The most spectacular coastal walk in Northern Ireland linking the Giant's Causeway with Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge through dramatic basalt cliff scenery. Passes sea stacks, bays, and historic ruins.
The Causeway Coast Way section between the Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede runs about 18km one way along the County Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland, typically starting at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre car park, which charges a parking fee, and finishing near Ballintoy or the Carrick-a-Rede car park; no permit is needed for the walk itself. There is minimal elevation change overall, though the path rises and falls repeatedly along the clifftop, and the full one-way walk takes five to six hours, with many visitors instead choosing to drive between highlights and walk shorter linked sections. The surface is mostly packed dirt and grass path with some stone steps near the Causeway itself, close to unfenced cliff edges in several stretches, and there is little shade along the exposed coastline. Landmarks include the hexagonal basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dramatic sea stacks and cliffs at Fairhead further east, the picturesque harbour at Ballintoy with its whitewashed buildings, and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connecting the mainland to a small island salmon fishery, which requires a separate ticket to cross. Shorter, well-signposted options include the walk from the visitor centre out to the Causeway stones and back, roughly 2km round trip, or the coastal stretch between Ballintoy Harbour and Carrick-a-Rede, about 5km round trip. There are cafes and toilets at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre and at Carrick-a-Rede, but no facilities along the intervening clifftop sections.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Best season
- May to September for the most reliable weather and longest daylight
Highlights
- Giant's Causeway UNESCO site
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Fairhead basalt cliffs
- Ballintoy Harbour
Tips for visiting
- Book Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge tickets in advance, as timed slots sell out in peak season
- Stay away from unfenced cliff edges along the route, particularly in wind or wet weather
- Wear sturdy, grippy footwear for the basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway, which can be slippery when wet
- Consider walking the shorter Ballintoy Harbour to Carrick-a-Rede stretch rather than the full 18km if time is limited
- Arrive early at the Giant's Causeway to avoid the largest coach tour crowds at the visitor centre
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon visits avoid the heaviest coach tour crowds at the Giant's Causeway, which peak around midday.
Accessibility
The paved path from the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre down to the stones is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, but the wider clifftop coast path has uneven dirt surfaces and unfenced edges that are not accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to visit the Giant's Causeway?
The stones themselves are free to visit and are National Trust land, though parking at the visitor centre carries a fee that also covers exhibition access.
Is a separate ticket needed for Carrick-a-Rede?
Yes, crossing the rope bridge requires a timed ticket booked through the National Trust, separate from any Causeway admission.
Can I walk just part of the Causeway Coast Way?
Yes, shorter linked sections such as Ballintoy Harbour to Carrick-a-Rede, about 5km round trip, are popular alternatives to the full 18km walk.
Is the walk suitable for families?
Shorter sections near the visitor centre are manageable for families, but the longer clifftop stretches include unfenced edges that require supervision of children.