Is The Giant’s Causeway Worth Visiting With Kids? (+ Info & Tips)
It is consistently rated as one of the top things to see in Northern Ireland, but is the Giant’s Causeway worth visiting with kids, or is it better suited for solo adventurers?
From mythical tales to rocky landscapes, the Giant’s Causeway is a potential treasure trove of memories for families.
In July, we travelled from Scotland to Ireland with our three kids to explore this natural wonder. But did it prove to be a captivating and enjoyable destination for the whole family?
Let’s take a look at whether this geological marvel is truly a family-friendly delight and help you decide whether it is the perfect fit for your next family escapade.
Is The Giant’s Causeway Worth Visiting With Kids?
The Giant’s Causeway offers children the opportunity for discovery, exploration, and curiosity and is definitely worthy of a family visit. That said, if you are travelling from afar, we suggest planning other activities in conjunction with your visit, as it won’t fill a whole day.
Our children were delighted with the hexagonal basalt columns that rise like stepping stones from the sea. The unique rock formations sparked their curiosity to find out about the fascinating geological history of this incredible place. Our kids explored the columns and imagined the path linking all the way to Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa in Scotland.
The Giant’s Causeway is a natural playground and kids just love it!
The rocks, for instance, though uneven, offer an exciting terrain for young explorers; they will have a blast climbing the columns, hopping from one to another, and pretending they are stepping stones for giants, just as the legend goes!
Turning our adventure into a learning experience, we shared the legend of Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway with our kids.
It added a touch of magic to the visit, and they were excitedly imagining giants creating the causeway across the sea. We also engaged in discussions about the unique geological processes that led to the formation of these incredible basalt columns.
What is the Giant’s Causeway?
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique geological formations and rich folklore. It is widely considered to be Europe’s most interesting natural wonder. The pillar-like structures were formed several million years ago when molten basalt seeped through the chalk beds to make a large lava shelf. When it cooled, it left the structures you see today. The column size was determined by how long the lava took to cool.
The main attractions at the Causeway are the Hexagonal Columns, the Giant’s Boot, the Organ and the Wishing Chair.
legend of Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway
The legend of Finn McCool is an alternative to the geological explanation of how the causeway was formed. Finn was an Irish giant who created it to get across the Irish Sea to fight his rival, the Scottish Giant Benandonner. Benandonner was so scared he is said to have ripped up the causeway as he fled back to Scotland, leaving behind what you see today.
Facts About The Giant’s Causeway
- The Giant’s Causeway was formed over 60 million years ago by violent volcanic activity.
- It comprises of more than 40,000 black basalt columns jutting vertically out of the sea, the tallest standing up to 12m high.
- The Irish often refer to the Giant’s Causeway as the 8th Wonder of the World!
- Most of the columns are unique hexagonal shapes, although there are some with four, five, seven and even eight sides.
- Whilst it looks like it is man-made, we can assure you, it is entirely natural!
- The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most recognised natural phenomena across the world.
- There are many shipwrecks in the surrounding waters of the Causeway.
Where is The Giant’s Causeway?
The hexagonal basalt columns cover the stunning Northern Ireland coastline for 4 miles (6km). Located in County Antrim, they are a short distance from Londonderry.
How to Get To The Giant’s Causeway
Our journey began with great anticipation as we set out for the Giant’s Causeway. Travelling with kids requires some planning, so pack snacks, comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for climbing on wet stones. The drive to the Causeway is filled with scenic views, so keep your camera ready and be prepared to stop along the way.
Driving by Car to the Giant’s Causeway
If you want a nice ocean view, follow the Causeway Coastal route from Belfast. It is a longer route (around 2.5 hours), but you will enjoy it.
Driving straight from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway is around 1.5 hours.
Tourists from Dublin must plan ahead if they want to do the entire Coastal Route, as it is quite time-consuming. Overtaking is almost impossible as the route is very windy. So if you have an unlucky day and get stuck behind a slow driver, you might spend 3 to 4 hours just to reach the Causeway from Belfast.
It is well worth parking at the visitor centre if you have limited mobility or have young children, as it is the closest parking to the Causeway, but there is a charge.
If you are not mobility impaired, our top tip is to use the park and ride from Bushmills or walk in if you have older children.
Bus tours to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast & Dublin
Plenty of companies offer guided bus tours from both Belfast and Dublin.
These should include entry to the visitor centre and a private guide to ensure you see all the interesting sights and facts.
Travel time is around 1hr 30min from Belfast and 3hrs from Dublin. Make sure you purchase your tickets from an authorised agent, whether online or in person.
Best Time To Visit The Giant’s Causeway
The best time to visit is midweek during peak season to avoid crowds.
Avoid peak hours (1100-1500) when the Causeway is at its busiest with tour groups.
