How To Visit the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland
When street tripping alongside the rugged panorama of County Antrim, you can find Northern Eire’s solely UNESCO World Heritage Website and most visited attraction, the Big’s Causeway. It actually is a pure marvel. However, relying on while you go, your Big’s Causeway go to might be wonderful or common. We are going to share methods to go to the Big’s Causeway with insider ideas for methods to keep away from the crowds, the place to search out the very best locations to remain, and what you’ll truly see while you make a cease at this awe-inspiring vacation spot alongside the Causeway Coast.
When you’re planning a go to and need to take advantage of your journey information to experiencing the Big’s Causeway like a professional, you’ve come to the suitable place. Now we have visited the Big’s Causeway thrice on organized excursions and independently. We’ve marveled at its distinctive basalt columns at dawn, sundown, and all over the place in between. So, are you able to fall in love with the Big’s Causeway like we did? Let’s go!
Ideas for Visiting the Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway by no means ceases to amaze us, its basalt columns appear like completely positioned stepping stones main out to the water’s edge. Nevertheless, one among our Big’s Causeway visits was lower than stellar on account of crowds as a result of we visited on the unsuitable time of day. So, that can assist you keep away from making the identical mistake we made on our first go to, we are going to share the very best methods to go to the Big’s Causeway from out different experiences exploring the North Antrim Coast of Northern Eire.
This UNESCO World Heritage Website provides a magical panorama steeped in fantasy and sweetness. Identified for its distinctive basalt columns fashioned by historical volcanic fissure eruptions, the Big’s Causeway is Northern Eire’s hottest attraction. It’s actually unbelievable and lives as much as the hype.
The place is the Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway is situated in County Antrim on the northeast coast of Northern Eire, about 60 miles from Belfast. The easiest way to achieve this iconic landmark is by automobile, providing the flexibleness to discover at your individual tempo. Check for Rental Car Prices here.
Driving from Belfast takes roughly 1 hour and half-hour by way of the M2 and A26, main you thru a few of Northern Eire’s most picturesque landscapes. It’s simply 2.5 miles north of Bushmills Village and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Belfast.
Public transportation choices embrace practice companies from Belfast to Coleraine, adopted by a connecting bus to the Causeway. There may be bus service from Balintoy Village.
When you don’t have a automobile, you may be a part of a guided tour from Belfast or Derry/Londonderry, which regularly contains different sights alongside the Causeway Coast.
The most effective time to go to The Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway is open year-round, so you may go to anytime. Nevertheless, the very best instances to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Website are the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
Throughout these months, guests can get pleasure from gentle climate and fewer crowds. Temperatures throughout these seasons common a cushty 10°C to fifteen°C (50°F to 59°F), perfect for strolling and pictures.
Whereas the summer time months (July and August) promise hotter climate, with temperatures starting from 15°C to twenty°C (59°F to 68°F), in addition they convey the height vacationer season, leading to bigger crowds and longer wait instances.
The winter months, although much less crowded, might be difficult on account of colder temperatures, round 5°C to eight°C (41°F to 46°F), and shorter daylight.
Finest Time of Day to Go to
The most effective time to go to the Big’s Causeway in the course of the day is at dawn or sundown. The Customer Centre is open from 9:00 AM to five:00 PM every day, however you may go to outdoors of opening hours.
To actually recognize its splendor with out the crowds, purpose to go to both early within the morning or late within the afternoon. We visited each instances in several years and instances of 12 months, and each instances, we had it nearly to ourselves. Plus the softer gentle made for gorgeous images as we loved quieter moments whereas roaming the location.
We walked down at dawn nicely earlier than the customer middle opened and will hike all around the weathered rock formations, taking in views from totally different angles. By the point the buses began arriving, we had our fill and went again to the lodge for breakfast.
We did the identical factor at night time. As soon as the buses left, we walked down to look at the sundown with a gaggle of two different folks. If you find yourself alongside the Big’s Causeway, it’s actually magical.
The one time we have been on a bus tour, we arrived in mid-day, and it was chaos.
Many individuals go to the Big’s Causeway on a street journey across the Causeway Coast or as a part of a day tour from Belfast. The guided excursions and bus excursions cease on the Big’s Causeway beginning at 10 am, so if you will get in earlier than that, you’ll have a greater time.
