When street tripping alongside the rugged panorama of County Antrim, one can find Northern Eire’s solely UNESCO World Heritage Website and most visited attraction, the Big’s Causeway. It actually is a pure marvel. However, relying on while you go, your Big’s Causeway go to may be wonderful or common. We are going to share tips on how to go to the Big’s Causeway with insider ideas for tips on how to keep away from the crowds, the place to search out the most effective locations to remain, and what you’ll truly see while you make a cease at this awe-inspiring vacation spot alongside the Causeway Coast.
For those who’re planning a go to and need to benefit from your journey information to experiencing the Big’s Causeway like a professional, you may have come to the appropriate place. We have now visited the Big’s Causeway thrice on organized excursions and independently. We’ve marveled at its distinctive basalt columns at dawn, sundown, and in every single place in between. So, are you able to fall in love with the Big’s Causeway like we did? Let’s go!
Ideas for Visiting the Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway by no means ceases to amaze us, its basalt columns appear to be completely positioned stepping stones main out to the water’s edge. Nonetheless, one in every of our Big’s Causeway visits was lower than stellar attributable to crowds as a result of we visited on the improper time of day. So, that can assist you keep away from making the identical mistake we made on our first go to, we are going to share the most effective methods to go to the Big’s Causeway from out different experiences exploring the North Antrim Coast of Northern Eire.
This UNESCO World Heritage Website affords a magical panorama steeped in fable and wonder. Identified for its distinctive basalt columns shaped by historical volcanic fissure eruptions, the Big’s Causeway is Northern Eire’s hottest attraction. It’s actually unbelievable and lives as much as the hype.
The place is the Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway is situated in County Antrim on the northeast coast of Northern Eire, about 60 miles from Belfast. One of the simplest ways to succeed in this iconic landmark is by automotive, providing the flexibleness to discover at your individual tempo. Test for Rental Automotive Costs right here.
Driving from Belfast takes roughly 1 hour and half-hour by way of the M2 and A26, main you thru a few of Northern Eire’s most picturesque landscapes. It’s simply 2.5 miles north of Bushmills Village and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Belfast.
Public transportation choices embody prepare providers from Belfast to Coleraine, adopted by a connecting bus to the Causeway. There’s bus service from Balintoy Village.
For those who don’t have a automotive, you’ll be able to be part of a guided tour from Belfast or Derry/Londonderry, which regularly contains different sights alongside the Causeway Coast.
The very best time to go to The Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway is open year-round, so you’ll be able to go to anytime. Nonetheless, the most effective occasions to discover this UNESCO World Heritage Website are the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November).
Throughout these months, guests can take pleasure in delicate climate and fewer crowds. Temperatures throughout these seasons common a snug 10°C to fifteen°C (50°F to 59°F), very best for strolling and images.
Whereas the summer time months (July and August) promise hotter climate, with temperatures starting from 15°C to twenty°C (59°F to 68°F), additionally they convey the height vacationer season, leading to bigger crowds and longer wait occasions.
The winter months, although much less crowded, may be difficult attributable to colder temperatures, round 5°C to eight°C (41°F to 46°F), and shorter daylight.
Finest Time of Day to Go to
The very best time to go to the Big’s Causeway in the course of the day is at dawn or sundown. The Customer Centre is open from 9:00 AM to five:00 PM day by day, however you’ll be able to go to exterior of opening hours.
To really respect its splendor with out the crowds, purpose to go to both early within the morning or late within the afternoon. We visited each occasions in several years and occasions of 12 months, and each occasions, we had it just about to ourselves. Plus the softer mild made for beautiful images as we loved quieter moments whereas roaming the location.
We walked down at dawn properly earlier than the customer middle opened and will hike all around the weathered rock formations, taking in views from completely different angles. By the point the buses began arriving, we had our fill and went again to the lodge for breakfast.
We did the identical factor at evening. As soon as the buses left, we walked down to look at the sundown with a bunch of two different folks. When you find yourself alongside the Big’s Causeway, it’s actually magical.
The one time we had been on a bus tour, we arrived in mid-day, and it was chaos.
Many individuals go to the Big’s Causeway on a street journey across the Causeway Coast or as a part of a day tour from Belfast. The guided excursions and bus excursions cease on the Big’s Causeway beginning at 10 am, so if you will get in earlier than that, you should have a greater time.
