Legend has it that an Irish giant named Finn McCool created the causeway to get across the 25km Irish Sea. He wanted to face his rival, the Scottish giant Benandonner. From there, things get a bit blurry and there are a few variations of the legend, including one where Finn McCool is disguised as a giant baby to escape Benandonner who turned out to be a much bigger giant than himself.
Based on geology, the Giant’s Causeway was formed somewhere between 50 and 60 million years ago by intense volcanic fissure eruptions. The lava cooled at a rapid speed breaking into the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns we can see today.
Geology is just not as fun as Irish legends if you ask me!
No matter which version you prefer to believe, the Giant’s Causeway is a sight that can not leave you indifferent. It is a rough coast shaped by tempest, the ocean and the wind. You will feel its strength and its torments in your bones. You will feel carried away to a different time or maybe simply energised by its power. There is something truly magical about such a place.
Take your time. Let it speak to you.
Before you go
There is no better way to prepare a trip to Ireland than to start by reading some of the legends, fairy tales and folklore stories. Check out these books to get your imagination primed for such a trip!
Lots of things to know before you go!
Admittedly, for once, I had not done my homework properly before heading to the Giant’s Causeway and that caused a lot of stress when we arrived a little late on site. I thought we might not get a chance to see much and I got really annoyed with myself. But we got lucky!
Let’s first explore what it is like when you get there and then get into other useful bits of info.
The trails
Trails leave from the rooftop of the Visitor center and are well indicated. Yet we hesitated and just sort of followed the few people who were there. The stones are obviously at sea level so going down on the blue trail seemed logical.
The blue trail
The blue trail is easy. Technically it isn’t even a trail but a road that leads directly to the most famous part of the Giant’s Causeway.
For people with reduced mobility, the Translink Accessible Bus uses this road to take you to the stones. I saw cars going too and I’m not sure why and how. I’m guessing that these people had special passes. However please do not expect to drive there!
And already you are there!
The red trail
The red trail is marked as difficult but really isn’t that bad. Except for the stairs going back up. These were murderous! But you can start by this trail and take the steps down instead. I’m not sure it is better though. This trail takes you to the Amphiteatre and then you can go to the stones and come back up by the blue trail.
This trail offers the most spectacular views of the coast.
Just wear good shoes and expect some muds!
The red path is clearly visible on the above. Not that hard except for the stairs!
The Yellow trail
We didn’t take the yellow trail so I can’t say much about it but it is much longer and goes beyond the Amphiteatre. It is most likely a lot less crowded so of course I wish we had taken it.
The green trail
Don’t miss the green trail. It’s short and easy and gives you a great view of the Giant’s Causeway.
The view from the green trail is stunning although the weather was moody.
Wildlife
Look at the sea, not just at the stones. Amongst other things, there are dolphins at The Giant’s Causeway! I would have never guessed. Although I did not spot any, it might be worth bringing some binoculars.
From the red trail, you can see the rock formation from above. Somehow, it doesn’t look as impressive. Almost small. In the greater scheme of things, it is small compare to the size of the coast. Yet when you are there on the columns, the feeling is different.
Leave no trace and leave no coin
It is sort of obvious that you should leave no trace when visiting. Please read the National Trust appeal and do not leave coins either.
Be safe
The Giant’s Causeway is by the Atlantic Ocean. Gust of wind are likely and they may knock you off your socks so beware when walking on the stones. I’m really glad my partner caught me just in time before I almost killed myself so I thought I should add this section!
I have also seen people ill equipped in terms of shoes, going down way too late in the evening. Don’t be like them!
Is there a best time to visit?
If your goal when visiting is to take the best possible pictures, there are a couple aspects to take into consideration namely: the weather, the light and the crowd.
Concerning the weather, in my very short experience of Northern Ireland, it is quite unpredictable. It was pouring rain one minute and yet the sun was shinning through the clouds the next minute. They say they can get 4 seasons in a day and it sure felt like it. So I would say, don’t let the rain stop you!
Concerning the light, if you look at the position of coast on a map, you will understand right away that dusk offers you the best light conditions. Early morning can work as well but not for all the stones.
As for the crowd, again later during the day, when all the buses have left or early morning before they arrive means there will be less people.
A few people there isn’t a bad thing though. Their presence may give scale to your pictures.
Get creative!
This isn’t the most interesting photo and yet I like it because the perspective makes the stones look really giant with the tiny humans in the back!
How to get there
A plethora of day trips are organised from Belfast (and Dublin). That is a valid option which will usually also take you to the Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle. Depending on the duration of the trip, you get enough time on site to see the most famous part, but most likely not enough to hike to the amphitheatre.
However I think the main potential issue with these tours is the timing of the visit. You don’t get the best lights and get there at the crowdiest times obviously.
Not being a fan of these types of group trips anyway, we rented a car at the Belfast City airport and drove there by taking the scenic route. It was amazingly beautiful. Easy to drive and well indicated.
There was a portion of the trip around Torr Head where we weren’t so pleased that we got upgraded to a bigger car. The road there offers stunning views but isn’t large enough for 2 cars even small ones. Luckily, I think we only crossed path with 2 cars along the way.
Once we arrived at the Giant’s Causeway, we stayed at the Causeway Hotel. This is the absolute closest hotel. I didn’t understand the parking situation on site. It looked like the parking lot was shared with the visitor center as we had to queue to be allowed to park and had to show our reservation.
But there is also another parking for visitors who are not staying at the hotel.
And finally I should confirm that there are trains from Dublin that will get you pretty close with local connections. But I’ll let you explore this option on your own. You know my specialty is road trips, not trains!
What do you pay for?
I feel like this isn’t always super clear so I’m gonna try to make it clearer.
Hiking the Giant’s Causeway is entirely free. There are no gates, no restrictions. Some go at night as I have seen gorgeous pictures of Aurora borealis taken from there.
But you have to get there and if you are driving you have to park somewhere and this is where you have to pay.
If you wish to visit with a guide, then you also have to pay. You can book your tickets through the National Trust and these include access to the Visitor center and their toilets (!), a reserved parking space, guided tour and use of hand-held audio guides.
A word or 2 on the Causeway Hotel
I haven’t seen many people talking about the Causeway Hotel and I’m not sure why.
In terms of location, it doesn’t get any closer. The Visitor center is right next to it.
I booked a room with sea view because I wasn’t going to not have a sea view, just to save 50 GBP. The room was quite big, with a terrasse and everything needed for one night. It wasn’t amazing but it was OK.
On paper, such an hotel was everything I like. It was built in 1836 and had character. Pictures available are true to what you get.
In practice, it didn’t feel right. I can’t point anything specific. I just felt bad.
One thing I could argue is that the vegetarian / vegan options were lagging. There were some, but not great and we had much more interesting dining experiences in Belfast.
On thing is for sure, the hotel blends in perfectly in the sight.
The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (They now have 2)
Fancy a wee road trip in Northern Ireland? Head over to https://www.theIrishRoadTrip.com!
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