giant's causeway boat trip

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Giant’s causeway, unesco world heritage site, belfast, northern ireland.

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• 5 1/2 hrs Estimate Duration

The highlight of this tour is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway. Stop to photograph Dunluce Castle, built in the 14th century at the edge of a magnificent cliff with the fierce Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop. Visit the Giants’ Causeway, where for centuries, visitors have marveled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. The “Causeway Coaster” minibus will bring you directly to the causeway itself.

A drive along the Antrim Coast to Ballycastle introduces you to some of the world’s most spectacular and unspoiled scenery. Here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. Discover the unrivalled seascape, towering cliffs and white sandy beaches as you wind your way to Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some eighty feet deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope hand rail and widely spaced slats which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island. Stop to photograph the famous bridge from a viewing point up above this spectacular bridge.

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Historical landmarks, activity level:.

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The Giant's Causeway

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Local Sightseeing,All

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Approximately 5¼ Hours

Meals Included

Meals not included

Depart the port of Belfast for a panoramic drive inland through Ballymena and Bushmills to the North Antrim Coast .

Your first stop this morning is at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Causeway . For centuries, visitors have marveled at its majesty and mystery. A state-of-the-art Visitor Center offers differing explanations of how the causeway's 40,000 basalt stones were formed. You can decide for yourself which is the best (or most interesting) explanation. Stories about the area's rich mythology, history, geology, flora and fauna will intrigue you before you even set eyes on the stones themselves.

Now it's time to walk the Giant's Causeway -- a journey back in time through genuine history and romantic legend. This unique rock formation has stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of Atlantic storms for millions of years, and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fails to intrigue and inspire.

Walk with your group the approximately three-quaters of a mile path down to the Giants Causeway to experience the stones for yourself.

Re-join the motor coach and for the return drive to the ship. If time permits, you'll pause to snap some photos at Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Conclude with a brief drive along the stunning Antrim Coast before turning inland at Ballycastle toward Belfast.

Wear non-slip shoes and protection from possible adverse weather. The walking distance to/from the Visitor Centre to the Giant's Causeway is approximately three-quaters of a mile each way, the road is paved however it is on an incline. There is a small shuttle bus available with limited access, operating between the Visitor Center and the causeway. This is a cash only service. Guests pay directly at the shuttle.

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Giant's Causeway Boat Trips

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Experience the magic of the world famous Giant's Causeway from the sea. This is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. A must see for any traveler to the region, or for locals who wish to take a different view of this spectacular natural rock formation. These trips also take in many of the sites along the stunning Causeway Coast.

Award Winning Tour

Giant's Causeway Tour

Daily Tours to Giant's Causeway

2022 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award Winner!

Tour departs daily at 8.30am (returns at approx 6pm)

McComb's Travel offers visitors to Northern Ireland the longest established tour to what is commonly called "The eighth wonder of the world".  Travel in one of our award winning coaches along the Causeway Coastal Route for a fun filled day! 

Why choose us?

• Ours is THE most comprehensive tour from Belfast, with the most stops
• We have the most modern & comfortble coaches, meaning you enjoy the tour in both safety and comfort
• We're the original Giant's Causeway Tour Company - we created this tour almost 30 years ago!
• Our driver/guides are the most experienced there are - some in our driving seat for more than 20 years!

Enjoy the first stop of the day at Carrickfergus Castle , before travelling onward along the Causeway Coastal Route , stopping off at lovely places like Carnlough and the Caves at Cushendun .  We'll move along what has been voted one of the "Top 5 Scenic Drives in the World", where you'll also see towns and villages like Glenarm, Ballygally, Balllycastle, the Glens of Antrim, Cushendall & much more.

We'll stop off at Portaneevy View Point to get some Instagram worthy photos of the iconic Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge - we hope you've a head for heights!

You'll be ready for a rest by now at our lunch venue - The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, where there's a tastly pub grub style lunch on offer (payable locally).

The highlight of the tour is definately a visit to  Giant’s Causeway , Irelands only World Heritage Site. Spend some time climbing over the ancient stones, snapping some photos, and enjoying the myths and legends that surround this world famous attraction.

We then re-board our luxury coach, and make our way to along the coast, for a short stop at the breathtaking ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle .

For the Whiskey lovers onboard, we will visit Ireland's Oldest Licenced Whiskey Distillery - Old Bushmills !  There will be time to visit their gift shop, which offers Whiskey only available to buy at Bushmills, or have a tipple or two in the Whiskey Bar.

