Some say it was a huge bridge built by a giant to reach his rival’s castle, overseas in Scotland, and kill him; others say, on the contrary, it was the Irish giant who challenged the Scotsman to join him across the sea, prompting his enemy to design a huge rock bridge; then there are those who tell of a giant in love who leaped over these rock columns to reach his woman… . One thing is certain: this «causeway» belongs to giants! And geology tells us that it was indeed a real giant who created it… but not a human, a volcano. The Giant’s Causeway (Clochán an Aifir) in Northern Ireland, in fact, is the grandiose fissure eruption of an underwater volcano generated by the abrupt separation of the European and American plates millions of years ago. The lava emerged thick and straight in fountains of fire; then cooled into this columnar shape. A fascinating place beyond imagination.
Visit the Giants’ Causeway
But you don’t need much imagination to get to the Giant’s Walk. Simply land at Belfast Airport (BFS) and take a transfer, preferably private and with a competent and experienced driver, to get you to your destination in just over an hour. Excellent public transportation is available, but the advantage of a private transfer in this region of Northern Ireland also ensures speed on roads that are difficult for tourists.
Access to the site is from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and an entrance fee ranges from 16 pounds for a single adult (8 pounds for children) to 40 pounds for families, with a discount of 24 pounds for families of only adults. Given the possibility of price and schedule changes, it’s always a good idea to consult the National Trust’s website (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway) and, above all, book your visit well in advance.
What will you see along the Giants’ Causeway?
Discovered in the late 17th century by a naturalist explorer and already a tourist attraction in the 18th century, the Giant’s Causeway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.
Starting from the Information Center, you can follow your guides along itineraries that can last up to a full day. You will admire the columnar formations of the Grand Causeway, the boulder known as the Giant’s Boot, the Wishing Chair – where you can sit on the enormous rocks to gaze out over the sea and dream, the Camel Cliff – with its charming hump-shaped back, the Great Organ which resembles a real pipe organ, and the Upper Way, which will take you along the highest peak of the cliff for a spectacular view.
Along the way, a good guide will also illustrate the beauty of the local flora and fauna: the many migratory birds that stop here throughout the seasons, the unique lizards, and the copper-colored butterflies. At sea, during certain months of the year, you can admire families of dolphins passing by!
Castles nearby
Start from Bushmills, the village within whose municipality the Giant’s Causeway lies. Famous for its distilleries and black stone architecture, it’s a tranquil spot, perfect for a summer holiday. Not far from Bushmills is Dunluce Castle. It’s one of Northern Ireland’s most evocative historic sites. It’s located on the coast of County Antrim, built on a spectacular cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, but the castle was enlarged in the 16th century by the MacDonnell family, who transformed it into an important fortress. Today, its ruins tell the story of centuries of battles, legends, and medieval life. One of the most famous stories tells of part of the kitchen collapsing into the sea during a storm! The castle was used as a setting in the television series «Game of Thrones.» Visiting Dunluce means immersing yourself in the history and magic of ancient Ireland.
Glenarm Castle and Gardens, located in County Antrim are a place rich in history and charm. Built in the 18th century by the McDonnell family, the castle preserves elegant rooms and vestiges of its aristocratic past. The gardens, among the oldest in Ireland, offer splendid walks among flowers, ancient trees, greenhouses, and picturesque corners. Particularly famous are the spring tulips and the meticulously curated botanical collections. Today, Glenarm is a beloved destination for visitors, where nature, culture, and tradition meet in an evocative atmosphere.
Bridges and temples
Carrick-a-Rede is a small island located just off the coast of Ballintoy. Its rugged charm is complemented by the suspended rope bridge that connects its summit to the mainland, a walk across which many brave tourists love, both for cultural interest and a personal challenge.
Approaching Londonderry, Mussenden Temple stands near Downhill Beach, in a spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It was built in 1785 by Earl Bishop Frederick Augustus Hervey as a private library and was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy. The circular structure, with classical-style columns, creates a fascinating contrast with the surrounding wild landscape. Its name derives from Frideswide Mussenden, the bishop’s cousin and dear friend. Over time, the temple has become a symbol of the Irish coast and is now managed by the National Trust. Its scenic location, romantic history, and elegant architecture make it one of the most visited attractions in the region.
More to visit …
Ballycastle is a seaside town with an old-style charm that was the setting for Guglielmo Marconi’s discovery. The famous Italian scientist, in fact, sent one of the very first radio signals from here, transmitting from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island. The town is home to fascinating cultural festivals, especially in the summer.
Gobbins Path is a spectacular coastal path located along the coast of Islandmagee. Originally built in 1902, it offers a unique experience among sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, metal bridges, and natural caves. The trail follows the basalt cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea and offers hikers breathtaking views. Designed by engineer Berkeley Deane Wise, it was a major tourist attraction in the Victorian era and today represents one of the most evocative walks in Northern Ireland.
Events at the Giants’ Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is more than just a spectacular natural setting. Cultural and sporting events are also held here, showcasing the beauty of the area and the surrounding villages. In autumn, for example, the Coast Marathon takes place, where athletes «challenge the giants» by running on the rock columns.
Another event, organized for charity, is the Mighty Hike, an adventurous trek that always features the lava cliff. And there’s no shortage of craft fairs, concerts, and art exhibitions, starting in the local towns and also showcasing the cliff in all its magnificence.
