Its believed that the Giants Causeway is between a whopping 50 and 60 million years old (more info on how it formed below) and geologists have been studying the Causeway for nearly 300 years. 17 Easy St. Patricks Day Cocktails + Drinks. So, entry to the Giants Causeway is free if youre walking however, if you want to park and/or go into the visitor centre, you pay for each person in your vehicle. Id love to see the Giants Causeway myself one day soon. The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Ive a love/hate relationship with the Giants Causeway, mainly due to the ridiculous parking charges. Im going to let you in on a little secret. There are 471+ hotels available in Dark Hedges. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Address // 119A Whitepark Rd, Ballycastle A man walks along the Dark Hedges. Causeway Coastal Route Guide (Has A Google Map With Stops + Itinerary For 2023) The Causeway Coastal Route is arguably one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Giants Causeway, Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle and Dark Hedges Tour By Allen's Tours 123 reviews from $36.93 per adult Check availability Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation Ages 0-99, max of 150 per group Duration: 8h Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket English What's included What to expect It can be distinguished by its golden-brown colour and relatively larger ears and eyes. The family planted an avenue of over 150 beech trees along the entrance to the Georgian estate. Details: nationaltrust.org.uk/carrickarede; from 13.50/15.30 (free to National Trust members). It is 14 km from Giant's Causeway to Dark Hedges. Photo: DiscoverNorthernIreland.com, Game of Thrones_ Door 9 - Ballygally Castle, Pl Conghaile Twitter Email. Standing on Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. Address // 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills Love it. Other // free parking. However, I also found many cafs and restaurants closed, and daylight was in short supply. Every Game of Thrones fan will immediately recognize this location. Please see my disclosure. Both are features of this coastline, foreshadowing wow moments to come at White Rocks beach (limestone) and the Giant's Causeway (basalt). Carnlough, Cushendun, The Dark Hedges; Giant's Causeway; Dunluce Castle (Photo stop) Child 20.00 (under 12 years) Adult 30. Die Billigste ist per Zug nach London Stansted und Flugzeug nach Belfast (Aldergrove) und Zug und Linie 402 Bus und kostet 79. Travel Umbrella(while I didnt bring an umbrella and was too stubborn to buy one, Id recommend it) ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"There are plenty of things to do near the Giant's Causeway, from Dunluce Castle and the Bushmills Distillery to The Dark Hedges and more (see above). Like if I want to arrive before 10AM can I park there? Yes, the 'stones' are small. Parking on Bregagh Road itself is a bad idea - the verges are tight, it's a nightmare to turn and you'll ruin everyone's photos. Don't forget to stop into the Bushmills Inn, a Blue Book bolthole with its origins in a 17th-century coaching inn. Trust me, you can burn out on castles in Ireland but I truly enjoyed this one. has recently reopened with four new galleries, First Look: Inside the new Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland, On the 'money' - how 'Game of Thrones' put us top of the must-visit list. The Derry to Coleraine railway, with Mussenden Temple. It is located on the edge of a basalt outcropping in County Antrim (between Portballintrae and Portrush), and is accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. More recently The Dark Hedges avenue has been featured as the Kings Road in the famous HBO series, Game of Thrones. No, it wasnt named after my visit. Murlough Bay (above) is accessed via another electrifyingly steep and squiggly descent. The Dark Hedges is an ethereal-looking forested tunnel that lines the avenue to the former estate of James Stuart, Gracehill. The best way to get from Dark Hedges to Giant's Causeway without a car is to line 178 bus and line 402 bus which takes 2h 21m and costs $7-$11. http://www.darkhedgesestate.com/. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Dark Hedges? We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Giant's Causeway? Perhaps youve been newly inspired by the heroics of Leona Maguire in the Solheim Cup or LPGA Tour, or watched actor Bill Murray play courses like Druids Glen, Rosapenna and Ballybunion for YouTube series The Links Life. Hours // Dawn to Dusk The rough seas around us make the already spectacular views all the more dramatic. If you arrive at the Giants Causeway on a day when the rain is pummeling down, youre in for a bit of a tough time, unless you wait it out. You don't have to pass through it (access to the rocks is technically free), but paying the fee helps to maintain the National Trust and Unesco World Heritage site, and entitles you to an audio guide and some context in the interactive exhibitions. Discover your full benefits as a Premium subscriber. Not going to lie this was a food stop. As weve all come to embrace the great outdoors during the past 20 months, few sports lend themselves to enjoying our beautiful countryside more than golf. The legend goes that the causeway was built by an Irish giant, so he could do battle with a Scottish giant. Game of Thrones fans will find another excuse to get the Seven Kingdoms selfies going at Ballintoy, a tiny fishing harbour set at the end of a short, corkscrew road just a few minutes west of Carrick-A-Rede. The other day, I had a whole bay to myself. Discover Northern Ireland | Causeway Coastal Route, Additional date**- Certified Leave No Trace Awareness Training, Invitation to Tender- Digital Biodiversity Education Resource Pack, Certified Leave No Trace Awareness Training Course. Dunluce Castle is only 9 minutes down the road and shouldnt be missed. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Prenota Combinazione di navi da crociera Giants Causeway 7 ore inclusa Belfast 1-4 persone a Belfast, Regno Unito da Viator. Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast may not have the brand recognition of the Wild Atlantic Way, but it's an absolute stunner. from . A Mediahuis Website It sits on the cliffs edge overlooking Demesne Beach. I guess I have been looking at too many social media posts because I never imagined tour buses showing up. With over 120 miles of coastline along the Causeway Coastal Route there is a plethora of spectacular attractions including Northern Irelands only World Heritage Site at the Giants Causeway. 711. Waterproof, Vegan Hiking Boots. With its mysterious and spectacular play of light and tranquillity the site has inspired visiting artists and photographers. Copyright 2017 The Giant's Causeway Tour Company | All Rights Reserved | Developed by. The distance between Dark Hedges and Giant's Causeway is 9 miles. Independent.ie. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Bramblings breed from Northern Scandinavia into Siberia. The hedges themselves are around 0.6 miles in length. Two or three days, or more, could easily be spent on this drive. Sustainability Note:Due to the ever-increasing interest in the Dark Hedges, more and more people are visiting every day. Hours // Dawn to Dusk Hours // 09:30-6:00 The castle is surrounded by extremely steep drops on either side, which may have been an important factor to the early Christians and Vikings who were drawn to this place where an early Irish fort once stood. The Causeway Coast Way Car Park (see your map link) where you have to pay by phone was 10, not 5 (guess how I know). So, we turned around and decided to check it out. Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Belfast Tour from Dublin; Giant's Causeway and Game of Thrones Tour from Dublin; Giant's Causeway Tours from Belfast. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Other // no set hours or entrance fee. The Causeway Coast (NI) Starting from Belfast our initial route takes us through Ballymoney and the dark hedges, a sinister tunnel of intertwined beech trees made famous from the Game of Thrones series (Bregagh Rd, Ballymoney BT53 8TP). Kinbane Castle, Ballycastle - Kinbane Castle is surrounded by rugged beauty 2. Dunluce Castle is a 10-minute drive away, Dunseverick Castle is a 5-minute drive and Kinbane Castle is a 20-minute drive. Adult: 13.00, Child: 6.50 and a Family: 32.50. Photo: Pl Conghaile, The Cushendun Caves. Giant's Causeway is an incredibly impressive sight to beholdeven in the same steady rain that had somehow followed us from Carrick-a-Rede. It made the list thanks to the Outstanding Universal Value that it offers visitors. In many ways, the surrounding landscape is just as jaw-dropping verdant greens and army browns slashed by streaks of oxidised red, or folklore-friendly features like the Giant's Boot and Fionn MacCumhaill's chimneys. After a stop at the iconic Dark Hedges, we have a lovely lunch stop at the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy for a delicious pub grub style lunch. Viator is another great option for those looking to visit the Giant's Causeway from Belfast. Last time I visited, Donal Doherty pointed across the wide strip of sand at Portstewart towards Greencastle, on the Inishowen Peninsula. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Storm Gertrude brought several of them crashing down in 2016, and these have been brilliantly recast as Game of Thrones doors like the one in Ballygally Castle Hotel (see above). My last trip was on a Monday in February, and I had hardly anyone else to share it with. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the best things to do near the Giant's Causeway? 5.0 /5. Find all the transport options for your trip from Dark Hedges to Giant's Causeway right here. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Home to the Glens of Antrim, the world-famous Giant's . Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The views down over Downhill beach and over to Donegal are breathtaking as are the waves rippling up hundreds of yards offshore, before rolling in like carpet and breaking white on long strip orange sand. What are the travel restrictions in Dark Hedges? Look at these Game of Thrones scenes Ashley. But, of course. . I will probably stop there for an hour just to take photos . . Take bus 170 or 402 which run regularly from Coleraine to the Giants Causeway. