Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Giant's Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries. It harbours a wealth of local and natural history.
The formation of the Giant's Causeway was due to intense volcanic activity. Lava welling up through fissures in the chalk bed formed a "lava plateau". Three periods of volcanic activity gave rise to the Lower, Middle and Upper Basalts, and it's the Middle Basalt rock which forms the famous amphitheatres of hexagonal columns in the Causeway.
Weathered formations have created circular structures round a core of basalt which are known locally as "giant's eyes". Some other formations with popular names are the Chimney Stacks, The Harp, The Organ and the Camel's Hump.
Sea birds can be seen off the coast around the Causeway, with species such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, redshank guillemot and razorbill being frequently observed. Rare and unusual plant species including sea spleenwort, hare's foot trefoil, vernal squill, sea fescue and frog orchid can be found on the cliffs and nearby rock formations.
Visitor facilities for The Giant's Causeway include a shop providing refreshments and souvenirs. Guided tours of the Causeway are available by arrangement for groups of more than 15 people, and there is access for visitors with disability. The area is suitable for picnics, cliff and country walks, and dogs are welcome on leads.
Changes ahead at the Causeway
The main construction work on the development of a new ‘world class’ visitor centre at the Giant’s Causeway is due to commence in September 2010. However to allow the facilities to be built and keep the Giant’s Causeway open to visitors, with the minimum amount of disruption, some initial work around the site of the Causeway Hotel is due to commence in May 2010. Further details are available here.
Open Topper – new pick up and drop off at Giant's Causeway
Translink wish to advise passengers that from Monday 26th July 2010 the Open Topper 177 service will now drop and collect passengers from the bus stops on the road outside the Giant's Causeway. The bus will be unable to access the site due to building work on the new visitor centre. This arrangement will be in force until further notice.

The Causeway Coast
Why not experience North Antrim's spectacular coastline first hand by taking a walk along the coastal path which extends for 12 miles from the Giant's Causeway to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge? Take in Whitepark Bay along the way or stay in the National Trust’s own holiday cottage in the old fishing hamlet of Portbraddan.
Find accommodation near the Giant's Causeway.
Take a virtual tour of the Giant's Causeway.