Our final stop of the day is at the iconic Dark Hedges .  Made famous by it's appearance as The Kings Road in Game of Thrones, this picture perfect location ends the tour on a high!

All that then remains to be done is to sit back and relax on the comfortable journey back to Belfast (arrives back at around 6pm depending on the time of year) in one of our award winning luxury coaches.

This really is a must take tour, and with the combination of our luxury coaches, experienced and friendly tour guides, and wonderful attractions, you'd be mad to miss it!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:   There is some walking on what are sometimes uneven surfaces during this tour, and it therefore requires moderate fitness levels.  Please come dressed appropriately for not only the season, but also for the activity.  While it is always our intention to visit all of the locations listed, if there is an unforeseeing event which means it is not possible to stop at them we may have to adjust the itinerary accordingly.  Your driver will always give priority to your safety, and access for the coach without causeing any loss or damage.

Please Also Note:   Unfortunately we cannot currently pre-book entry tickets for the visitor centre at Giant's Causeway.  You will be able to visit the Giant's Causeway stones Free of Charge (we think that's the best part anyway)!!  The National Trust have also made the decision to no longer allow any coaches to visit Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge, therefore we will instead have a Photo Stop at the Portaneevy Viewing Point.

Belfast’s longest running Causeway Tour

Tours available all year

Award Winning Company

• Tour departs at 8.30am from 22 Donegall Road
• Carrickfergus Castle (photo stop)
• Causeway Coastal Route
• Carnlough Harbour
• Cushendun Caves
• Carrick-a-rede Ropebridge (photo stop)
• Pub Grub Lunch Stop
• Giant's Causeway
• Dunluce Castle (Photo stop)
• Bushmills Distillery
• The Dark Hedges
• Tour ends in Belfast City Centre at approx 6pm

or call 028 9031 5333

Excellent value for money and is a must for any new visitor to Belfast !!!

Sunny Day Diner, Leeds

Perfect in every way!

Linda, Florida

Definitely do this trip - it was the highlight of my travel through Dublin and Northern Ireland

LeeLee, Madrid

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Giants Causeway Tours Belfast

We provide fully guided tours of the north coast of Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway and surrounding areas.

Fully guided tours of The Giants Causeway Coast and other highlights

Causeway tours is a luxury tour operator based in Belfast.

We have been operating in this business for over 15 years and have carefully selected itineraries from day trips to week long tours to provide a unique experience of the beauty of our country.

We work with you to plan the itinerary to your preferences and we can take you to the spots the tour buses can’t access.

Over 15 Year in Business

Luxury vehicles, local passionate guides, testimonials.

Great trip May 2022 • Couples James is a kind and professional driver who drove my partner and I to Dublin airport. I would highly recommend Amalia K

Excellent Experience 5 stars May 2022 • Friends James was a great tour driver. He was experienced and very friendly and made our experience personal! Would book with him again and would highly recommend 🇮🇪 Pogues82

Excellent Dec 2022 • Couples Excellent Driver, very pleasant, showed up early and very clean comfortable vehicle. Look forward to having James as our driver again. Fiona K

+44 (0) 7555 665 900 Send Enquiry Here

Giants Causeway Tour of the Coast & Glens

Giants causeway tours.

Our Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens Tour

View the iconic sites; the remarkable and breathtaking scenery at the world famous Giant’s Causeway and the thrill of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Then travel along the equally famous and dramatic Causeway Coastal Route.

Contrasting

Explore impressive exposed cliffs and beaches of the North Atlantic coastline; then, in contrast, experience the ‘ off-the-beaten-track’   tranquility and charm of the diverse and beautiful Antrim Glens that look over the Irish Sea to Scotland.

Sights & Sounds

Absorb this wonderful and epic landscape overlooking the hedgerows from the van. We balance this with many stops for photo opportunities and exploration. The sounds of the crashing waves, the salty taste from the sea on your lips, the wind whistling past your ears, combined with the birds soaring above and the possible sighting of dolphins and seals – are all part of this legendary land’s beauty.

Knowledgeable and Safe

Flip, your local-guide and driver, from an Environmental Science background, will chat about the natural history, wildlife and heritage that is on show throughout the tour.  He explains the landscape’s incredible formation at the Giant’s Causeway and other sites along with historical and mythical stories that bring the place to life. As a former RNLI Helmsman and a Coastguard Cliff Team member you are in safe hands throughout your tour.