What’s the Big’s Causeway
The Big’s Causeway is a singular pure phenomena of outstanding magnificence simply making its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. It was shaped 60 million years in the past throughout a volcanic eruption and it’s actually a marvel of the world. There are greater than 40 thousand basalt columns which are completely stacked, creating what seems like a large set of interlocking bricks main out to the ocean.
The basalt columns had been shaped in the course of the eruption when the flowing lava crashed into the waves of the ocean. Because the ocean cooled the lava, it turned them into volcanic stones. There are comparable basalt columns worldwide, together with in Iceland and throughout the ocean; you’ll be able to go to the Scottish Island Staffa Circulate (Isle of Staffa) to see Fingals Cave, which is one other wonderful sight that was shaped by volcanic exercise.
Big’s Causeway Customer Centre
The Big’s Causeway is run by the Nationwide Belief, which is a corporation that promotes the preservation of pure and architectural wonders. They’ve created a Customer Heart to reinforce the customer expertise with interactive shows and an interpretation space that blends seamlessly with the panorama.
If in case you have a Nationwide Belief Membership, entrance is free. Most vacationers clearly gained’t have a membership, so let’s undergo the coasts.
For those who keep on the Causeway Lodge, you may as well go to the Big’s Causeway without spending a dime.
Costs range, with present entrance charge charges at £13.50 for adults and £6.70 for kids, providing worth for these desirous about studying extra in regards to the geological and mythological background of the world. Nationwide Belief members can take pleasure in free entry and parking. Costs change at peak season.
The Big’s Causeway Customer Centre opens at 10:00 am and closes relying on the time of 12 months, wherever from 5 pm to 9 pm. However you’ll be able to go to it alone and stroll down anytime for those who keep on the Causeway Lodge. From the car parking zone, you’ll stroll by way of a tunnel taking you to the Blue Path which is a half-mile stroll downhill.
Driving and Automotive Park Areas
In case you are not staying on the Causeway Lodge you’ll need to pay for parking or you’ll be able to stroll. Among the visitor homes close to Big’s Causeway usually are not too far-off as properly. There are some good mountaineering trails to the Big’s Causeway as properly and if you’re up for a hike, you’ll be able to stroll from Dunserverick Fortress or Portballintrae.
In case you are driving, you’ll need to buy a parking ticket. Utilizing the automotive park closest to the customer centre prices £13 per particular person, including up shortly. The fee for parking is £13 per grownup within the automotive. £32.50 for a household and £6.50 for kids.
That makes The Causeway Lodge an much more fascinating possibility. While you keep right here, parking and entrance is free.
There’s one other automotive park alongside the Causeway Highway, The Causeway Coast Automotive park prices £10 and is a straightforward stroll to the customer centre.
While you buy a ticket on-line, it contains parking, a guided tour, and audio guides. You even have entry to the Customer Centre, the exhibition, café and memento store.
Guided Excursions
We understand that most individuals is not going to need to drive on the opposite aspect of the street and there are many guided excursions from Dublin, and Belfast. Plus, for those who e book a tour, you gained’t want to fret about any of those prices as they may all be included. Listed here are a few guided excursions that we suggest that additionally discover extra of County Antrim and Northern Eire.
This full-day guided tour is extremely rated and takes you alongside the Causeway Coastal Path to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Fortress, The Darkish Hedges, and Giants Causeway.
Big’s Causeway Strolling Trails
Blue Path – That is the frequent path that’s alongside the paved street resulting in Big’s Causeway from the Customer Centre.
Inexperienced Path – This can be a 3.2 km (2 miles) hike that takes 1.5 hours. This path begins on the Causeway Lodge and follows the trail towards path in direction of Runkerry Head. This path is appropriate for folks with disabilities and is wheelchair pleasant. It’s also kid-friendly for buggies. This path takes you out to see the Portcoon Cave, 150 yards lengthy and 40-foot excessive, sea cave.
Pink Path – The Pink Path is a average path that takes about 1.5 hours. It begins on the Big’s Causeway customer’s centre and goes alongside the highest of the cliffs.
