Waves lap against the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
travel,  UK

A Day Exploring the Giant’s Causeway

February 12, 2019 /

Visiting the Emerald Isle, both The Republic of Ireland and the North, is like stepping into a fairy tale. It’s a land of legends and myths, castles and history and has even featured in Game of Thrones. No wonder this enchanting land has a place called the Giant’s Causeway.

Located on the coast of County Atrim, the causeway is a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

What is the Giant’s Causeway

The Causeway is a strange site. It looks more like a puzzle or a massive piece of modern art rather than something naturally made. But the approximately 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal basalt columns were formed almost 60 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity. Legends tell a different story – one about two feuding giants in which one built the causeway to reach the Scottish Isles but the path was ripped up by the rival giant.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Hexagonal rocks, Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

I visit Derry about twice per year. As I’ve seen all the sites the Northern Irish city has to offer, I’m always trying to think of what day trips I can take. Luckily, it’s a fairly easy journey to the Causeway from Derry.

Getting to the Giant’s Causeway

I got off the bus outside The Nook pub and started down the sloping path to the causeway. The path has sweeping views coastline, and is about 1.5 miles to the Causeway itself.

Country Antrim
The Giant's Causeway Designated a World Heritage Site in 1996

Down to main part of the causeway, tourists were climbing on the step-like formations. I watched the waves crash into the part that juts out into the sea, spraying people with mist.

waves crashing on rocks
Watch your step

The weather when I visited was unusually sunny for Ireland and even though it was a lovely day in August, it still felt peaceful. There was plenty of room for me to sit on the rocks and enjoy the scenery without having to contend with crowds.

Exploring the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
A few tourists around enjoying a sunny day but not too crowded

I visited during the summer but the coastal breeze was still fresh. Any other time of year, or for those who aren’t acclimatised to cool weather will need a bit of warming up after exploring. As mentioned above, the Nook sits at the top of the causeway near the bus stop and serves up a variety of British fare.

What else is nearby?

The bus to the Giant’s Causeway also stops by Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and crossing this seems to be a feat only for the brave. The bridge is suspended approximately 100 feet above sea level. It forms part of the coastal walk of the area, which is popular for its beautiful scenery and chances to spot local wildlife.

Getting there

View from the train from Derry to Colraine
View from the train from Derry to Colraine
View from the train from Derry to Colraine
View from the train to Colraine

If you are headed to the causeway by public transport, you should be aware that many of the services are seasonal and you’ll have a much easier and shorter journey during peak tourist times. Just make sure to check the last bus back to your starting point, you don’t want to get stuck here overnight!

From Derry

I caught the train from Derry’s main station to Colraine and it was a gorgeous ride watching the coast roll by. Once in Colraine, a bus (172 toward Ballycastle) run to the top of the causeway.

From Belfast

Bus services run fairly regularly during peak season and take about an hour and a half. You can also take the train to Colraine and get the 172.

Giant’s Causeway’s website has some more detailed information about how to get there.

What to take

It’s a fairly gentle hike down to the causeway but I recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes and carrying a bottle of water. And take some layers – even when it seems like a warm day, that coastal breeze can be sharp.

Shoes on hexagonal rocks of Giant's Causeway
Ok, so I forgot to pack my hiking shoes…don’t be like me, wear proper shoes

Is the Giant’s Causeway on your travel wish list? Or have you been there already?

Exploring the Giant's Causeway - Pinterest

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