The Giant’s Causeway is accessible all year. The easiest and quickest way to access the site is via the visitor centre, which has seasonal daily opening hours.
Giant’s Causeway Opening Hours
The Causeway itself is open 24/7 all year round, but the National Trust Visitor Centre hours are:
March, April, May & October: 0900 – 1800
June, July, August, September: 0900 – 1900
November to February: 0900 – 1700
24th, 25th, 26th December: Closed
Giant’s Causeway weather
There is no shelter from the weather at the Giant’s Causeway. If you visit when it is raining or windy, you will need waterproof clothing and an umbrella. We got caught in the rain when we visited and got very wet very quickly, but luckily, the sun followed, and we dried off before we left.
Giant’s Causeway walking routes
There are four popular trails to explore around the Giant’s Causeway:
Blue Trail. The Blue Trail is a wide, asphalt road leading all the way to the causeway. It is just under a mile to walk downhill from the main car park and will take you around 15 minutes each way.
Green Trail. This accessible clifftop path offers stunning views of the Causeway. On a clear day, you might be able to see across the Irish Sea to Scotland! Look for the many species of birds that call the cliffs home.
Red Trail. The Red Trail offers an amazing panoramic view along the upper cliffs that hug the coastline. This walk takes around 40 minutes each way.
Yellow Trail. This is the longest of the three hiking trails. It follows the Causeway coastline from Runkerry House to Hamilton’s Seat and takes around an hour each way.
It is worth noting that the Green and Blue Trails are the only accessible options. For more details on the Giant’s Causeway hiking trails, visit the National Trust website.
Eating at the Giant’s Causeway
We packed a delicious picnic to recharge our energy and make the day even more special. Finding a spot overlooking the sea, we enjoyed sandwiches, fruit, and snacks while basking in the beauty of our surroundings.
The kids loved the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. Alternatively, there is a cafe in the National Trust Visitor Centre, Causeway Hotel or The Nook near the car park.
Things to do near the Giant’s Causeway
There are lots of options for family activities near the Giant’s Causeway. Our kids really enjoyed visiting the beach and spent lots of time in the sea. Please note you can not swim at the Giant’s Causeway.
If you are there outside of the summer months, the water may not be the ideal temperature for a dip, but don’t worry – there are plenty of other things to do!
Portrush Beach – 20 minutes or Whitepark Bay Beach 10 minutes, famous Portstewart Beach. For a more sheltered spot for rockpools and a paddle, head to Dunseverick Harbour.
Visit Medieval Castles – Dunluch Castle (10 minutes), Dunseverick Castle (5 minutes) and Kinbane (20 minutes).
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Not for the faint-hearted, this bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickared and stands a full 30m above the rocks below! First erected in the 1750s, it has been reconstructed many times over the intervening centuries.
There are dozens of filming locations around County Antrim, including The Dark Hedges’ Portstewart Strand, Larrybane Quarry and the Cushendun Caves – all made famous in ‘Game of Thrones’. You can see these and many more either by booking a tour or going on a self-guided drive.
FAQ: Is visiting the Giant’s Causeway worth it?
This geological marvel is a delight filled with legends that will make you want to visit. Here are some common questions about the Giant’s Causeway.
Is the Giant’s Causeway Suitable For Kids?
The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a really good day out for active, curious kids. To spark their imagination, teach them about the hexagonal geological formations and the rich folklore of the giants Finn McCool and Benandonner.
Can you take a Giant’s Causeway tour?
Guided tours are available and are run from the Visitor Centre. You can also take an audioguide that will give you the full geological explanation of how the Causeway was formed and, of course, the legend of Finn McCool.
Is Fingal’s Cave connected to the Giant’s Causeway?
The Giant’s Causeway, Ireland, can be traced geologically beneath the sea to Fingal’s Cave in Scotland.
Can You Visit The Giant’s Causeway for Free?
Yes, access to the Giant’s Causeway stones is free! There is, however, a charge to access the Causeway from the visitor centre and to use their car park, which is their fully accessible option. Limited free parking is available away from the site.
How long does it take to see the Giant’s Causeway?
Two hours will give you plenty of time to explore the Giant’s Causeway itself, although you may want to spend less or more time depending on the weather!
The visitor centre has an excellent range of informative exhibits and should take you no more than an hour or so to get around. Once you’ve browsed in the gift shop, purchased a couple of souvenirs, and eaten a bowl of soup and crusty bread, you’ll have had three or four fun-filled hours.
Final Thoughts: Is The Giant’s Causeway Worth Visiting With Kids?
Our day at the Giant’s Causeway was nothing short of magical; it is one of the reasons we chose to travel to Northern Ireland. It’s a place where nature’s wonders meet childhood imagination, creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
If you’re planning a trip with kids and will be in or near County Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway is a great destination that combines education, exploration, and pure joy.
