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Northern Ireland is a region that travelers often neglect when visiting the U.K. or Ireland. Some even think that it’s the same as Ireland. The truth is that Northern Ireland is a gem consisting of stunning scenery, intriguing history, and natural destinations not to miss. One of the best ways to experience it is on a trip from Dublin to Giant’s Causeway!
About the Giant’s Causeway
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological wonder, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the top attractions in Northern Ireland. The site consists of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that look like steps.
Legend says that a giant named Finn MacCool created the Causeway, because a Scottish giant challenged him to a fight. So, Finn built the Causeway to cross the North Channel for the fight.
In reality, the result of the Giant’s Causeway came from ancient volcanic activity 50 to 60 million years ago. As the sea cooled the flowing lava, it formed into hexagonal blocks.
Ways to get to Giant’s Causeway
The two best methods to get from Dublin to Giant’s Causeway are by car or bus tour. While a car may be ideal if you are aiming to be on your own time, it can be difficult for some travelers who don’t have the means to do so.
The other option is a bus tour. I was skeptical about bus tours at first, because:
- They can be expensive.
- They can be boring.
- I would be on someone else’s time.
Despite the above reasons, I decided to give it a shot anyways… and I did not regret it! If you are going on a bus tour in Ireland, Paddywagon Tours is the way to go. They provide a day bus tour from Dublin to the Giant’s Causeway that I highly recommend.
Stops on the way to Giant’s Causeway
Whichever method of transportation you choose, there are some amazing stops to make on the way from Dublin to Giant’s Causeway. Many of these stops are on the itinerary for the Paddywagon tour, but you can also make them during a self-guided trip.
1. Belfast
Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland. There’s so much to do in Belfast that you could spend an entire day exploring. For a quick stop, I recommend taking a stroll to sightsee in the city center and grabbing a bite to eat. If you have more time on your hands, you can explore City Hall, Titanic Belfast, C.S. Lewis Square, Belfast Castle, and St. George’s Market.
2. Dark Hedges
Are you a Game of Thrones fan? If so, don’t miss this stop! Get a photo with this tunnel of trees that was featured in the show. If you aren’t a Game of Thrones fan, this stop still offers the opportunity to be awestruck by a tunnel of 350-year-old trees.
3. Dunluce Castle
Sitting right on the edge of a coastal cliff, Dunluce Castle is a beautiful sight. Now in ruins, the castle can be a brief stop for photos and admiration. If you have the time, you can pay £6 to cross the bridge to the castle and further explore the ruins.
4. Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is a rope bridge that connects the mainland to a small island. The bridge spans 20 meters (66 feet) and is 30 meters (98 feet) above the ground. To cross the bridge, you can buy tickets in advance or on-site!
5. The side of the road (anywhere that looks interesting)
The best part of Northern Ireland is the stunning scenery, which you can find anywhere. If you see a view and have the opportunity to stop, do it! Ireland and Northern Ireland’s countryside is what made me fall in love with it.
Visiting the Giant’s Causeway
Your main stop, of course, is the Giant’s Causeway! If you are visiting the Giant’s Causeway by car, you will have to pay £5 for parking. Otherwise, the attraction is free to explore! Although if you do pay for parking, or opt to pay for entry, you get access to the exhibition and an audio guide.
It’s important to note that the walk from the parking lot or visitor’s center to the Causeway is a bit lengthy. If you don’t feel like walking the mile there, you can pay £1 for a shuttle-ride there.
My last tip is to spend enough time exploring the Giant’s Causeway. Too many people visit just for the photo opp. You didn’t travel all the way from Dublin to Giant’s Causeway just to spend a few minutes there. Take the time to learn the history of the attraction and to soak in the scenery. The coast also provides stunning views!
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