Embrace a new season of discovery this spring and follow in the footsteps of legends at the Giant’s Causeway. The neatly packed columns of hexagonal basalt rocks form Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover Giant’s Causeway
This spring, explore the Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience and uncover the story behind this world-famous geoloical wonder.
With an interactive exhibition and interpretation area and audio guides in 11 international languages, you can dive into the myths, geology and history that shape this iconic landscape.
Join one of our guided tours, departing from the Visitor Centre throughout the day, to discover more about the remarkable heritage of this special place, before stepping onto the world-famous hexagonal basalt stones. Nowhere else on the planet can you see such an exposure of rocks from the Paleogene period that have formed in this unique way, and don’t forget your camera! The Giant’s Causeway has previously been named the most Instagrammed place in Ireland.
For the best rates, pre-book your Visitor Experience tickets in advance. Pre-booking helps us prepare for your arrival and spread visitor numbers more evenly throughout the day, improving everyone’s experience. National Trust Members and Local Pass Holders gain free access, however pre-booking is strongly encouraged for all visitors to avoid disappointment.
Six must-see sites at the Giant's Causeway
Whilst exploring the World Heritage Site, keep your eyes peeled for these six not-to-be-missed highlights.
The Grand Causeway is the largest of 3 outcrops which make up the Giant's Causeway. These collections of curious columns contributed to the Causeway being designated Northern Ireland's first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
In Port Noffer, you'll find a small path leading towards the sea. This takes you to what is perhaps the bay's most famous feature - the Giant's Boot. Apparently lost by Finn as he fled from the wrath of Scottish giant, Benandonner, the boot is reputed to be a size 93.5.
An essential stop on any visit, the Wishing Chair is a natural throne formed perfectly arranged set of columns. Some years ago, only ladies were permitted to sit in the Wishing Chair. Today, it's open to everyone. In fact, it has been sat on so often, its basalt stones are shiny, smooth and very comfortable!
Portnaboe's most famous resident is Finn McCool's Camel. Once a living and lively beast, the camel was turned to stones and forlornly lies along the bottom of the cliffs. Apparently, he was the only steed capable of carrying Finn home across long distances. The Camel is actually a basalt dyke, formed from cooling lava which has pushed its way through other layers of rock.
Experience a bird's-eye view of the Giant's Causeway with the clifftop trails. With dramatic coastal views, it's a unique way to see the World Heritage Site and explore the stunning North Coast of Ireland.
Officially opened in July 2012, the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre was the result of an international architecture competition. Dublin-based architects, 'Heneghan Peng' won the £18.5 million commission to design the building and now, it's won many prestigious awards for design innovation and sustainability.
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Spring nature sightings
As the long winter nights are melted away by the longer days of spring, a multitude of nature stirs into life again at the Giant's Causeway.
A succession of primroses, bluebells and lesser celandine burst into bloom for hoardes of hungry insects to feast on after emerging from a long winter slumber at Northern Ireland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An eruption of fiery yellow gorse blooms spew across the clifftops, lighting up the entire landscape and also delighting our sense of smell with a sweet scent of coconut. Skylarks soaring above the farmland complete the assault on our senses with their glorious melodious songs all through spring.
In the bays around the Causeway, spring marks the return of the secretive sedge warble and grasshopper warblers all the way from sub-Saharan Africa. Well camouflaged, with a tendency to stay under dense cover, they are very hard to spot, but they make up for that with their loud, rattling songs.
Also, keep your eyes and ears peeled for our friendly robins, our playful stoats, and along the shoreline, you will commonly see squabbling oystercatchers, eider ducks and elegant fulmars.
For those eager to learn more, we have a special Birds of the Causeway worksheet available to collect from the Visitor Information Desk within the Visitor Centre - a handy guide to identifying some of our most common winter birds!
With books for children, together with ones on wellness and fitness, novels, autobiographies and everything in between, the Giant’s Causeway Book Nook, located in the Café area of the Visitor Centre, is the perfect place to find a hidden treasure. Every donation you make goes directly back into aiding our conservational work to help protect this special place for generations to come.
If you’ve got any unwanted books that you’d like to donate for others to fall in love with, we’ll take them! Just drop them off at the Visitor Welcome area, located at the main entrance of the Visitor Centre. Novels and books for children and young adults would all be hugely appreciated to help inspire the next generation of readers.
Share your GIANT memories with us…
We love seeing pictures of your visit to the Giant’s Causeway. When posting on social media, tag us for the chance to feature on our page!
Facebook – The Giant’s Causeway
Instagram – @giantscausewaynt
Additional information
Sensory bags available for loan.
At the Giant’s Causeway, we understand that the summer holidays can be a busy, overwhelming time for many and we want everyone to feel welcome and equal, whilst embracing the beauty of nature.
We’re proud to offer sensory bags, which contain a selection of items designed specifically for visitors with sensory needs, including ear defenders, an emotion fan, various fidget items and a cuddly toy. These are available to loan from the Visitor Information Desk within the Visitor Centre.
Find out more about our accessibility options here.
Book your visit
Please note: To avail of the best rates, it's strongly recommended that you pre-book your Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience tickets in advance of your visit.
