The Visitor Centre
About the Centre
The National Trust Visitor Centre that sits tucked into the hillside above the Causeway, acting as a gateway to the World Heritage Site, was designed by Heneghan Peng Architects of Dublin. This award-winning Visitor Centre provides a state-of-the-art interpretation and guided tours to unlock 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 that was built in 1986, the same year the Causeway was officially recognised as a world heritage site, but sadly burned down in 2002.
The building is seamlessly integrated into the landscape of the Causeway Coast.
The building of the new centre was part of an £18.5m investment in the Causeway by the National Trust with £9.25 million funding from the Department of Enterprise Trade u0026amp; Investment and the Heritage Lottery Fund allocating £3 million towards the project. The National Trust provided £6.25 million.
The structure tries to illustrate the story of the Causeway and the legend of Finn McCool and Benandonner: two giants which reputedly created the Causeway during a mythical battle.
Visitor Centre 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
24,25,26 December Closed
* Last admission to Visitor Centre is one hour before closing.
Book Tickets Here
Admission Prices
This includes access to the Causeway Visitor Centre, audio guides, orientation leaflet and parking.
*Shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to the Giant’s Causeway is an additional charge.
| Ticket Type | Online | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £11 | £12.50 |
| Child | £5.50 | £6.75 |
| Family | £27.50 | £31.25 |
| Under 5s | FREE | FREE |
| National Trust Members | FREE | FREE |
| Cliff Top Experience | £35 | N/A |
Get A National Trust Memebership Here
Group Booking
If you have a large group (15+ tickets), you can receive a discounted rate by booking in advance by contacting the National Trusts Booking office
They can be contacted on:
Tel: +44 28 2073 3419
Email northcoastbookings@nationaltrust.org.uk
Building The Visitor Centre
Outside
The centre receives nearly a million visitors annually from over 150 countries and has won awards for its design, sensitive architecture and sustainability.
Surrounding the area are dramatic cliffs that add to the breathtaking natural features of the Giant’s Causeway, making it a geological wonder against the wild North Atlantic Ocean.
Parking is available at the visitor centre car park, providing convenient access to the attraction, though visitors can also access the coastline for free without paying for the visitor centre experience.
The Roof
The visitor centre’s roof has been planted with local grasses, allowing the building to integrate with the surrounding area while offering trails and pathways nearby that provide improved access for families to explore the site.
The building of the new centre was part of an £18.5m investment in the Causeway by the National Trust with £9.25 million funding from the Department of Enterprise Trade u0026amp; Investment and the Heritage Lottery Fund allocating £3 million towards the project. The National Trust provided £6.25 million.
The structure tries to illustrate the story of the Causeway and the legend of Finn McCool and Benandonner: two giants which reputedly created the Causeway during a mythical battle.
Inside The Giants Causeway Visitor Centre
The award-winning Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway is designed to provide a state-of-the-art interpretation of the natural wonder. It offers guided tours that unlock the mystery, myth, and legend of the Giant’s Causeway, making it an essential part of the visitor experience.
It’s important to note that the Giant’s Causeway visitor experience includes both the free access to the coastline and basalt columns, and the paid admission to the Visitor Centre and its amenities. The admission charge is specifically for the Visitor Centre, which offers additional services and facilities.
Facilities
- An interactive exhibition exploring the Giant’s Causeway
- Outdoor audio guide available, providing information in nine languages. Audio guide for visually impaired visitors also available
- Grab-and-go coffee shop
- Local and unique gifts for sale in the shop
- Tourist Information Centre
- Bureau de Change
- Parking across three car parks and Park and Ride facility
Family & children
- Baby-changing facilities
- Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted
- Accessible paths for pushchairs
Access
- Mobility parking
- Visitor Centre is accessible
- Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities (key on request)
- Grounds – partly accessible, grass, uneven, narrow, loose and hard gravel paths, steep slopes, steps, undulating terrain.
- Some visitors may require assistance from their companion
- Accessible trail
Top Safety Tips
- Supervise children at all times
- The causeway stones are uneven and can be slippery
- Keep well back from waves
- Keep to paths
- Keep away from cliff edges
- Heed warnings and path closures
- Wear sensible footwear and clothing; coastal winds mean it can be cold regardless of the season.
- Tell someone where you are going, arrange a meeting place as mobile phone reception is sometimes unreliable.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash
Risks Hazards
- The Giant’s Causeway is a dynamic site; please be aware of falling rocks
- There are loose rocks and stones all over the cliffs
- Be aware of sudden and unexpected waves breaking on the rocks
- Weather can change rapidly – strong wind and rain can occur regardless of the season