✓  Professional tour guide & driver

✓  Bottled Water

✓  Guided Walking tour of the Giant’s Causeway with time to explore

✓ Transportation in a luxury V-Class Mercedes vehicle

NOT INCLUDED

✗  Entrance tickets and parking fees 

✗  Lunch & additional snacks

DEPARTURE & RETURN

  BELFAST & OTHER

Murray Street (Beside the Leonardo Hotel) BT1 9EA

(Pick ups are available from your nearby accommodation by arrangement)

Belfast Airports and Cruise Ship Ports – Enquire when booking

BALLYCASTLE

The Marina Car Park (off North Street) BT54 6BW

DEPARTURE TIMES

BELFAST – 8 am 

BALLYCASTLE – 9 am

RETURN TIME

6 pm (approx.)

Comfortable layered clothing,  boots or strong shoes, a hat, waterproof jacket & trousers (& fingers crossed sunscreen

* DISCLAIMER:

THIS TOUR IS INDEPENDANTLY OPERATED BY GIANT TOURS IRELAND. IT IS NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED OR AFFILIATED WITH HBO OR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH 'GAME OF THRONES'.

Your ultimate Giant’s Causeway guide: myths, trips & travel tips

If you’re planning to pop up to Northern Ireland while on our Ireland tours , there’s one site you can’t miss: Giant’s Causeway. This coastal landscape is dripping in lore and dappled with salty mist from the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, it’s among the UNESCO-listed sites you can visit on our guided tours . Uncover everything you need to know about this iconic spot before heading there on our Northern Ireland trips.

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20 other people are looking at this tour

Why choose this tour?

See all of Northern Ireland's highlights in one day

Ireland's most luxurious fleet

Ireland's most experienced guides

Ireland's highest rated operator

Free 4G unlimited WiFi & USB ports

Risk Free - 100% Refund up to 24 hours before tour

Pick-up Points

• 07:00am - Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street
• 07:20am - Paddywagon Office, 34 O'Connell Street Lower (The Spire)

Depart Dublin

Dark hedges, causeway coast, giant's causeway, dunluce castle (house of greyjoy), belfast (rest & recuperation), return to dublin, prefer the intimacy of a small group, alternative routes.

If this popular route is sold out you may wish to consider one of these...

(Small Group) Giant's Causeway Tour from Dublin

• Giant's Causeway Tour from Belfast

What's included?

• Eerie Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones)
• Causeway Coast Road Trip
• Coastal Views of Scotland
• Glens of Antrim
• Dunluce Castle (photos)
• Delicious Lunch Options
• Belfast City (refreshments)
• Incredible photo opportunities
• Live onboard commentary (English language)
• That warm fuzzy feeling you get from an amazing experience
• All taxes, fees and charges
• Peace of mind - free cancellation up to 24 hours
• Food and drinks

Additional Info

Free Cancellation

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour's start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour's start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour's start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the local time in Ireland.

Why Book Direct?

You help a local business to recover from the pandemic

You help to maximise the employment of our amazing guides

You enjoy a Best Price Guarantee

You enjoy the Best Cancellation Policy in Ireland

You enjoy Guaranteed Access where tours are overbooked

You contribute to our investment in carbon offset

We say Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat (1000 thanks!)

Paddywagon Tours

Guest reviews.

- TripAdvisor Giants Causeway Our trip to Giants Causeway was great. Desmond was the best tour guide ever. Make sure to do the black taxi tour in Belfast.

- TripAdvisor Bailey for president! Also, Giants Causeway trip is a must! I recently visited Dublin and did the Paddywagon Day Tour to Giant's Causeway. The scenery was breathtaking and the places we visited were truly exquisite. The tour itself strategically planned to gain the best possible experience from just 1 day of adventuring. However, one highlight to this trip was…

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2 day tour - northern ireland - belfast and giant's causeway, cancellation policy, free cancellation.

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Giant’s Causeway Tour

Departing everyday from belfast.

Unlike other Belfast tours taking visitors to the Giant’s Causeway, ours stops at the Causeway first instead of last. This way, you will be able to experience and photograph this majestic natural wonder before it becomes too crowded.

