A summer of GIANT adventures awaits you at the land of legends! Explore the 40,000-year-old hexagonal basalt columns and immerse yourself in a landscape that's steeped in nature, beauty and history. With endless opportunities for discovery, the Giant's Causeway is the only place to be this summer...
Discover the Giant’s Causeway
This summer, take a GIANT step into the magic of Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site and uncover the story that's behind this global 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 coastal landscape.
Join one of our guided tours, departing from the Visitor Centre throughout the day and delve deeper into the remarkable heritage of this special place, before stepping onto the world-famous hexagonal basalt columns. Nowhere else on earth can you witness such a unique formation of rocks from the Paleogene period that have formed in this way, so don’t forget your camera! After all, 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 Neighbour 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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Summer nature sightings | Nature Engagement Officer, Dr Cliff Henry -
Summer is the perfect time to slow down and discover the incredible wildlife that call the Giant's Causeway their home - nature is all around you...
It's worth taking some time to watch the seemingly effortless, graceful, meandering flight of the fulmars, playfully swooping and gliding on the updraft of wind along the cliff edges near the Giant's Causeway. They endlessly circle their nests all summer as their adorable, fluffy little chicks slowly transform into elegant fliers. 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 summer birds!
Closer to the ground, on sunny days (with some luck!), you might spot some spectacular coloured, small copper butterflies, or the electric shades of the common blue as they flit along the path edges. On some of the rocks, bare ground or timbar at the path edges, you might also catch a glimpse of a common lizard, scuttling undercover when they see visitors approaching! These little ones are very well camouflaged, remaining almost invisible unless they move.
In the latter months of the summer, there's lots of tall, white blooms of wild angelicam often attracting dozens of pollinating bumblebees and solitary bees, hungrily sipping nectar in a buzzing frenzy of activity. These big blooms sometimes attract 40 or more soldier bees on each flowerhead, and can be turned black by swarms of bibionid flies on mild days later in the season.
Peregrines are a regular sight throughout the season, patrolling the clifftops, spying out their next meal or teaching their chicks some aerial acrobatic tricks! Their speed and agility is an extraordinary spectacle...
Finally, just beyond the groups of ducklings busily dabbling for food along the shoreline, curious seals and playful dolphins are a common sight throughout the season, delighting the visitors who're lucky enough to spot them.
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!
At the Giant’s Causeway, 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.