Yellow Path – The Yellow Path is a difficult hike, that begins at Runkery Head and ends at Hamilton’s Seat. The trailhead is accessible close to the village of Portballintrae and goes previous the Causeway Lodge and Guests Centre. You’ll meet up with the Blue Path and might go all the way down to the Big’s Causeway or keep excessive to proceed on the Yellow Path. There are sheer cliffs on this path, so watch out.
The place to Keep on the Big’s Causeway
We extremely suggest spending extra time on the Big’s Causeway than simply on a fast day journey. The reason is is that for those who be part of a tour, you’ll arrive on the Big’s Causeway at noon with all of the crowds. On two of our visits, we stayed on the Causeway Lodge and will stroll all the way down to see the Big’s Causeway at dawn and sundown. Throughout these occasions of the day, we had all of it to ourselves.
Causeway Lodge
The Causeway Lodge is the closest lodge to the Big’s Causeway situated instantly on the customer’s centre. However there are many BnBs across the space and different lodges in Bushmills which is simply 2.5 miles away. You possibly can then simply drive to the Big’s Causeway for dawn or sundown. See evaluations on TripAdvisor and Test costs on Reserving.com
The Causeway Lodge has a bar and restaurant so that you don’t have to go away in any respect and might spend most time on the Big’s Causeway. The rooms are fairly primary, although, and wish an replace. What the rooms lack in ambiance is made up for in its location.
Bushmills Inn
The Bushmills Inn is one other nice possibility situated on the town. We ate right here and had a tremendous meal. It dates again to 1600 and was a training inn on the time. It has been utterly renovated and the rooms at the moment are a 4-star luxurious. In order for you one thing extra upscale and don’t thoughts needing to drive to the Big’s Causeway, this can be a nice possibility. See evaluations on TripAdvisor and Test Costs on Reserving.com
Big’s Causeway Historical past – The Legend
Contained in the guests middle, there’s a reward store, a snack bar, and a espresso store. There’s additionally a movie in regards to the legend of the Big’s Causeway involving the Irish Big Finn McCool and the Scottish Big Benandonner.
Earlier than science, it was believed that the Irish big Finn McCool made the Big’s Causeway to create a bridge to Scotland to problem his rival. Legend says that rivals Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) of County Antrim in Eire had been continually bickering with the Scottish Big Benandonner.
Sooner or later Finn McCool determined to construct a bridge to cross the ocean and problem Benandonner to a struggle. It’s a straightforward legend to consider, as every stone appears to be positioned there for a goal. Learn the total legend at The Legend of the Big’s Causeway – Do You Imagine?
The Precise Historical past of the Big’s Causeway
Shaped over 60 million years in the past attributable to intense volcanic eruptions, the Causeway is known for its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, making a pure phenomenon that has intrigued guests for hundreds of years.
This mix of geological marvel and legendary tales, coupled with the location’s breathtaking pure magnificence, makes the Big’s Causeway a pivotal topic of research for geologists and a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers worldwide.
It’s Northern Eire’s solely UNESCO World Heritage Website. Whether or not you’re drawn by the attract of its historical origins or intrigued by the enchanting tales handed down by way of generations, the Big’s Causeway affords a singular window into the previous, making it an important a part of Northern Eire’s cultural and pure heritage.
Mobility and the Big’s Causeway
For these with mobility points, there’s a bus that you could take down and as much as the Big’s Causeway from the customer’s middle. In addition they have wheelchairs and scooters obtainable to borrow on the Big’s Causeway customer centre. Be aware that they’re obtainable on a primary come first serve foundation. The bus prices
Issues to do Close to the Big’s Causeway
After the morning go to, there are many issues to see and do close by. Big’s Causeway is situated alongside the Causeway Coastal Route, and it is among the most spectacular street journeys on earth.
What to See and Do
Past the awe-inspiring basalt columns, the Big’s Causeway space is wealthy in sights value exploring:
The Customer Centre: Begin your go to right here to delve into the Causeway’s fascinating geological and mythological tales. The Shepherd’s Steps: Problem your self with a climb up these steep steps to be rewarded with panoramic views. The Big’s Boot: Uncover this curious rock formation that, in line with legend, belongs to the enormous Finn McCool. Dunluce Fortress: A brief drive away, the ruins of this medieval citadel supply a glimpse into Northern Eire’s storied previous. Bushmills Distillery: No journey to County Antrim is full and not using a go to to the world’s oldest licensed distillery, providing excursions and tastings.
