The Giant’s Causeway is undoubtedly Ireland’s most visited site, but visitors often ask a common question: Is the Giant’s Causeway suitable for kids?
This article addresses concerns about Giant’s Causeway for kids, covering safety, activities, and practical tips and tricks for a pleasant family visit.
It also contains a fun Giant’s Causeway story for kids.
Is Giant’s Causeway suitable for kids?
Formed millions of years ago, this geological marvel has a formation featuring hexagonal basalt columns that never fail to captivate the imagination of young minds.
Also, a fascinating legend (mentioned below) about Finn McCool associated with the Causeway often resonates well with children.
Beyond this, the site offers a mix of adventure and educational opportunities, allowing kids to explore nature’s wonders while learning about its fun history.
So, for families with curious and active kids (older than 3 to 4 years), climbing and navigating the unique rock formations of Giant’s Causeway is an exciting adventure.
The coastal setting and scenic views also make it an ideal destination for fun family outings. It is a natural playground and kids just love it!
However, it might be more practical to consider alternative arrangements for families with young children under 4 years of age.
Tips for Visiting Giant’s Causeway with Kids:
While visiting the Causeway with kids, here are some tips that will help you:
1. Book Giant’s Causeway tour in advance:
Giant’s Causeway is quite famous, but reaching the site can be tough due to its far-fetched location, especially if you are with your children.
To make your experience hassle-free, you can book the Giant’s Causeway tour in advance and get yourself a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.
Various online tours provide round-trip transportation from cities like Belfast and Dublin, along with a tour guide and additional visits to other famous sites.
Booking ahead secures your spot on the family-friendly tour, which is very important during peak seasons.
It also provides flexibility in choosing suitable time slots, allowing efficient planning for your children’s needs.
Also, you can check the drop-off points and facilities offered to you during the tour in advance.
Some of the most popular and best Giant’s Causeway tours are:
| Tour tickets | Prices |
|---|---|
| Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast | €28 |
| Giant’s Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip | €41 |
| Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce & Belfast Tour from Dublin | €83 |
2. Plan to stay near Giants Causeway
While taking a day trip from Dublin or Belfast to the Causeway is possible, it can be tiring for kids.
When visiting Giant’s Causeway with kids, plan to stay at a nearby location overnight and visit the next morning.
Staying overnight also provides the advantage of an early start, beating the crowds, and you can visit it early in the morning, which is the best time to visit Giant’s Causeway.
One excellent option to stay near the Causeway is the Causeway Hotel, located right next to the Giant’s Causeway visitor center.
Staying there provides convenience and includes parking, visitor center entry, and a tour or audio guide, saving you money.
3. Dress Warmly and wear grippy shoes
Giant’s Causeway is an outdoor adventure and due to its location along the ocean, the weather can be unpredictable.
Even in the summer months, the weather can be cool, and the winds can be brisk.
So, dress your kids in layers and don’t forget to bring waterproof jackets or sweaters.
Also, the surface is uneven and its surrounding trails may require some walking. So, both adults and children should wear grippy shoes or walking boots.
The basalt columns can be slippery, especially in certain weather conditions, and having sturdy footwear will help ensure a safer experience.
Pro Tip💡: Want some handy tips for visiting the Giant’s Causeway in a budget-friendly way? Read our detailed guide on Giant’s Causeway tips.
4. Visit the Visitor’s Center
You can visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center after visiting the causeway.
It is located near the Causeway and provides various facilities like parking, Giant’s Causeway information, a cafe, an outdoor audio guide, toilets, and baby changing facilities.
The place also provides educational resources and exhibits about the formation of the Causeway.
It includes information videos and kid-friendly displays about the Giant’s Causeway story, which kids can enjoy.
5. Carry Food/Water
The Giant’s Causeway tour might take time, and its surrounding trails may require some walking. So, water and snacks can keep the children energized throughout the visit.
While there is a visitor center near the Causeway with cafés and shops, your options for purchasing food and water may be limited if you don’t visit the center.
So, consider turning your visit into a mini picnic by bringing sandwiches, fruits, or other easy-to-carry snacks.
You can find a scenic spot to enjoy the meal and take a break to soak in the stunning views.