As well as the Causeway itself, our tour features many incredible coastal, natural and manmade marvels, including the scenic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and rugged Dunluce Castle. Join us on the Giant’s Causeway Tour luxury coach and explore some of the most exceptional locations that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Whether you’re looking to tour with a big group of friends or prefer a more personal and private touch, our expert tour guides will be happy to help. Book your place today and experience a completely unique natural phenomenon – we promise you’ll remember it for years to come.

Book you place on

The giant’s causeway, departing at 9:15am everyday from belfast.

J oin us for a full day tour to the 8th wonder of the world – The Giant’s Causeway – along with Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, the Dunluce Castle and much more!

Unlike other tour operators, we travel the opposite way to take you straight to the Giant’s Causeway site before most of the other coach tours arrive.

Need to know

• When: Everyday at 9am
• Where: Check in at Irish Tour Tickets, 10 Great Victoria Street (opposite Grand Opera House)
• Duration: 9am to 6:30pm approximately (5:30pm winter Schedule)

Giant’s Causeway

The giant's causeway.

Engulf yourself in Irish myth and legend at Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction, and be stunned the 30,000 towering hexagonal basalt columns. Clamber on the stones, feel the power of the crashing waves and marvel at the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon. *Access to the stones is free of charge. Entrance to visitor centre is an extra charge (Free for National Trust members)

Carrick-a-rede

Do you dare cross the famous Carrick-A-Rede Rope bridge, hanging 30 metres over the crashing waves below? The less adventurous amongst you can take in the beautiful scenery, grab a coffee in the café, or explore Larrybane Quarry, a prominent Game of Thrones location.

Antrim Coast Road

The Antrim Coast Road is widely agreed to be one of the finest stretches of road anywhere in the world. The road hugs the coast line giving incredible seaside views, passing unspoilt beaches and sheltering under rugged cliffs. You may even see Scotland on a good day!

Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland. It is located on the edge of a basalt outcropping in County Antrim, and is accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland.

Bushmills Distillery

Refuel with a lunch break at Bushmill’s Distillery. Canteen style food is available to purchase and enjoy some retail therapy in the gift-shop. Don’t forget to try the whiskey! *You may bring a packed lunch to eat on the bus.

Carrickfergus Castle

• When and Where :  The tour begins at 9am opposite the Grand Opera House in Belfast and usually finishes around 6:30pm (or 5:30pm during winter). This gives us the perfect amount of time to explore the Causeway Coast’s beauty in detail.
• What to Bring :  Ensure that you have appropriate off-road footwear for uneven ground, a lightweight waterproof for the unpredictable British weather, some cash for your lunch at Bushmills Distillery and a camera to capture all the beautiful sights you will see.
• What to Expect :  The experience of a lifetime!

Visiting The Giant’s Causeway: History, Parking, Tickets + Seeing It For Free

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: January 30, 2024

I’ve a love/hate relationship with the Giant’s Causeway, mainly due to the ridiculous parking charges .

You can visit the Giant’s Causeway free if you’re walking/cycling , but if you’re driving and you want to park near by, you really do pay for the privilege …

Now, there are ways of visiting the Giant’s Causeway for free , and you’ll find them below, but if you drive up with 3 adults in the car you could end up forking out £45 …

Below, you’ll find info on the Giant’s Causeway tickets to the different walks in the area and the parking options.

Some quick need-to-knows about visiting the Giant’s Causeway

Photos via Shutterstock

Although a visit to the Giant’s Causeway is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The Giant’s Causeway is situated on the Antrim Coastal Route , a 5-minute drive from the Old Bushmills Distillery , a 10-minute drive from Dunluce Castle  and a 15-minute drive from Carrick-a-rede .

You’ll need to pay for the Giant’s Causeway tickets if you want to park at and visit the visitor centre. There are peak and off peak prices . I’ll put the peak prices in brackets:

• Adult : £13.50 (£15.00)
• Kids : £6.75 (£7.50)
• Family : £33.75 (£37.50)

The Giant’s Causeway parking is what you’re paying for with the ticket prices above. Although the visitor centre has an interactive exhibition, most people only head into it to use the toilets and restaurant. There are other Giant’s Causeway parking options, which we’ve plotted on the map below.

4. Opening hours

The opening hours change slightly , depending on time of the year, however, the visitor centre is generally open from around 09:00 to 17:00 while parking is open all day.

