Visiting the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland

When I was planning a trip to Northern Ireland, I had a list of musts that I wanted to see and do. The top of that list was to witness and photograph the Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway is located in the County Antrim on Northern Ireland’s rugged coast. The natural wonder is incredible to witness in person. I had heard that visiting the Giant’s Causeway can be a hit or miss because of the weather. When we visited, it drizzled off and on, which didn’t hamper the moment that I had longed for.

Giant’s Causeway comprises over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that rise out of the sea. The rock formations result from a volcanic eruption that occurred millions of years ago. As the lava cooled and contracted, the columns were formed. That’s the scientific explanation, anyway.

My favorite explanation involves the myth of an Irish Giant, Finn MacCool, who had a Scottish rival named Benandonner. The story goes the Causeway was built so the two rivals could fight. When the two arrived to fight, Benandonner was much bigger than Finn thought, so he left and destroyed the Causeway, breaking the bridge between Ireland and Scotland.

The Giant’s Causeway’s texture makes it a great place to photograph. I switched back and forth between a wide-angled lens and my go-to 24-70GM. The dramatic stones rising out of the sea are great to witness in person and the scenery is a travel photographer’s dream. We were lucky to have clear skies for part of our visit, which made a gorgeous contrasting backdrop.

There are many moments while visiting Northern Ireland that give you that proverbial step-back-in-time moment. Standing on ancient stones provides visitors with that feeling. If you are visiting the Giant’s Causeway and a storm rolls in, be patient, because it might pass by as quickly. You don’t want to miss a great shot.

While you’re visiting the Giant’s Causeway, also visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which is also a gorgeous place to photograph.
The Giant’s Causeway is about 1.5 hours drive from Belfast or 3 hours from Dublin.
The site is open year-round and hours are typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Giant’s Causeway is free to visit, but you must pay to park at the Visitor Centre. If you want to use the facilities at the Visitor Centre, you need a paid ticket. If you book ahead online, it is cheaper.
Wear hiking shoes, because the stones can be slippery.
Take along a rain jacket. You never know if you’ll need it or not. You’ll probably need it.

More travel stories you might like:
Northern Ireland
Taking a Black Taxi Tour in Belfast
Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Touring Bushmills Distillery, the Oldest Whiskey Distillery in the World

Ireland
2 Days in Dublin
Touched By a Ghost in Leap Castle in Ireland
Visiting Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher
Visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
A Pint at the Oldest Pub in Europe: A Stop at Sean’s Bar in Ireland is a Must-Stop for Beer Lovers
The Ancient Mound Newgrange in Ireland is Older Than the Pyramids and Stonehenge

England
Exploring Kenilworth Castle
Stepping Back in Time at Warwick Castle
3 Day Itinerary for Visiting Shakespeare’s England
Walking in Shakespeare’s Footsteps: A father/son story
Visiting the Harry Potter Studios London
Visiting Westminster Abbey
Getting Lost on a Ghost Tour in London with my Son
Attending a Chelsea FC Match with my son
Climbing the O2 Arena with my Son
Flying Down the Thames River on a Speedboat
How An Ice Cream Truck Saved the Day During a Hike Across England
Reliving the Dads4Kesem Hadrian’s Wall Hike

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