Driving through the rugged countryside of County Antrim by road, you will find the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland and the most visited attraction, The Giant’s Causeway. It’s really a natural wonder. But depending on when you leave, your visit to the Giant’s Causeway can be amazing or average. We’ll show you how to visit the Giant’s Causeway, with insider tips on how to avoid the crowds, where to find the best places to stay and what you’ll actually see when you stop at this impressive destination along the Causeway coast.
Tips for visiting the Giant’s Causeway
If you are planning to visit the Giant’s Causeway and want to make the most of your trip, follow this guide to discover the Giant’s Causeway like a pro. We visited the Giant’s Causeway three times during organized and independent tours. We marveled at its unique basalt columns at sunrise, sunset and everywhere in between. So we know the best way to visit the Giant’s Causeway. Ready to plan your trip? Let’s go!
The Giant’s Causeway never ceases to surprise us; its basalt columns look like perfectly placed stepping stones leading to the water. However, one of our visits to the Giant’s Causeway was less than stellar due to the crowds, as we visited at the wrong time of day. To help you avoid the same mistake we made on our first visit, we will share the best ways to visit the Giant’s Causeway from our other experiences exploring the North Antrim coast in Northern Ireland.
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a magical landscape full of myths and beauty. Known for its unique basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, the Giant’s Causeway is the most popular attraction in Northern Ireland. It’s really amazing and lives up to the hype.
Where is the Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is located in County Antrim, on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland, about 60 miles from Belfast. The best way to reach this landmark is by car, so you can explore it at your own pace.
The journey from Belfast takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the M2 and the A26 and takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Northern Ireland. It is only 2.5 miles north of Bushmills Village and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Belfast.
Public transport includes train services from Belfast to Coleraine, followed by a connecting bus to the causeway. There is a bus service from the village of Balintoy.
If you don’t have a car, you can join a guided tour of Belfast or Derry/Londonderry, which often includes other attractions along the causeway coast.
The best time to visit the Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is open all year round, so you can visit it at any time. However, the best times to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site are the intermediate seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
During these months, visitors can enjoy mild weather and fewer people. The temperatures during these seasons are on average pleasant from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), ideal for hiking and photography.
While the summer months (July and August) promise warmer weather with temperatures between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F), they also bring the peak season, which leads to larger crowds and longer wait times.