Dunluce Fortress
Dunluce Fortress is a beautiful cease situated simply 10 minutes from Big’s Causeway. The ruins sit excessive on a cliff and are one of the crucial picturesque castles in Northern Eire.
Ensure to proceed driving west to cease on the viewing platform only a brief distance additional. This simply opened this 12 months, and there are two improbable lookouts the place you’ll be able to see Dunluce Fortress on one aspect and the excessive sea cliffs of Northern Eire on the opposite.
Bushmills Distillery
Bushmills is Dave’s favorite whisky, and we at all times cease to select up a bottle of their signature 16-year-old. You are able to do a distillery tour and it’s extremely really useful. Even for those who don’t do a tour, you will get into the grounds for a peek and into the reward store to buy a bottle or two. Bushmills Distillery is situated in Bushmills Village and is only a five-minute drive from Big’s Causeway.
Darkish Hedges
The Darkish Hedges is 20 minutes from Big’s Causeway and they’re essentially the most photographed place in Northern Eire. The Darkish Hedges are situated on Bregagh Highway close to the city of Ballymoney in County Antrim. It’s lined with 90 beech timber forming an arch all the best way alongside the street. It was used as The King’s Highway in Sport of Thrones. Be aware: Some Darkish Hedges have been reduce down attributable to deteriorating situations, however there are nonetheless many standing. Learn extra: The Darkish Hedges of Northern Eire – Tricks to Go to and What you Have to Know
Carrick a Rede
The Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge is one other wonderful cease that’s situated simply quarter-hour from Big’s Causeway. It was as soon as a harmful bridge to cross solely utilized by fishermen, however as we speak it has been restored and vacationers can stroll throughout this suspension bridge for unparalleled shoreline views.
The Big’s Causeway and the Causeway Coast are extraordinary locations to go to. Spending time on this a part of Northern Eire will create reminiscences to final a lifetime as you discover one of the crucial stunning coasts on the planet. Learn extra in regards to the Causeway Coast at: The Final Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary, Northern Eire
Big’s Causeway Belfast Excursions
You possibly can e book day excursions to the Big’s Causeway from Belfast for those who aren’t doing a self-drive across the Causeway Coastal Route. This extremely rated tour takes you to see well-known sights alongside the Antrim coast earlier than reaching the Big’s Causeway. Locations you’ll see en path to the Big’s Causeway are Cushendun Caves, Carnlough Harbour, and the Darkish Hedges. Study in regards to the historical past from reside commentary on board.
One other wonderful possibility for a tour from Belfast to the Big’s Causeway is that this fashionable Sport of Thrones Tour. You’ll take pleasure in the fantastic thing about the Antrim Coast earlier than hitting the world-famous Big’s Causeway. Throughout this guided day tour, you’ll cease at locations like Carrickfergus Fortress and the 9 Glens of Antrim earlier than seeing the coastal city of Ballycastle. It’s then time to see HBO’s Sport of Thrones filming areas like Magharmorne Quarry, which is the placement of Fortress Black and the Darkish Hedges, to see King’s Highway.
From Dublin
Excursions to the Big’s Causeway even be booked from Dublin. This extremely rated tour is the right day journey for folks with restricted time however who nonetheless need to take pleasure in a number of the prime Northern Eire locations once they go to Eire. Go to the Darkish Hedges, Dunluce Fortress, and Big’s Causeway, and spend a while in Belfast on a guided tour from Dublin.
Admire the formations of the Big’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Website Head to Portaneevy View Level to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Marvel on the beautiful surroundings of the Antrim coastal route Hear tales of folklore and historical past with a number of myths and legends too See a number of the Sport of Thrones websites all through the day
Different Locations with Columns within the World
A fast Google search will present you that there are dozens of hexagonal columns around the globe. We famous Iceland and Scotland, however they are often discovered from Mongolia to Thailand. Ones that we’ve seen with our personal eyes are Iceland, Namibia, Australia, and California. We even just lately noticed unbelievable formations in Santiago Chile.
For those who aren’t driving, this can be a good day tour that features visiting the highest sights on the Causeway Coast together with Big’s Causeway, Dunluce Fortress and the Darkish Hedges. Go to RentalCars.com to see costs for automotive leases from Dublin or Belfast.