the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route
Words by Dalene Heck / Photos by Pete Heck
On the rugged coast of Northern Ireland lies a place where science and legend shake hands.
The Giant’s Causeway isn’t just a natural wonder—it’s 40,000 basalt columns tumbling into the sea like nature’s own staircase to Scotland.
Depending on who you ask, it’s either the result of volcanic activity 60 million years ago… or the handiwork of a giant named Finn McCool.
Frankly, both explanations feel equally magical once you’re standing there.
How to Do It
There are a few ways to make it to the Giant’s Causeway, but the easiest by far is hiring a car so you can explore on your own. Regardless which way you go, be sure to stop and see Dunluce Castle, the ruins are perched over the steep cliffs leading down to the sea.
By Car: A one-hour drive from Belfast or about three from Dublin. Rent a car for the flexibility to explore the Antrim Coast.
By Train/Bus: Trains from Belfast connect to Coleraine, with buses onward to the Causeway. Slower, but scenic.
On Foot: The Causeway Coast Way is a 51 km walking trail linking Portstewart to Ballycastle—ambitious, but unforgettable.
Tips for Visiting
You NEED to book in advance to visit the Giant’s Causeway. You can either book a tour (what we recommend) or you can book your own visitor experience here. If you book yourself included with your ticket is:
- reserved on-site parking
- hourly guided tours with our award-winning storytelling team
- use of hand-held audio guides available in 11 different languages
- access to the Visitor Centre’s exhibition and interpretation area, the shop, cafe and use of all facilities, including the loan of accessibility equipment.
Tickets are £15.00 for an adult, £7.50 for a child (5-17 y/o) or £37.50 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 children).
Parking: The Visitor Centre car park is paid and reserved parking only, but nearby towns like Bushmills have cheaper options with shuttle buses.
Arrive Early or Late: Midday can be packed. Sunrise and sunset offer better light and fewer crowds.
Wear Proper Shoes: The stones can be slippery, especially if it’s been raining (and in Northern Ireland, it often has).
Layer Up: Weather on the coast changes faster than Finn McCool’s temper.
Things to Do at the Giant’s Causeway
Walk the Stones
The main event: clamber over those hexagonal basalt columns, snap the obligatory “standing on top of the world” photo, and marvel at the sheer geometry of it all.
Explore the Coastal Trails
The clifftop paths offer cinematic views of the Atlantic and the causeway below. The Red Trail is short and steep, the Blue Trail gentler but equally stunning.
Visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre
Learn about the geology, the myths, and pick up a few souvenirs. It’s modern, interactive, and a good way to get your bearings.
Spot the Legends
From the “Giant’s Boot” to the “Organ Pipes,” the site is full of rock formations with names that sound straight out of a fairy tale.
Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Get up the nerve to cross over the suspended Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. This 250 year old rope bridge was once used by salmon fishermen, but now is a tourist attraction.
You must either book a tour to cross the bridge, or book your tickets in advance.
Tours to the Giant’s Causeway
Hiking Tours: Join a guide along the clifftop trails for history, myths, and unbeatable views.
Belfast Day Tours: Many include the Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and a few “Game of Thrones” filming spots.
Dublin Day Trips: Long but efficient; you’ll see the Causeway plus Belfast highlights in one go.
Private Tours: Great if you want a custom pace or to linger at photo stops.
Our Experience
We were really lucky with the weather during our time there.
While it had been regarded as an awful summer full of cold and rain, whenever we ventured out to explore, it seemed that the skies magically opened up for the sun to guide our way.
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is a popular tourist attraction. It connects the mainland to Carrick Island, is 20 metres long and 30 metres high, and is thought to once have been used by fisherman.
(Pete is a little nervous of heights).
That was the truth, until we drove the Causeway Coast Route in Northern Ireland, we were under a shroud of clouds and mist the entire time.
At first, we were keen on the cool, mystical quality it gave the lush and rugged coastline. But then we were just cold.
Book a Tour to See the Giant’s Causeway plus More!
The easiest way to see the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede bridge, the Dark Hedges plus much more is to book a tour with Viator. They are the top-rated tour company in the world and we’ve booked hundreds of tours with them. There are plenty of options from Belfast and Dublin to see the Giant’s Causeway plus much more!
Where to Stay Near the Giant’s Causeway
Ballygally Castle Hotel ($$$$)
Booking a night or a few at the Ballygally Castle Hotel is worth the splurge because you get to sleep in an actual castle, complete with turrets and ghost stories.
The Bushmills Inn ($$$)
A stay at the historic Bushmills Inn in (you guessed it) Bushmills, Northern Ireland is a must. Your stay will be a cozy one with fireplaces, and a stellar whiskey bar.
Causeway Hotel ($)
The Causeway Hotel is an extremely affordable option, but a quality place to stay. It’s often fully booked, so be sure to book this one in advance. It’s the location of this hotel that makes it so popular. It’s so close to the Giant’s Causeway, you can practically walk there from your room (well not really, but it’s close).
