Beach campsites in Giant's Causeway with showers

With 40,000 unique columns of basalt rock dating back around 60 million years, the Giant’s Causeway is an amazing natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Causeway is full of myths and legends—it is said to have been created by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill and as lots of the rock formations have nicknames to represent the outlines they resemble, like the Wishing Chair or The Granny, you might feel an air of magic around the place. Exhibitions at the visitor centre tell the area’s history and geology and about the birdlife. You can borrow a portable audio guide from the visitor centre and there are four different walking trails. Although camping is not permitted at Giant’s Causeway, you may find private camping and caravan park options nearby.

The site is open year-round. It is busiest from 11am to 3pm during spring and summer, so arrive early or late to avoid the crowds. The busiest days are weekends and bank holidays, especially in July and August. The site is in an exposed coastal location so weather can change at any time. The last admission to the visitor centre is an hour before closing time – times vary from 5pm (January) to 9pm (July and August).

• You can visit the rocks for free without buying a ticket for the visitor centre, but you need a visitor centre ticket for the car park—pre-book online.
• The rocks can be exposed to high winds and waves and can be slippy, so wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• If you don’t wish to walk the 1 kilometre, there is a shuttle bus between the stones and the visitor centre.
• Keep to paths. Some walking trails, such as the red and yellow trails, are only suitable for experienced walkers.