How to Visit Giant's Causeway After Hours and Have it All to Yourself!

Popular tourist spots are popular for a reason. But can I make a confession? I hate crowds! There, I said it! I think that I unlocked the secret to visiting one of the most popular natural attractions in Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway, without all the crowds! For me, it makes my visit that much more enjoyable when I'm not fighting selfie sticks and groups trying to get that perfect Instagram shot. Want to know how you can get the Giant's Causeway virtually to yourself? Read on!

How to Visit Giant's Causeway After Hours and Have it All to Yourself!

We circled the Emerald Isle in 15 days making a clockwise circle that started and ended in Dublin. Our visit in Northern Ireland was at the beginning of our trip. 
If you'd like to see our itinerary {which we thought was darn near perfect!}, you can start with part 1 here: Northern Ireland and the Antrim Coast

Why Visit After Hours?

During the day, the Giant's Causeway is packed with tourists, especially in peak season. But arriving after hours? That's the game-changer. Visiting in the evening {or even early morning if you are an early bird!} means no crowds, no rushing, and the chance to soak in the natural beauty in peace! We went in September around 7 PM and saw only five people the whole time we were there!
Visiting after hours will also allow you to visit for free. There is only an admission fee if you are visiting the visitor's center. Parking is free after the visitor's center is closed!

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Plan an Overnight Stay in Northern Ireland

One of the best ways to enjoy the Causeway after hours is to stay locally. The roads in Ireland are narrow and not often lit with street lights, making them more, shall we say, interesting to navigate. We spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect location on the Causeway Coast to stay, and I think we found it in a lovely bed & breakfast in Port Bradden. But there are also great options in Portrush, Bushmills, and Ballycastle as well. 
Looking for a place to stay in Northern Ireland? Check out these options!
This was my first true bed and breakfast experience and it did not disappoint! Our room was in a home, which I will say was a bit out of our comfort zone, but our host Edith was incredible. We had a private bath and she served us a lovely homemade breakfast in the morning. If you've never stayed at a bed & breakfast in someone's home {common in this part of Europe}, don't hesitate to book a stay. You'll likely find the most hospitable people that will host you!
Everything in the area is a short drive, making it easily accessible if you have a car. I didn't do the driving in Ireland, but I did help with the navigating, and honestly it wasn't that bad. It really gave us the luxury do get off the beaten path a bit, even at those popular tourist hot spots!
Staying nearby not only makes visiting easier, but it also allows you to explore other incredible sights along the Causeway Coast at less crowded times, like: 

• The Dark Hedges: Go early in the morning before the crowds arrive!
• Carrick-a-Rede Bridge: Make reservations ahead of time. Your visit is weather dependent and we were able to save money by booking online the night before.
• Dunluce Castle: A stunning ruin with epic coastal views. The castle is worth visiting, just know that tour buses make frequent {but not long} stops, so feel free to wait them out for the best experience!

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Pro tip: Don't rent a car in Dublin! We stayed in Dublin on our first night after arriving, took a city bus to our hotel downtown, and returned to the airport the next day to pick up our rental car for the remainder of our trip. This seems like the best way to do it! 
Remember: You will be driving on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road. It's the opposite on both accounts if you are a driver in the US!

Getting There:

44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, County Antrim

Parking: There’s a car park for the visitor’s center, which operates from 9 AM – 6 PM in summer and 9 AM – 5 PM in winter. If you arrive after 6 PM (or 5 PM in winter), parking is free!

The Causeway Hotel will put you in the heart of the action with modest accommodations {and only 28 rooms!} literally steps from the Giant's Causeway Visitor's Center and entrance. The hotel will allow you to park in their lot if you dine at their restaurant. This wasn't an issue for us, as dining options were slim and after our walk we were hungry!

Pro tip: Keep in mind the closing hours of the restaurant. If memory serves right, I feel like we shut them down!

If you do nothing else, order the sticky toffee pudding at the Causeway Hotel. I spent the whole rest of the trip chasing the flavor and coming up empty. It was THE best on the whole entire island!

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Admission Costs

The best-kept secret? Admission is only charged if you enter the visitor’s center. If you go after hours, it costs NOTHING. That’s right—free access to one of the most famous natural wonders in the world!

The Walk to the Causeway

There is a short, fully paved trail that is under half a mile that will lead to the "main" entrance of Giant's Causeway. There are a few options depending on how scenic you want to make it, but if you want the shortest, easiest path, follow the signs for the Blue Trail.

The trail route is not quite as noticeable if you are trying to find it on your own. If you access it through the Visitor's Center {only when open, and at a cost!}, the door opens to the path. 

However, you will be walking up and over the roof of the Visitor's Center. Yes, the roof. You'll see steps that come out of the Visitor's Center. There's a path that heads down to the aptly named Windy Gap {it was very windy! Dress in layers!} and you'll continue on to see the stones. 

Please note! There are several incredible hikes in the area. The Blue Trail is paved and easily accessible without any steep drops. However, the same can't be said for some of the other trails. Be safe, and smart, and don't try to do any of the longer cliffside hikes when you have limited vision. There are steep drop offs and cliffs! 

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Some Things to Note:

If you visit during the day, you have the option to take a shuttle bus to avoid the walk. There is an admission fee.

After hours, there are no facilities, audio guides, or tour operators, so be prepared for the walk both ways. What goes down, must come up! 

Low tide is the best time to visit because you get to see more of the rock formations. Check a tide chart before you go, to find out what time is the best time to visit.

The reward? Having the entire site to yourself!

What to Bring to Giant's Causeway

Sturdy Walking Shoes! The rocks can be slippery especially if it's rained! 

A Tripod: You are going to want to set up your camera to snap those incredible photos. This is the one I use. 

Wear Layers: It does get cold, especially in that Windy Gap area of the trail!

A Flashlight or Headlamp: If you want to stay after the sun goes down {or get there before the sun comes up!} there is very little light on the path. These headlamps will give you a hand free option. 

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The Magic of Visiting at Sunset

Sunset at the Giant's Causeway is truly special. With fewer people around, you can appreciate the hexagonal basalt columns, hear the waves crashing against the shore, and take stunning photos without crowds in the background. The golden light reflecting off the rocks makes an unforgettable experience, and you can sit back and think of the people who have appreciated this same spot for centuries!

You aren't going to want to miss Northern Ireland! It's rugged, breathtakingly beautiful, and full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered! 

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