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.
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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Winter nature sightings
As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, the Giant's Causeway reveals a serene, magical beauty. Whilst many insects have retreated for the season, winter brings its own wildlife wonders to Northern Ireland's first UNESCO 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.
Winter also marks the arrival of migratory birds. Whooper swans, having travelled all the way from Greenland, glide overhead in family groups, joined by other seasonal visitors that fill the skies with movement and sound.
Along the coastal edges, flocks of linnets and goldfinches gather to feast on seeds. Occasionally, they're joined by their rarer cousins, the twite - a delight for keen birdwatchers. These flocks are often boosted by winter 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. Sometimes joined by up to three elegant little egrets, their bright white features stand out against the rugged coastal backdrop.
Also, keep your eyes peeled for our friendly robins, our playful stoats, and along the shoreline, you will commonly see oystercatchers, eider ducks and the magestic Northern gannet.
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.
