Giant’s Causeway Day Trip From Dublin

Are you looking to visit Giant’s Causeway as a day trip from Dublin?

The Giant’s Causeway, nestled amid the craggy Northern Irish coastline, is a tribute to nature’s sheer force and creative skill. For ages, travelers have been captivated by this geological wonder, with its hexagonal basalt columns that look to have been constructed by giants.

Related Read: Giant’s Causeway Tour (Tips and Guide To First-Time Visitors)

If you happen to be in Dublin and looking for a fascinating day excursion, the Giant’s Causeway is a definite must-see. We’ll explore the enchanted realm of this natural wonder and discover the allure of a Giant’s Causeway day trip from Dublin.

Giant’s Causeway Day Trip From Dublin

History of Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway developed some 60 million years ago when Ireland was still connected to North America.

Europe was beginning to separate from North America, causing massive rifts on the earth’s surface. Those rifts created fractures, and molten rock and lava poured through them.

Rivers formed in the basalt much later as a result of erosion. Then additional lava erupted, flooding the river valleys. The Giant’s Causeway as we know it today was formed in this river valley.

Best Time to Visit Giant’s Causeway

Plan your vacation to Ireland carefully, taking into account the average weather during the time you choose to visit as well as the events and festivals that are going to take place.

Prices and demand for amenities grow in tandem. Late spring and early fall are the finest times to visit. Outside of the busy season, there are some good bed and breakfast rates that can be acquired, especially if you spend two or more nights.

How to Get There

Depending on your mode of transportation, the 265-kilometer journey will take at least three hours each way.

No matter how you choose to get there, you’ll be greeted with a chance to experience one of the world’s most stunning natural phenomena. A devastating volcanic eruption 60 million years ago created this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By Car

Cost: $70.50
Duration: 2 hours and 50 minutes

The road network from Dublin to the Giant’s Causeway is excellent, including large motorways and “A” routes.

You may either stop in Belfast to break up your drive or simply skip this major city to the west. If you do the latter, you should be able to complete the 265-kilometer travel in three to 3.5 hours, without stopping.

Adding shooting places along the Antrim coast roads – sections of which are referred to as the Causeway Coastal Route between Londonderry and Belfast – will take more time, but it’s worth it if you’re not in a rush.

By Train

Cost: $50.00
Duration: 5 hours and 55 minutes

It is quite viable to take public transportation from Dublin to the Giant’s Causeway. Irish Rail runs two-hour trains between Dublin and Belfast on a regular basis.

After arriving in Belfast, take a train to the picturesque seaside town of Portrush, where you’ll board a connecting bus to the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre.

All trains and buses leave regularly, although this second leg of your journey might take up to three hours, for a total travel duration of roughly five hours each way.

Despite its length, this route is popular with those who wish to walk the great coastal trails from Portrush to the Causeway.

By Bus

Cost: $36.00
Duration: 5 hours and 10 minutes

There is no direct bus service between Dublin and Giant’s Causeway. There are services, however, that depart from The Gresham Hotel that arrives at Aird Giants Causeway The Nook through Belfast Europa Bus Centre.

The total travel time, including transfers, is around 5h 10m.

7 Best Things to Do at Giant’s Causeway

This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a variety of experiences for nature lovers, history aficionados, and adventure seekers alike. If you’re thinking about visiting Giant’s Causeway, these are some of the greatest things to do.

1. The Visitor Center

The new architecturally designed custom Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center opened in 2012, replacing the old facility erected in 1986, when UNESCO put the Giant’s Causeway to its prestigious list of outstanding significance and universal site value.

The new center serves as the entrance to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, which is semi-hidden in the hillside.

It provides several opportunities to learn more about mythology, folklore, social history, animals, and conservation.

2. Dunluce Castle

The magnificent Dunluce Castle ruins are less than 15 minutes drive from the Giant’s Causeway. The stunning castle remains are placed abruptly on the cliffs, and it’s easy to understand why they’ve inspired painters and authors for centuries.

The MacQuillan family erected the castle circa 1500, and it was taken over by the MacDonnell dynasty in the 1550s. The castle has a turbulent past, and it is also said to be haunted – watch out for the banshee’s howl.

Related Read: Dunluce Castle Tour (Tips and Guide For First-Time Visitors)

3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Swinging 30 meters over the sea on a rickety rope bridge isn’t for everyone, but it’s exciting and gets the adrenaline beating. The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was built almost 350 years ago by fishermen to connect the cliffs to Carrick-a-Rede Island.

This tiny island has only one building – a fisherman’s house – and is designated as an area of special scientific significance due to its unique geology, vegetation, and wildlife.

Most tourists simply cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and return, although it is good to appreciate the views from the Island or perhaps go bird watching.

4. Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills has been manufacturing whiskey since 1608, which makes it the world’s oldest permitted distillery. Bushmills Distillery is around 10 minutes away from the Giant’s Causeway.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Bushmills Distillery to learn about how they manufacture pure malt whiskey. Those of legal drinking age are also welcome to taste and test the whiskey. Those who wish to drink more may sign up for a private tasting tour at the distillery.

If you’re searching for something to eat before or after your whiskey tasting, we highly recommend the Bushmills Inn restaurant. The fish and chips and Antrim Coast seafood pie are both warm and inviting.

