About the Centre
The National Trust Visitor Centre sits tucked into the hillside above the Causeway, acting as a gateway to the World Heritage Site. Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects of Dublin, this award-winning centre provides state-of-the-art interpretation and guided tours unlocking the mystery, myth, and legend of the Giant’s Causeway.
The building was opened by First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in July 2012, replacing the temporary structures and the previous visitor centre — built in 1986, the same year the Causeway was officially recognised as a World Heritage Site, but sadly destroyed by fire in 2002.
The new centre was part of an £18.5m investment in the Causeway by the National Trust, with £9.25 million from the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment and the Heritage Lottery Fund contributing £3 million; the National Trust itself provided £6.25 million. The building tells the story of the Causeway and the legend of Finn McCool and Benandonner — the two giants said to have created it during a mythical battle (see our myths and legends page).
Worth knowing: the coastline and the basalt columns themselves are free to visit at any time — the admission charge is specifically for the Visitor Centre building and its amenities (exhibition, audio guide, parking, shuttle bus), not for access to the Causeway itself.
Facilities
- Interactive exhibition exploring the Giant’s Causeway
- Outdoor audio guide, available in nine languages, plus a version for visually impaired visitors
- Grab-and-go coffee shop
- Local and unique gifts in the shop
- Tourist Information Centre
- Bureau de change
- Parking across three car parks, plus a Park & Ride facility
Family & children
- Baby-changing facilities
- Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted
- Accessible paths for pushchairs
Access
- Mobility parking available
- Visitor Centre building is accessible
- Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities (key on request)
- Grounds are partly accessible — grass, uneven ground, narrow and loose gravel paths, steep slopes, steps, and undulating terrain in places. Some visitors may need a companion’s assistance. An accessible trail is available.
Top safety tips
- Supervise children at all times
- The causeway stones are uneven and can be slippery
- Keep well back from the waves
- Keep to the paths
- Keep away from cliff edges
- Heed warnings and path closures
- Wear sensible footwear and clothing — coastal winds mean conditions can change quickly
Opening hours
- March, April, May & October: 9:00am – 6:00pm
- June, July, August, September: 9:00am – 7:00pm
- November to February: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Closed 24, 25, 26 December
- Last admission is one hour before closing
Group bookings
Groups of 15 or more can get a discounted rate by booking in advance through the National Trust’s booking office.
Admission prices and exact opening hours are set by the National Trust and can change seasonally — for current prices, please check nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway directly before you travel, rather than relying on a fixed figure here.
Book tickets: contact the National Trust North Coast team directly — northcoastbookings@nationaltrust.org.uk, or call 028 2073 1855.