What’s the Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway is a novel pure phenomena of outstanding magnificence simply making its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. It was fashioned 60 million years in the past throughout a volcanic eruption and it’s actually a marvel of the world. There are greater than 40 thousand basalt columns which can be completely stacked, creating what appears like a large set of interlocking bricks main out to the ocean.
The basalt columns have been fashioned in the course of the eruption when the flowing lava crashed into the waves of the ocean. Because the ocean cooled the lava, it turned them into volcanic stones. There are related basalt columns worldwide, together with in Iceland and throughout the ocean; you may go to the Scottish Island Staffa Move (Isle of Staffa) to see Fingals Cave, which is one other wonderful sight that was fashioned by volcanic exercise.
Big’s Causeway Customer Centre
The Big’s Causeway is run by the Nationwide Belief, which is a company that promotes the preservation of pure and architectural wonders. They’ve created a Customer Middle to boost the customer expertise with interactive shows and an interpretation space that blends seamlessly with the panorama.
When you have a Nationwide Belief Membership, entrance is free. Most vacationers clearly gained’t have a membership, so let’s undergo the coasts.
When you keep on the Causeway Hotel, you may also go to the Big’s Causeway free of charge.
Costs fluctuate, with present entrance payment charges at £13.50 for adults and £6.70 for kids, providing worth for these keen on studying extra concerning the geological and mythological background of the world. Nationwide Belief members can get pleasure from free entry and parking. Costs change at peak season.
The Big’s Causeway Customer Centre opens at 10:00 am and closes relying on the time of 12 months, wherever from 5 pm to 9 pm. However you may go to it alone and stroll down anytime in the event you keep on the Causeway Hotel. From the car parking zone, you’ll stroll via a tunnel taking you to the Blue Path which is a half-mile stroll downhill.
Driving and Automotive Park Areas
In case you are not staying on the Causeway Lodge you have to to pay for parking or you may stroll. A number of the visitor homes close to Big’s Causeway will not be too far-off as nicely. There are some good mountaineering trails to the Big’s Causeway as nicely and in case you are up for a hike, you may stroll from Dunserverick Citadel or Portballintrae.
In case you are driving, you have to to buy a parking ticket. Utilizing the automobile park closest to the customer centre prices £13 per particular person, including up shortly. The associated fee for parking is £13 per grownup within the automobile. £32.50 for a household and £6.50 for kids.
That makes The Causeway Hotel an much more fascinating choice. Whenever you keep right here, parking and entrance is free.
There may be one other automobile park alongside the Causeway Highway, The Causeway Coast Automotive park prices £10 and is a simple stroll to the customer centre.
Whenever you buy a ticket on-line, it contains parking, a guided tour, and audio guides. You even have entry to the Customer Centre, the exhibition, café and memento store.
Guided Excursions
We notice that most individuals is not going to need to drive on the opposite aspect of the street and there are many guided excursions from Dublin, and Belfast. Plus, in the event you e book a tour, you gained’t want to fret about any of those prices as they may all be included. Listed here are a few guided excursions that we suggest that additionally discover extra of County Antrim and Northern Eire.
This full-day guided tour is highly rated and takes you alongside the Causeway Coastal Path to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Citadel, The Darkish Hedges, and Giants Causeway.
Big’s Causeway Strolling Trails
Blue Path – That is the frequent path that’s alongside the paved street resulting in Big’s Causeway from the Customer Centre.
Inexperienced Path – This can be a 3.2 km (2 miles) hike that takes 1.5 hours. This path begins on the Causeway Lodge and follows the trail towards path in the direction of Runkerry Head. This path is appropriate for folks with disabilities and is wheelchair pleasant. Additionally it is kid-friendly for buggies. This path takes you out to see the Portcoon Cave, 150 yards lengthy and 40-foot excessive, sea cave.
Pink Path – The Pink Path is a reasonable path that takes about 1.5 hours. It begins on the Big’s Causeway customer’s centre and goes alongside the highest of the cliffs.