5. Dunluce Castle

The magical Dunluce Castle perches precipitously on a rock overlooking the North Channel. Constructed and preserved by the Ulster Scots, first by the McQuillans and subsequently by their rivals the MacDonnells, local tradition has it that the castle kitchens once crashed dramatically into the cliffs, however, this is unlikely.

Another rumor has it that CS Lewis, a Belfast native, used the Dunluce stronghold as the inspiration for Narnia’s royal stronghold Cair Paravel.

Interestingly, the notorious Red Wedding sequence from Game of Thrones was influenced by a genuine wedding between the McQuillans and the MacDonnells.

6. Downhill Demesne

Downhill Demesne is an 18th-century house erected by the Bishop of Derry on a windswept peninsula on the Causeway Coast.

The National Trust presently owns the spectacular ruin, which was destroyed by fire and subsequently fell into usage after WWII.

7. Ballintoy Harbour

Another area that has inspired me is Ballintoy Harbour, which was utilized as a filming location for HBO’s Game of Thrones series. Ballintoy, a little harbor hidden in a rocky cliff, is a gorgeous visit regardless of whether you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast.

Best Group Day Tours to Join in Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a must-see site for nature lovers, history fans, and adventure seekers alike, with its intriguing hexagonal basalt columns and beautiful coastal scenery.

Joining a group day trip may give an exciting and convenient experience for genuinely making the most of your vacation. Here are some of the best group day trips for exploring the Giant’s Causeway’s breathtaking splendor.

Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour

Meeting Place: Charlemont House, Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin
Price: $92.89 per person

A comfy bus will take you along Northern Ireland’s coastline on a day excursion from Dublin. Visit famous landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, plus Belfast.

Leave Dublin and go north, resting at a service station for breakfast, and lunch, and to rest your legs. Your first stop should be a 5-minute photo stop at the well-known and magnificent remains of Dunluce Castle.

Then, proceed to the Giant’s Causeway, which is made out of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.

Spend at least two hours at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, getting up close and personal with the hexagonal columns known as the “8th Wonder of the World.”

Day Tour Highlights:

• Explore the Giant’s Causeway and marvel at its creation and natural beauty.
• Enjoy a picture stop at Dunluce Castle, Ireland’s most stunning castle ruin.
• At Dark Hedges, stroll through the lovely avenue of beech trees.To book this tour click here.
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To book this tour click here.

Dublin: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges & Titanic Guided Tour

Meeting Place: Charlemont House, Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin
Price: $99.70 per person

With a morning departure in Dublin, this trip is intended to take you to the top spots in Northern Ireland in order that you make the most of your short time.

Enjoy a relaxing voyage while listening to the guide’s stories and history as they take you on an excursion you will never forget.

The Giant’s Causeway is the first destination of the day. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is incredibly breathtaking. Thousands of basalt columns stretch over the coastline, demonstrating how this remarkable rock structure was built tens of thousands of years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption.

Day Tour Highlights:

• • • Admire the Giant’s Causeway’s interlocking hexagonal stones.
    • Discover some of Northern Ireland’s most stunning filming sites.
    • Visit County Antrim’s iconic twisted beech trees, The Dark Hedges.
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To book this tour click here.

From Dublin: Giant’s Causeway & Belfast Titanic with Ticket

Meeting Place: Charlemont House, Parnell Square N, Rotunda, Dublin
Price: $99.70 per person

On a guided day tour from Dublin, learn the natural magnificence of Ireland’s UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway as well as the Titanic Museum in Belfast by using the included entrance ticket. With free time in Belfast, proceed by bus, arriving at the Dark Hedges & Dunluce Castle.

Enjoy 1.6 hours at the Titanic Museum learning about the ocean ship Titanic and her tragic maiden voyage. Innovative technologies, scale models, and other elements bring the narrative to life.

Visit the Giant’s Causeway, which is made out of around 40,000 interconnecting basalt columns. Spend 1.7 hours getting up close and personal with this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Day Tour Highlights:

• • • • • In Belfast, go to the Titanic Museum.
        • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway.
        • Visit Northern Ireland’s most photographed natural feature, the Dark Hedges.
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To book this tour click here.

Practical Tips for the Giant’s Causeway Day Trip

The interconnecting basalt columns are breathtaking and provide a really one-of-a-kind experience. We’ve compiled a list of practical recommendations to help you make the most of your day trip to the Giant’s Causeway.

Giant’s Causeway is Free to Visit

One of the most common misconceptions among visitors to Giant’s Causeway is that it is expensive to go there. There is a tourist center here, but don’t make the mistake of joining the lines that develop spontaneously.

These lines are for visitors who want to pay for the ‘Visitor Experience,’ which includes an audio tour of the Giant’s Causeway and how it was constructed.

Walk to the Stones from the Visitor Center

The walk from the tourist center to the stones takes around 20 to 30 minutes. This is accomplished by a concrete road that dips down the hill and around the bend.

However, there is a frequent bus service from the tourist center to the stones that costs just £1 each way.

If you have the time, we recommend strolling down to the stones to get some beautiful views and images along the way and then hopping on the bus later to avoid trekking uphill on the way back.

Visit Giant’s Causeway in the Shoulder Seasons

Weekends and all through the summer are, predictably, the most common times to visit Giant’s Causeway. So, if you go on a weekday and in the spring, fall, or winter, you’ll have a better chance of seeing the stones with fewer people.

Mid to late spring is an excellent time to visit since you may still get fortunate with wonderful weather but will encounter significantly fewer people than in the summer.

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