5. How to see it for free

You can visit the Giant’s Causeway for free if you walk from either Dunserverick Castle or Portballintrae . These are long and scenic coastal walks. If you/someone you’re travelling with has limited mobility, you are best off parking at the visitor centre. More info below.

6. The shuttle bus

If you don’t want to walk from the visitor centre to the Causeway, there’s a shuttle bus that runs at 15-minute intervals . It costs £1 per person.

7. Weather plays a big part

If you arrive at the Giant’s Causeway on a day when the rain is pummelling down, you’re in for a tough time . The Giant’s Causeway is completely exposed – even if you take the shuttle bus, you’ll be soaked when you reach the basalt columns, so ensure to 1, pack rain gear and 2, pack a change of clothes.

The main Giant’s Causeway parking options

Click to enlarge map

There are four main Giant’s Causeway parking options that are within a reasonable walking distance of the entrance point.

Each of these are paid parking – if you want to visit the Giant’s Causeway for free, scroll to the next section.

1. The ‘main’ car park

The main spot for parking at the Giant’s Causeway is the visitor centre car park ( here on maps). 

They use a system similar to the Cliffs of Moher where they justify the ridiculous cost by pushing the fact that you also get access to the visitor centre.

The advantage of parking here is that it’s right next to the Giant’s Causeway, so it’ll be handy for visitors with limited mobility.

2. 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 and it’s also a rip-off ( here on maps).

You’ll pay £10 to park here and this doesn’t include access to the visitor centre. Now, they’ll justify this by saying ‘But sure you have all-day parking’, when realistically you’ll be here for 2 hours max.

3. Parking at The Nook

The Nook ( here on maps) is right next to the visitor centre and, if you buy food here, you can also use their car park.

This is a handy option, if you can get a spot, as at least you’ll get a feed on top of your parking!

4. Parking at the Causeway Hotel

The car park at the Causeway Hotel ( here on maps) charges you £10 upon entry, but with that you’re given a £10 voucher to spend in the hotel restaurant.

Decent value when you compare it to the 2nd car park above where you’ll only get access to the toilets for your £10er.

How to visit the Giant’s Causeway for free

The only way to visit the Giant’s Causeway for free if you have a car is to park at either Portballintrae or Dunseverick and then walk from there.

Of course, if you have a bike and can cycle there from where you’re staying, that’d give you access to the Giant’s Causeway for free, too! Here’s an overview of both options:

1. Walk from Portballintrae (1.5 – 2 hour loop)

Park your car for free at Salmon Rock Beach and take the 1.5 to 2-hour coastal loop from Portballintrae.

This is a gorgeous coastal walk that treats you to stunning views throughout. Good walking shoes are needed as the trail can get muddy in places.

2. Walk from Dunseverick Castle (1.5 hours each way)

If you fancy a decent ramble, you can always park at Dunseverick Castle and take the 4.8 mile (one way) trail to the Causeway. The scenery is incredible and the trail, for the most part, is well maintained.

The walk from the castle to the Causeway takes roughly 1.5 hours each way. If you don’t fancy walking back to the car, you can get the Translink Service 172 from near The Nook just down from the visitor centre back to Dunseverick.

About the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland

Right, now that we have info on the Giant’s Causeway parking out of the way, it’s time to dive into some Giant’s Causeway facts.

1. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site

The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is considered by many to be among Europe’s greatest natural wonders.

It made the list thanks to the ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ that it offers visitors .

2. It’s old. Really old

It’s believed that the Giant’s Causeway is between a whopping 50 and 60 million years old (more info on how it formed below) and geologists have been studying the Causeway for nearly 300 years.

3. It’s made up of 40,000+ basalt columns 

One of the most popular Giant’s Causeway facts is the number of huge, black basalt columns that it comprises of – there are 40,000 of them jutting proudly out of the sea.

4. There’s a ‘giant’ tale linked to the Causeway

According to Irish folklore, the Giant’s Causeway was formed after an Irish giant was challenged to a fight by a fierce Scottish Giant (more info below).

The story goes that the Causeway is in fact stepping stones that the Irish giant used to get to Scotland.

How was the Giant’s Causeway Formed? The facts and the folklore!

Now, you tend to hear two different stories about how the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland formed. The first story is the sciencey one. It involves volcanic activity and that kind of thing.

The second is a tale that many people that grew up in Ireland were told at bedtime. I’m talking, of course, about the legend of Fionn MacCumhaill and his fight with a Scottish giant.