Yellow Path – The Yellow Path is a difficult hike, that begins at Runkery Head and ends at Hamilton’s Seat. The trailhead is accessible close to the village of Portballintrae and goes previous the Causeway Lodge and Guests Centre. You’ll meet up with the Blue Path and might go right down to the Big’s Causeway or keep excessive to proceed on the Yellow Path. There are sheer cliffs on this path, so watch out.
The place to Keep on the Big’s Causeway
We extremely suggest spending extra time on the Big’s Causeway than simply on a fast day journey. The reason is is that in the event you be a part of a tour, you’ll arrive on the Big’s Causeway at noon with all of the crowds. On two of our visits, we stayed on the Causeway Lodge and will stroll right down to see the Big’s Causeway at dawn and sundown. Throughout these instances of the day, we had all of it to ourselves.
Causeway Lodge
The Causeway Hotel is the closest lodge to the Big’s Causeway situated straight on the customer’s centre. However there are many BnBs across the space and different resorts in Bushmills which is simply 2.5 miles away. You possibly can then simply drive to the Big’s Causeway for dawn or sundown. See opinions on TripAdvisor and Examine costs on Booking.com
The Causeway Lodge has a bar and restaurant so that you don’t have to depart in any respect and might spend most time on the Big’s Causeway. The rooms are fairly fundamental, although, and want an replace. What the rooms lack in ambiance is made up for in its location.
Bushmills Inn
The Bushmills Inn is one other nice choice situated on the town. We ate right here and had an incredible meal. It dates again to 1600 and was a training inn on the time. It has been utterly renovated and the rooms at the moment are a 4-star luxurious. In order for you one thing extra upscale and don’t thoughts needing to drive to the Big’s Causeway, it is a nice choice. See opinions on TripAdvisor and Examine Costs on Booking.com
Big’s Causeway Historical past – The Legend
Contained in the guests middle, there’s a present store, a snack bar, and a espresso store. There may be additionally a movie concerning the legend of the Big’s Causeway involving the Irish Big Finn McCool and the Scottish Big Benandonner.
Earlier than science, it was believed that the Irish large Finn McCool made the Big’s Causeway to create a bridge to Scotland to problem his rival. Legend says that rivals Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) of County Antrim in Eire have been consistently bickering with the Scottish Big Benandonner.
Sooner or later Finn McCool determined to construct a bridge to cross the ocean and problem Benandonner to a combat. It’s a simple legend to consider, as every stone appears to be positioned there for a goal. Learn the total legend at The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway – Do You Believe?
The Precise Historical past of the Big’s Causeway
Fashioned over 60 million years in the past on account of intense volcanic eruptions, the Causeway is legendary for its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, making a pure phenomenon that has intrigued guests for hundreds of years.
This mix of geological marvel and legendary tales, coupled with the location’s breathtaking pure magnificence, makes the Big’s Causeway a pivotal topic of research for geologists and a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers worldwide.
It’s Northern Eire’s solely UNESCO World Heritage Website. Whether or not you’re drawn by the attract of its historical origins or intrigued by the enchanting tales handed down via generations, the Big’s Causeway provides a novel window into the previous, making it a vital a part of Northern Eire’s cultural and pure heritage.
Mobility and the Big’s Causeway
For these with mobility points, there’s a bus that you would be able to take down and as much as the Big’s Causeway from the customer’s middle. In addition they have wheelchairs and scooters accessible to borrow on the Big’s Causeway customer centre. Observe that they’re accessible on a primary come first serve foundation. The bus prices
Issues to do Close to the Big’s Causeway
After the morning go to, there are many issues to see and do close by. Big’s Causeway is situated alongside the Causeway Coastal Route, and it is likely one of the most spectacular street journeys on earth.
What to See and Do
Past the awe-inspiring basalt columns, the Big’s Causeway space is wealthy in sights price exploring:
- The Customer Centre: Begin your go to right here to delve into the Causeway’s fascinating geological and mythological tales.
- The Shepherd’s Steps: Problem your self with a climb up these steep steps to be rewarded with panoramic views.
- The Big’s Boot: Uncover this curious rock formation that, in response to legend, belongs to the enormous Finn McCool.
- Dunluce Citadel: A brief drive away, the ruins of this medieval citadel supply a glimpse into Northern Eire’s storied previous.
