Visiting the Giant's Causeway in autumn

Published:: 02 July 2023

Family of three (two parents, one child) standing on the Grand Causeway with their arms in the air, enjoying a GIANT day out at Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site — Have a giant family day out this autumn at Northern Ireland's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Follow in the footsteps of legends by striding out to sea 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

With an interactive exhibition and interpretation area and audio guides in 11 different international languages, the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience reveals the story of this world-famous geological wonder.

Join a guided tour, leaving the Visitor Centre throughout the day, to learn more about the history and geology of this special place and walk on 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 also helps us prepare for your arrival and helps us to 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 still strongly encouraged.

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.

View of the Giant's Causeway with waves crashing against hexagonal basalt columns under a partly cloudy sky at sunrise or sunset | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

The Grand Causeway

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.

The Giant's Boot

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.

A boy and a girl sitting on the unusual rocks on the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Wishing Chair

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!

View of the Giant's Causeway landscape. A basalt dyke shaped like a camel — View of the Giant's Causeway landscape, County Antrim, Northern Ireland | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

The Camel

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.

Visitor Centre

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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Autumn nature sightings

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the Giant's Causeway takes on a quieter, more contemplative beauty. Whilst many insects retreat for the winter, autumn brings a different kind of wildlife spectacle to the World Heritage Site.

Dolphins remain a highlight all-year round, often seen leaping playfully through the waves. Their acrobatic displays delight visitors who are lucky enough to catch a glimpse from the Grand Causeway.

October marks the arrival of winter migrants, with family groups of whooper swans, having travelled all the way from Greenland, begin to pass overhead. These elegant birds are joined by other seasonal visitors, adding movement and sound to the skies above.

Along the wildflower-rich edges of the coast, flocks of linnets and goldfinches gather to feast on seeds. Occasionally, they're joined by their rarer cousins, the twite - a treat for keen birdwatchers. These flocks are sometimes boosted by migrants, creating a lively mosaic of colour and song.

In the sheltered bays near the Causeway, a lone curlew has become a familiar winter resident. Recently, it's been joined by three elegant little egrets, their bright white features standing out against the rugged coastal backdrop.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for our friendly robins, our furry stoats or down at the shoreline, you commonly will see oystercatchers, eider ducks or the Northern gannet.

We have a special 'Birds of the Causeway' worksheet available to collect from the VIC desk within the Visitor Centre, if you would like a handy guide on identifyling some of our most common birds.

Curlew resting in Port Noffer, with visitors exploring the iconic basalt columns in the background under an overcast sky — Curlew resting in Port Noffer, with visitors exploring the iconic basalt columns in the background | © Nature Engagement Officer, Dr Cliff Henry

Whilst you’re here…

Explore our Book Nook

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 for any unwanted books that you’d like to donate for other 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.