The Giant’s Causeway
After a beautiful (and at times terrifying) drive along the breathtaking Antrim Coast, I arrived at the Giant’s Causeway. After some frustration at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor’s Centre, I made my way down to the causeway by the shore.
This place is absolutely breathtaking. Walking along the endless columns, feeling the wind in my hair. Looking out across the water. Imagining the first people to discover this place and create the legend.
I loved watching the waves rush up over the shorter columns and then recede again. I marveled at how many thousands of years this formation has existed, and wondered when erosion or a rising sea level would make it fade into memory.
It is an ideal place to sit and relax and think about one’s life.
It’s a great place to share with your family.
It’s a place to connect with the past, and to realize that someone who visited over 130 years ago probably felt the exact same awe and wonder as you.
The Giant’s Causeway is an incredibly beautiful place and I’m so glad I was able to visit.
Erin Explores 
Hi Erin,
As a former resident of 25 years within half a mile of the Causeway and an ex-member of the National trust I heartily agree with your comments about the visitor centre. I think the building itself is a monstrosity. I did go in ONCE but only because NT members not charged. The NT own the centre while the car park is owned by the the local county council so in the past u had to pay for the car park while GC was free as is the present arrangement. I am surprised that u were continually asked if u had parked a car. That facility only caters for less than 10% of visitors with most arriving by coach or park and ride from bushmills. There is a very indiscreet sign somewhere which directs you how to walk to the stones along the tarmac shuttle bus route (cost about £1 if u dont or cant walk) Regetably the whole set up is now geared to get visitors to spend money in the centre, even if you want just a coffee u have to pay the entry fee. The NT certainly gives visiting tourists the erroneous impression that you have to pay to visit the stones. This is one of the reasons why my wife and i resigned our membership. Some consolation is that u didnt miss anything not going into the centre. Just a lot of overpriced trash. Glad you enjoyed the actual causeway and the rest of your trip to N.I.and ROI if u went there.
Best wishes
Dave Southall PhD (Geomorphologist)
It seems that a lot of people agree with your point of view. In terms ofrevenue the NT must be generating huge surpluses at GC. I also not that there are no senior concessions? Cliffs of Moher was £4 for seniors and the visitor centre there much better. The other NT rip-off is the Carrick a rede ropebridge – £6!!!
I had the same experience when i took my family there when we were on holiday. I was also a member of the NT in England i park up at the causeway displayed my details was told i would have to pay as it was different in England. I then wanted to go down to the causeway was told i had to pay. I then argued that i shouldnt pay for something that should be free i was threaten with the police what a great return
Alan, unfortunately I don’t believe a word of your comment – except possibly that you are a member of the national trust. The national trust covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Only national trust Scotland is different and there is a recripocal arrangement with them allowing members access to NT properties