Giants Causeway
| County: | Co. Antrim |
| Tel: | 028 2073 1582 |
| Fax: | 028 2073 2963 |
| Email: | giantscauseway@nationaltrust.org.uk |
Northern Ireland's iconic World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to a wealth of local history and legend. Explore the basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago and search for distinctive stone formations fancifully named the Camel, Harp and Organ.
Since its discovery, man has marvelled at the Giant’s Causeway, and its 38,000 columns of basalt. Many say that nature fashioned these ‘jewels' over 60 million years ago. Today they're visited by over 600,000 people annually. The Causeway is the leading tourism attraction in Northern Ireland. A must see on everyone’s itinerary, the Giant’s Causeway is a place alone, unseen anywhere else in the world.
Note: Works have commenced on the restoration of the headland and the construction of a new visitor centre, with enhanced trails and world class interpretation. Business as usual throughout this time
General Information
| Address: | 44a Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim BT57 8SU |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 028 2073 1582 |
| Fax: | 028 2073 2963 |
| Email: | giantscauseway@nationaltrust.org.uk |
| Website: | http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-giantscauseway |
| Location: | North Antrim Coast |
| Season: | All Year |
| Open Times: | Mon - Sun: Dawn till Dusk |
| Tours: | Guided tours for groups (fifteen plus). |
| Booking Contact: | giantscauseway@nationaltrust.org.uk |
| Average Visit Length: | 2 hours |
| Restaurant: | Light lunches and snacks available in tea-room |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | National Trust gift shop, showcasing local products. |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Yes |
Directions
Bus services
Ulsterbus 172, 177 from Coleraine. Ulsterbus 252 is a circular route from Belfast via the Antrim Glens
Cycling
NCN93 View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website
By road
On B146 Causeway–Dunseverick road 2 miles east of Bushmills
By train
Coleraine 10 miles or Portrush 8 miles. Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Steam Railway, 200 yards (028 2073 2844)
On foot
path from Portballintrae alongside steam railway and from Dunservick Castle (4½ miles)
A Giant's Cause
The National Trust is taking the lead in a ‘Giant’ project to deliver new world-class visitor facilities, interpretation and enhanced trail paths at the Giant’s Causeway. It will cost £18.5 million to deliver this vision at this much loved World Heritage Site.
The current facilities suffered badly following a fire in 2000. Temporary structures have been in place ever since. It's widely recognised that this isn't a visitor experience befitting this unique place.
The National Trust has been leading on the project to develop new world class visitor facilities since 2008. The entire project will cost £18.5million. Of this funding package, the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment, (DETI) through the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, (NITB) has awarded £9.25 million, £6.125 million of which is being provided by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. In addition, the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £3 million and the National Trust has funded £4 million. This totals £16.25million and leaves a funding gap of £2.25million.
Something Giant is taking place in Northern Ireland
We've launched a massive appeal under the banner of ‘Support a Giant Cause’ to raise the £2.25 million. The campaign sets out to raise the remaining monies to see this project delivered, and we are talking Finn McCool proportions. A new website www.agiantcause.com gives you the opportunity to ‘be part of something Giant’.You can support the Giant Cause by making a donation, participating in a Giant event, or organising your own.
Most excitingly, you can adopt your own ‘virtual’ Giant’s Causeway stone. The virtual stones can be adopted for a year and everyone who adopts will receive a Giant certificate. Every penny raised will go directly to support the Giant’s Causeway project.
Preparation works have now started at the Giant's Causeway and the current visitor facilities will be removed and replaced with temporary visitor facilities in October 2010. It is envisaged that the new Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience will be completed by Summer 2012.
A unique place to visit
Since its discovery, man has marvelled at the Giant’s Causeway, and its 38,000 columns of basalt. Many say that nature fashioned these ‘jewels' over 60 million years ago. Today they're visited by over 600,000 people annually. The Causeway is the leading tourism attraction in Northern Ireland. A must see on everyone’s itinerary, the Giant’s Causeway is a place alone, unseen anywhere else in the world.
Group Visits
Group Visits:
Average length of visit: 2 hours. On-board coach welcome. Introductory talk (additional charge). Guided tour (additional charge). Out of hours tours (additional charge).
Coaches:
Coach parking, 100yds
Catering:
Tea-room, self service, 80 covers. Please note this is liable to change due to development of new visitor centre in 2010. Please contact property directly.
Please pre-book all group visits, tours and catering direct with our properties.