Story 1: Volcanos and eruptions

Roughly 60 million years ago, the area around what is now known as the Giant’s Causeway was a hotbed of volcanic activity.

This era is referred to as the Paleocene Epoch, a time when the earth looked very different from how we see it today When molten basalt leaked through chalk beds to make a large lava plateau, the lava cooled and then contracted.

Horizontal contraction fractured and the cracks propagated down as things cooled, hence the pillarlike structures we see today.

In most situations, the horizontal fracture brought about a convex bottom end whilst the upper was concave. The size of the columns was determined by how quickly the lava cooled. 

Story 2: The legend of Fionn MacCumhaill

Although story 1 is the official, scientific explanation of how the Causeway formed, there remain those who err on the side of ancient legend to explain how the Giant’s Causeway was formed.

According to Irish mythology , the causeway was formed when a giant named Fionn Mac Cumhaill built it to get to Scotland for a duel with another giant.

Whilst certainly more entertaining than the official version of events, this explanation is today mostly reserved for children! Read the full story in our guide to the legend of the Giant’s Causeway .

The best Giant’s Causeway tours

We receive a constant stream of emails and direct messages from tourists asking for advice on the best Giant’s Causeway tour, so we’ve rounded up several with great reviews.

Note: if you book a tour through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

Giant’s Causeway Tours from Dublin

When it comes to visiting the Giant’s Causeway from Dublin, it is key to remember that it’ll take just over three hours to get there by car/tour bus, so factor that into your planning. Here are two with excellent reviews:

• Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Belfast Tour from Dublin
• Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Tour from Dublin

Giant’s Causeway Tours from Belfast

If you’re looking to visit the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast, you’ve plenty of choice. Here are two tours with top-notch reviews:

• Giants Causeway & Game of Thrones Locations Tour from Belfast
• Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip from Belfast

Things to do near the Giant’s Causeway

One of the beauties of the Giant’s Causeway is that it’s a short spin away from a clatter some of the best places to visit in Antrim .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Causeway (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Old Bushmills Distillery (5-minute drive)

Photos courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

One of the most popular things to do near the Giant’s Causeway (especially when it’s raining!) is to do the Old Bushmills Distillery tour. It’s popular among whiskey lovers and non-whiskey drinkers alike. You can also visit The Dark Hedges when you’re done. 

2. Castles galore (10 to 20-minute drive)

One of the more unique things to do near the Giant’s Causeway is to visit one of the  many  medieval ruins that can be found nearby. Dunluce Castle is a 10-minute drive away, Dunseverick Castle is a 5-minute drive and Kinbane Castle is a 20-minute drive.

3. Heaps more attractions (10 to 25-minute drive)

If you’re looking for more things to do near the Giant’s Causeway, you’ve plenty to choose from, with many of the most popular Causeway Coastal Route attractions a short spin away. Here are some of our favourites:

• Portrush Beach (20-minute drive)
• Torr Head Scenic Route (20-minute drive)
• Whitepark Bay (10-minute drive)

FAQs about Giant’s Causeway facts and tours

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How was the Giant’s Causeway formed? ‘To where to park for the Giant’s Causeway?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Where is the best parking near the Giant’s Causeway?

If you don’t want to get stung with the hefty Giant’s Causeway parking charges at the visitor centre, park at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park (10 minute walk) for £10.

How can you visit the Giant’s Causeway for free?

If you want to visit the Giant’s Causeway for free, park at Dunseverick Castle or Salmon Rock Beach (info on the walks above).

What are the best things to do near the Giant’s Causeway?

There are plenty of things to do near the Giant’s Causeway, from Dunluce Castle and the Bushmills Distillery to The Dark Hedges and more (see above).

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Joan Mulvey

Thursday 14th of July 2022

Are you able to take dogs on the causeway?

Saturday 7th of January 2023

The Causeway Coast Way Car Park is now £10

Monday 3rd of October 2022

@Keith O'Hara, Thanks for this Keith. Very helpful.

Keith O'Hara

Saturday 16th of July 2022

Hi Joan - according to this article it's fully dog friendly: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/news/we-are-now-fully-dog-friendly

Wednesday 27th of April 2022

Great guide however due to the long summer evenings, just arrive after 6pm when the visitor center is closed, there are no crowds and park at the centre for free, you can even watch the sunset from the Causeway. This is what I did 👍