Giant's Causeway

What You'll Find

There's something about the Giant's Causeway that gets wee imaginations going. A path supposedly built by a giant, thousands of unusual stone columns and the sea stretching out beside you — it's a lovely place for a family adventure.

Located on the County Antrim coast near Bushmills, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Northern Ireland's most famous natural attractions, and there's plenty for children to discover along the way. The famous basalt columns are the main attraction, but the walk down to the Causeway is part of the experience too.

The Blue Trail is the most direct walking route from the visitor centre area to the stones. It's approximately 1.28km and takes around 25 minutes, although I'd allow a little longer with younger children.

Once you reach the Causeway, you'll find thousands of closely packed stone columns, many with their famous hexagonal shape. Children can explore the different patterns, count the sides and see how the stones fit together.

The legend of Finn McCool is a lovely way to make the visit more interesting for little ones. According to the story, the giant built the Causeway across the sea to Scotland, and you can see why those unusual stones inspired such a tale!

If you'd like to learn more about the Causeway, the National Trust Visitor Experience includes access to the visitor centre exhibition, guided tours and audio guides. There's also a café and shop.

A shuttle bus operates between the visitor centre area and the Causeway stones, meaning you don't necessarily have to tackle the uphill walk back. You can walk down and catch the bus up, or use it both ways when the service is running. A separate fare applies.

The Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway runs a heritage train between Bushmills and the Causeway area when services are operating. It's a lovely addition to your day out, although the railway station is separate from the visitor centre and the stones themselves.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Exploring the unusual basalt columns and counting their sides
• ✓Hearing the legend of Finn McCool and discovering the Giant's Boot
• ✓Watching the waves and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery
• ✓Taking a ride on the shuttle bus between the stones and visitor centre
• ✓Travelling on the Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway when services are running

Before You Visit

You can walk to the Giant's Causeway stones for free using the public walking routes. The paid National Trust Visitor Experience is separate and includes additional facilities and activities.

The main National Trust car park is reserved for visitors using the paid Visitor Experience, so if you're planning a free visit, you'll need to arrange parking separately.

The Blue Trail is approximately 1.28km, with a downhill walk towards the stones and a steeper return journey.

A shuttle bus operates between the visitor centre area and the stones, subject to operating arrangements and weather conditions. Check current fares and availability before travelling.

The Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway is a separate attraction with its own tickets and timetable. Services can be seasonal, so check that trains are running before planning your visit around them.

The stones are uneven and can become extremely slippery, especially when wet. Wear footwear with good grip and keep younger children close to you, particularly near the sea.

If you're bringing a buggy, remember that the route has steep sections and the stones themselves aren't suitable for pushchairs. A baby carrier may be more practical for younger children.

The Causeway is quite exposed, so bring an extra layer even on warmer days.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Tell the kids the story of Finn McCool before visiting. It gives them something to imagine as they explore the famous stones.
• ⭐Save those little legs! Consider walking down to the Causeway and catching the shuttle bus back up rather than tackling the hill.
• ⭐Got a train lover? Check the Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway timetable and see if you can include a heritage train journey from Bushmills.
• ⭐Look out for the Giant's Boot along the Blue Trail. It's a lovely little landmark for children to find on the way.
• ⭐Pack a snack and allow plenty of time. The walk back can feel much longer with tired children, especially if you've spent ages exploring the stones!
• ⭐Fancy making more of your day? Dunluce Castle is a short drive along the coast, or head to Portballintrae Beach for a lovely seaside walk.