- Bushmills Distillery: No journey to County Antrim is full and not using a go to to the world’s oldest licensed distillery, providing excursions and tastings.
Dunluce Citadel
Dunluce Citadel is a beautiful cease situated simply 10 minutes from Big’s Causeway. The ruins sit excessive on a cliff and are some of the picturesque castles in Northern Eire.
Be certain that to proceed driving west to cease on the viewing platform only a brief distance additional. This simply opened this 12 months, and there are two implausible lookouts the place you may see Dunluce Citadel on one aspect and the excessive sea cliffs of Northern Eire on the opposite.
Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills is Dave’s favorite whisky, and we all the time cease to select up a bottle of their signature 16-year-old. You are able to do a distillery tour and it’s extremely advisable. Even in the event you don’t do a tour, you will get into the grounds for a peek and into the present store to buy a bottle or two. Bushmills Distillery is situated in Bushmills Village and is only a five-minute drive from Big’s Causeway.
Darkish Hedges
The Darkish Hedges is 20 minutes from Big’s Causeway and they’re essentially the most photographed place in Northern Eire. The Darkish Hedges are situated on Bregagh Highway close to the city of Ballymoney in County Antrim. It’s lined with 90 beech timber forming an arch all the best way alongside the street. It was used as The King’s Road in Sport of Thrones. Observe: Some Darkish Hedges have been lower down on account of deteriorating situations, however there are nonetheless many standing. Learn extra: The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and What you Need to Know
Carrick a Rede
The Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge is one other wonderful cease that’s situated simply quarter-hour from Big’s Causeway. It was as soon as a harmful bridge to cross solely utilized by fishermen, however right this moment it has been restored and vacationers can stroll throughout this suspension bridge for unparalleled shoreline views.
The Big’s Causeway and the Causeway Coast are extraordinary locations to go to. Spending time on this a part of Northern Eire will create reminiscences to final a lifetime as you discover some of the stunning coasts on the earth. Learn extra concerning the Causeway Coast at: The Ultimate Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary, Northern Ireland
Big’s Causeway Belfast Excursions
You possibly can e book day excursions to the Big’s Causeway from Belfast in the event you aren’t doing a self-drive across the Causeway Coastal Route. This highly rated tour takes you to see well-known sights alongside the Antrim coast earlier than reaching the Big’s Causeway. Locations you’ll see en path to the Big’s Causeway are Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Darkish Hedges. Be taught concerning the historical past from reside commentary on board.
One other glorious choice for a tour from Belfast to the Big’s Causeway is this popular Game of Thrones Tour. You’ll get pleasure from the fantastic thing about the Antrim Coast earlier than hitting the world-famous Big’s Causeway. Throughout this guided day tour, you’ll cease at locations like Carrickfergus Citadel and the 9 Glens of Antrim earlier than seeing the coastal city of Ballycastle. It’s then time to see HBO’s Sport of Thrones filming areas like Magharmorne Quarry, which is the placement of Citadel Black and the Darkish Hedges, to see King’s Highway.
From Dublin
Excursions to the Big’s Causeway even be booked from Dublin. This highly rated tour is the proper day journey for folks with restricted time however who nonetheless need to get pleasure from among the high Northern Eire locations once they go to Eire. Go to the Darkish Hedges, Dunluce Citadel, and Big’s Causeway, and spend a while in Belfast on a guided tour from Dublin.
- Admire the formations of the Big’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Website
- Head to Portaneevy View Level to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Marvel on the gorgeous surroundings of the Antrim coastal route
- Hear tales of folklore and historical past with a number of myths and legends too
- See among the Sport of Thrones websites all through the day
Different Locations with Columns within the World
A fast Google search will present you that there are dozens of hexagonal columns world wide. We famous Iceland and Scotland, however they are often discovered from Mongolia to Thailand. Ones that we’ve seen with our personal eyes are Iceland, Namibia, Australia, and California. We even lately noticed unbelievable formations in Santiago Chile.
When you aren’t driving, this is a good day tour that features visiting the highest sights on the Causeway Coast together with Big’s Causeway, Dunluce Citadel and the Darkish Hedges.
Go to RentalCars.com to see costs for automobile leases from Dublin or Belfast.