Giant's Causeway is a natural landmark on the north coast of County Antrim, close to the village of Bushmills in Northern Ireland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the best-known sights in the country.
What you will see
The site is made up of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Most are close to hexagonal in shape and fit tightly together, forming a series of stepped formations along the shoreline and rising out of the sea. The columns were formed by ancient volcanic activity, and their geometric regularity is what gives the place its distinctive look. Visitors often find it striking to walk across the tops of the columns and to compare the shapes up close with the broader view from the cliffs above.
Planning a visit
- Address: 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU
- Telephone: +44 28 2073 1855
- Also known as: Clochán an Aifir, and as part of the Causeway Coast
Because the columns are on uneven rock, sensible footwear is advisable. The walk down to the columns and back up can be steep in places, so allow time for it. The setting is coastal, so weather can change quickly and layers are a good idea.
The wider area
The Giant's Causeway is part of the wider Causeway Coast, and many visitors combine the visit with the surrounding coastline and countryside of north Antrim. Bushmills, the nearest village, is a short distance away and is a convenient place to stop before or after your time at the site. The site makes a good visit for anyone interested in geology, coastal scenery or the landscapes of Northern Ireland.