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Take the line 178 bus from Gracehill Clintyfinnan to Ballycastle Marine Corner, Take the line 402 bus from Ballycastle Marine Corner to Aird Giants Causeway The Nook, Take a taxi from Dark Hedges to Giant's Causeway, Drive from Dark Hedges to Giant's Causeway. The Dark Hedges is comprised of a long avenue of beech trees that were planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. You'll pinch yourself when you realise the land masses visible out to sea are, in fact, Scotland. Visit the spectacular Dark Hedges and take in some of the most beautiful sea cliffs along the causeway coast. Yes, the driving distance between Giant's Causeway to Dark Hedges is 21 km. Photo: Pl Conghaile, Hake with chorizo stew at Harry's Shack. With the help of Heritage Lottery Funding The Dark Hedges Preservation Trust project has four aims to conserve and enhance The Dark Hedges, utilise the hedges as a learning tool and improve and develop interpretation around the hedges. Am I allowed to travel from Giant's Causeway to Dark Hedges? I was seriously born in the wrong era. Trascorri del tempo al Giants . Good walking shoes are needed as the trail can get muddy in places. Planted in 1775, The Dark Hedges are as eerie as they are enchanting . There are a few versions of how the story ends one being that Finn hides from the Scottish giant once he saw his size so Finn and his wife disuised him as a baby. Day 3: Scrumptious and Musical Belfast . When time allows, you'll stop at the Portnacreevy viewpoint for photos of the Carric . In order to protect these trees and their roots, please park in the designated pull off (right before you get to the lane). This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee. Pacsafe Cross Body Purse (I love my Pacsafe products and would highly recommend using them when traveling) Ireland looks like a dream, and you lucked out with great weather! A railway once passed under the bridge on the Bregagh Road; going from Ballymoney to Ballycastle; via Dervock, Stranocum, Gracehill and Capecastle. A railway once passed under the bridge on the Bregagh Road; going from Ballymoney to Ballycastle; via Dervock, Stranocum, Gracehill and Capecastle. ESSENTIAL INFO "Its walls were once lined with bookcases. These beautiful journey sceneries are wonderful moments in our life. While I know youre excited to see this magnificent UNESCO site (the only one in Northern Ireland), just realize that sometimes, just sometimes, it really is about the journey and not the destination. We exist to make planning your Irish Road Trip easy. ESSENTIAL INFO Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images). Visitors to the site should also be aware that the Ballinlea Road is a public thoroughfare with traffic travelling in both directions. ESSENTIAL INFO All these sites are too beautiful that they look unreal, especially the Dark Hedge and Giants Causeway. Traveling by rental car in Ireland and Northern Ireland is my favorite way to experience it. So, there are a few ways of visiting the Giants Causeway for free or for a severely reduced price. The best way to get from Giant's Causeway to Dark Hedges without a car is to line 402 bus and line 178 bus which takes 2h 33m and costs 7-11. Here are two with excellent reviews: One of the beauties of Menlo Castle is that its a short spin away from a clatter some of the best places to visit in Antrim. The souvenir-sized village of Cushendun is home to Mary McBrides pub, a good stop for traditional dishes and old-school atmosphere. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, Nationwide control measures in placeObserve COVID-19 safety rules, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 111. Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle ,Dark Hedges and Belfast By Finn McCools Tours 1,770 reviews Recommended by 97% of travelers Tick off Northern Ireland's top attractions in just one day during a stress-free tour from Dublin, ideal for travelers with limited time on the Emerald Isle. Expand. You can park at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park. In 2004 the Department of the Environment (NI) Planning Service placed a Tree Preservation Order on The Dark Hedges. As always, all opinions are my own and I will never promote something I dont personally use and believe in, regardless of who foots the bill. A wooden cross before the descent to Murlough Bay, Co Antrim. It was never intended to be a tourist attraction, that all changed with its feature as 'The Kings Road' within Game of Thrones. Address // 107 Sea Rd, Castlerock For Thronies, this leg features another iconic location. If you dont want to get stung with the hefty Giants Causeway parking charges at the visitor centre, park at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park (10 minute walk) for 10. Park your car for free at Salmon Rock Beach and take the 1.5 to 2-hour coastal loop from Portballintrae. Welcome! The Dark Hedges is comprised of a long avenue of beech trees that were planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. Photo: Pl Conghaile, A love memento tacked to a post at Ballintoy Harbour, on the Causeway Coast. 17 Mar 2023 13:25:32 Better still, slake your appetite and explore an electric food and craft drinks scene with one of Caroline Wilson's Belfast Bites tours (tasteandtour.co.uk; 65/74pp for 3.5 hours with tastings). Many people visit the Giant's Causeway on a road trip around the Causeway Coast or as part of a day tour from Belfast. Research using these guides or read my other Northern Ireland posts. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Dark Hedges is subject to regional advice. Excursions de un dia a Giant 's Causeway i Irlanda del Nord des de Dubln. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. The Dark Hedges 30 Minutes Dunluce Castle Photo Opportunity Giant's Causeway + Visitors Centre Included 2 hours approx Ballintoy Village Lunch 45 Mins Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge No Bus Tours Allowed - 2023 Carnlough Harbour 15 Minutes Carrickfergus Castle 20 Minutes Return Belfast City Approx 5:15 - 5:30pm MEETING POINT & DROP OFF Did you know? Not only is the food exceptional and the cafe super atmospheric, but the little town of Ballycastle is really adorable. Beech is monoecious, meaning both male and female flowers grow on the same tree, in April and May. More info below. The Dark Hedges are found in County Antrim in Northern Ireland between the villages of Armoy and Stranocum. Although a visit to the Giants Causeway is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows thatll make your visit that bit more enjoyable. Yes, travel within United Kingdom is currently allowed. Despite how nice the weather may be in Dublin it is possible to arrive on the coast and have rain and blinding fog. From navigating the Tube to exploring by ferry, Rome2rios UK travel guides give you the lowdown on this tourist hotspot. Dark Hedges is an avenue of roughly 150 Beech trees that form a tunnel. In 2014 ninety-four Beech trees (Fagus sylvatica L.) were surveyed and recorded as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded project commissioned by The Dark Hedges Preservation Trust and the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust. If you can nab a meal at the Muddlers Club (muddlersclubbelfast.com), do. The house and immediate grounds are now privately owned with some of the estate developed into a popular 18 hole parkland golf course and The Hedges Hotel. Thanks for the information. ESSENTIAL INFO Visit the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and spend some time in Belfast. Exceptions may apply, for full details: UK Government. Details: bushmills.com/distillery (15/17); bushmillsinn.com, Giants Causeway, Co. Antrim. I only knew that it was the Game of Thrones filming location for Pyke and the Iron Islands and that alone left me wanting to visit. The Wood Mouse is sometimes known as the Long-tailed Field Mouse and is widespread, probably most common in woodland, rough grassland and gardens. Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland. Last updated: 21 Feb 2023 AMAZING 5 / . Great article by the way! It lies on the edge of the Antrim plateau between Causeway Head and Benbane Head, some 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Londonderry. They are one of the most photographed spots in Northern Ireland and can you blame the people?! The Dark Hedges The first stop on your Giant's Causeway Experience. (c) Matthew Woodhouse Photography. The Dark Hedges is an avenue composed of beech trees growing either side of an old Irish road and is one of the best free things to do in Northern Ireland. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Here are some pics I took from one of my trips to Ireland The Giant's Causeway, and Dark Hedges! It was a narrow gauge railway which operated passenger and freight services for almost 70 years until it was closed by the Ulster Transport Authority in 1950. Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2018 has been released and Northern Ireland can start popping the Champagne corks. There is, however, a more fun explanation and it goes a little something like this. This 16th-century ruin sits like a spectre atop of the cliffs. If 3 adults used the alternative Giants Causeway parking listed below, itd cost just 10 a saving of a whopping 24. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Legends surrounding the place include the story of a castle kitchen that collapsed into the sea one stormy night (taking several cooks with it). They may be Northern Ireland's most iconic Game of Thrones location, but the Dark Hedges appear only fleetingly in the show - when a cart carrying Arya Stark and friends trundles down the King's Road in Series 2. Beech is wind pollinated. Ballycastle is a good base for the Causeway Coastal Route, with overnight options including the three-star Marine Hotel in the centre of town and The Salthouse - a four-star with new lodges set on a height overlooking the coast. Learn how your comment data is processed. The mysterious and creepy effect of the Beech trees lined up along Bregagh Road makes the Dark Hedges the most photographed location in Northern Ireland. Northern treasure: Giants Causeway. One of the most popular things to do near the Giants Causeway (especially when its raining!) The house is now part of a golf course with a bar and restaurant. "The temple was actually built as a bishops library on the Downhill Estate and was named after his cousin Mrs. Frideswide Mussenden. Admire the magnificent seascape and the stone columns that form the Causeway itself. This is what I did . However, the landscape left me stunned. The Dark Hedges Bregagh Road, Stranocum, County Antrim, BT53 8PX About This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. The atmosphere of this place quickly landed it as one of my favoritecoffee shops/cafes in Ireland. Just a half-hour drive from the Giant's Causeway, it's an easy hop over to see the Dark Hedges first thing in the morning. Enter email address The rope bridge has plenty of history and wasnt always just a tourist attraction but now its one of the best pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. Maybe it was because it was not planned.