Final Thoughts
The Giant’s Causeway is one of those rare places where geology feels like folklore. Whether you’re chasing epic landscapes, Celtic legends, or just a great coastal hike, it delivers in spades. So lace up, pack a rain jacket, and decide for yourself: volcanic wonder, or Finn McCool’s front step?
Oh wow! That rope bridge would have terrified me…looks like an awesome place, though. John has been there but I missed out =(
It was kind of cool, but I’ve seen scarier bridges in Colombia – ha! There was also swarms of tourists that really took away from the experience, would probably have preferred to be there in the off season!
Your photos are always amazing. I don’t think I would have made it over that rope bridge. You guys are very brave.
Eh, the bridge was nothing. Been on way scarier ones in South America with nothing to hold onto on the sides…
I love how you’re so blase about the sketchy bridges in South America. Ha. I’m sure that makes your mom feel better!
Love the photos, can you adopt me please?
Absolutely gorgeous. I agree with one of the previous posters. Your photos are amazing. However, I bet reality was even more spectacular.
Thanks Joy! When I could peer out from under my rain jacket – there were some pretty spectacular sights!
Literally just got back…and it was cold and windy..and the masses of tour buses just filled the place…off season it would be on any return! But such a beautiful coastline…. Also Ballycastle..what is going on there!!!
Oh yes, the amount of people there was incredible. The whole bridge thing was kind of cool…but with all the people lined up on either side, waiting to go, it really took away from the “coolness” of it…
Gosh, that looks cool. Thank you, once again, to volcanoes 🙂
You and your love affair with volcanoes… 🙂
I was just at the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge one week ago. The Causeway was so otherworldly and the rope bridge was scary, but fun. It was raining heavy when I was on the other side of the bridge and the grass was slick.
Perhaps we passed you on the bridge…might have been there the same time!
The rope bridge is terrifying! I’m deathly afraid of falling and would never have made it. I love to zip-line, but the first time I went each line was connected by terrifying hanging bridges. It almost ruined the whole thing for me!
Pete was pretty freaked out, he doesn’t like that kind of stuff at all either! It was pretty short…not enough time to get really scared! 🙂
Purrrty pics! Ireland looks gorgeous!
We got more purty stuff to come! Ireland is very photogenic!
Aaahhhhhhhhhhh Such a sketchy bridge!
I have always wanted to visit the giants causeway, I’ve only spent 3 days in Ireland, you two are making me want to move back there now! 🙂
Ya gotta do it! 3 days ain’t near enough! 🙂
Oh that would have been so much fun! I love rickety (and non-rickety) bridges… 🙂
Me too, I’m sure that Thailand must have its share of the rickety type?
It’s mostly rickety-shaws… 🙂
It is so beautiful! I can totally undestand Pete’s fear, I cried like a baby last time I had to cross something like that. Great photos 😉
Oh boy! No tears from Pete yet on these sorts of things…just sweaty palms! 🙂
I cannot imagine taking a hand off the rope to snap that photo! haha, wow. These photos are gorgeous, I love the white in the cliffs.
it was nothing to her, she’s quite good when it comes to heights. She gets close to cliff sides etc. Although we get great shots, it freaks the shit out of me when she does it…
If this doesn’t make people want to go to Northern Ireland, IDK what will. I submitted this on reddit.com also since I think you did a great job on the photos. Hope it helps you out!
Cheers Andrew. I might have to pick your brain on how to use reddit. I would certainly like to return the favor!
Ireland is so insanely beautiful. What gorgeous photos! It would’ve taken me a lot of courage (and maybe a few shots) to cross that bridge though lol!
Ah – it’s over so quickly as it’s not that far! And then you just get to line up on the other side to come back over! 🙂
What a great photo essay! You’ve captured a wide range of perspectives but my favourite shot – by far – is the close-up shot walking along the bridge.
Thanks! That shot was tough to take…Pete was moving quickly across the bridge (scaredy cat), and I had one hand on the rope!
This is awesome! I didn’t make it here when I was in Ireland. But that rope bridge looks like a lot of fun!
The rope bridge was pretty cool. Too overcrowded (like so many other places in Ireland!) but still cool.
I always see photos of the Causeway and it makes me want to see Ireland more and more. Great photos!
Thanks Cornelius. It’s easy to fall in love with the scenery in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.
omg… i wouldnt be able to cross that bridge!!!
Sure you would! It’s over before you know it!
I love photo posts … they’re so inspiring. I bet the views were worth the nervousness of crossing that bridge!
Thanks Rachelle! Come back every Friday, we always have photo posts!
I didn’t get to see Northern Ireland when I visited the country last summer. I hope to get there again and explore Western and Northern Ireland. Nice photos!
Northern Ireland was a real highlight of our time there. Hope you make it!
how gorgeous! although I can’t say i’d feel too thrilled with crossing that crazy bridge!:)
I did that!!! It was awesome. Great photos. Do they still charge money to go across that tiny bridge?
They do. I believe it was 6 quid each? I’m not sure that I consider it worth it….it was kinda cool…but I’ve been on scarier bridges in South America! 🙂
Wow! Great shots! Would be great to add this post to our FB wall! http://www.facebook.com/GiantsCausewayNationalTrust
Feel free to add it!