5. Keep a close eye on kids
The rugged terrain, uneven surfaces, and cliff proximity can pose dangers. Children should not wander too close to the edges.
The powerful waves and striking cliffs contribute to the location’s charm but also mean that surfaces can become slick.
So, make sure to either hold their hands or keep a close eye on your kids at all times.
Overall, Giant’s Causeway offers kids the opportunity for discovery, exploration and curiosity. Also, if you consider these tips, then it will surely be a worthwhile and fun adventure!
What is the story of the Giant’s Causeway for kids?
Once upon a time, there was a giant named Finn McCool in Northern Ireland.
He lived near the sea, and he liked to build things.
One day, he heard about a giant in Scotland named Benandonner, who was known for being violent and would engage in battles.
Finn didn’t like that at all, so he decided to teach Benandonner a lesson.
He started picking up big pieces of land and throwing them into the sea, creating a giant path or walkway that reached all the way to Scotland.
This path was called the Giant’s Causeway.
But when Finn saw how huge Benandonner really was, he got scared and ran back to Ireland as fast as he could but Benandonner also followed him.
Finn’s quick-thinking wife, Oonagh, came up with a clever plan.
She disguised Finn as a baby and put him in a cradle.
When Benandonner arrived and saw the giant baby, he thought, “If the baby is this big, imagine how enormous the daddy must be!”
He got scared and hurried back to Scotland, destroying the path behind him.
That’s why there’s a Giant’s Causeway in Ireland and Fingal’s Cave in Scotland.
So, even though the path Finn made was gone, the Giant’s Causeway stayed behind, and people worldwide came to see it.
Some say giants made it, but scientists think it happened very long ago because of cooling lava.
Contents
Want to know such interesting stories about the Causeway?
Read our detailed article on the history of the Giant’s Causeway and fascinating facts about the Giant’s Causeway.
FAQs about Giant’s Causeway for Kids
1. Can kids visit the Giant’s Causeway?
Yes, Giant’s Causeway is a well-worth experience suitable for kids over 3 to 4 years of age. It offers a natural playground for exploration.
Also, safety tips, engaging activities, and practical considerations ensure a family-friendly experience, though it’s advisable to make alternative arrangements for children under 4 years old.
2. What is the Giant’s Causeway myth for kids?
The Giant’s Causeway myth is a story about a giant named Finn McCool, who is believed to have built the Causeway.
People love the story, and some think giants made it, while scientists believe it happened a really long time ago because of cooling lava.
3. Are there any legends about the Giant’s Causeway?
Absolutely! The most famous legend says that an Irish giant named Finn McCool built the causeway to walk to Scotland and fight a Scottish giant.
Kids love hearing the stories of giants that might have roamed the same paths they’re walking on!
4. What can kids do at the Giant’s Causeway?
Kids can climb the stone columns, learn about the area’s fascinating geology and legends at the Visitor Center, and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.
There are also interactive exhibits designed especially for young explorers.
5. Is the Giant’s Causeway walk suitable for young children?
The main path to the causeway is accessible and can be managed by young children.
However, some areas might require careful supervision due to uneven and slippery surfaces.
6. What should kids wear to the Giant’s Causeway?
It’s best to wear sturdy shoes or boots for climbing on the rocks and bring a raincoat just in case, as the weather can change quickly.
Don’t forget to wear a hat and sunscreen on sunny days!
7. Are there educational programs for kids at the Giant’s Causeway?
Yes, the Visitor Center offers educational resources and programs that make learning about the Giant’s Causeway’s geology and legends fun and engaging for kids.
8. How long does exploring the Giant’s Causeway with children take?
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours enjoying the Giant’s Causeway with kids.
This gives you plenty of time to walk to the stones, explore, and maybe even enjoy a picnic.
9. Can you take a stroller to the Giant’s Causeway?
While the main path is accessible, the natural rock formations at the causeway itself may not be suitable for strollers.
It’s recommended to bring a baby carrier for very young children.
10. Is there a place to eat or rest near the Giant’s Causeway?
Yes, there’s a café at the Visitor Center where families can grab a bite or drink.
There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy a snack with a view.
Featured Image: Nationaltrust.org.uk
