Shepherd's Steps: A Coastal Ascent
Ascend the Shepherd's Steps for breathtaking views of the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's iconic coastal wonder.
The Shepherd's Steps offer a unique perspective on the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the coast of Northern Ireland. Carved into the cliffs, these steps provide a challenging but rewarding ascent with panoramic views of the dramatic coastline and the famous hexagonal basalt columns. As you climb, you'll be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Antrim coast. The steps are steep and narrow, requiring a reasonable level of fitness, but the ever-changing vistas make the effort worthwhile. From the top, you can see the Giant's Causeway stretching out into the sea, with views of other notable formations such as the Giant's Boot and Organ. Geologically, the Giant's Causeway was formed over 60 million years ago by intense volcanic activity. The Shepherd's Steps provide a vantage point to appreciate the scale and complexity of this natural wonder. The area is also rich in legend, with tales of the giant Finn MacCool who supposedly built the causeway to cross to Scotland. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking a memorable experience, the Shepherd's Steps offer a unique way to connect with the Giant's Causeway and the stunning coastal scenery of Northern Ireland.
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes as the steps can be steep and uneven.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning coastal views.
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change quickly.
A brief summary to Shepherd's Steps
- Bushmills, GB
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, head southwest towards the coast. Follow the coastal path for about 0.5 miles (10-15 minutes). The Shepherd's Steps are located west of the visitor center, with a clear signpost indicating the start of the trail. Note that the walk from the Visitor Centre to the steps is free, but there is a charge to park at the Visitor Centre if you are not a National Trust member or do not have a Visitor Experience ticket.
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Public Transport
Take the Translink bus (e.g., Ulsterbus 177 or 402) to the Giant's Causeway. From the bus stop, walk to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre and follow the walking directions to the Shepherd's Steps. A Translink day ticket offering hop-on-hop-off service along the Causeway Coast costs under £10. Note that the bus only accepts cash.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre for Visitor Experience ticket holders and National Trust members. For non-members without tickets, alternative parking is available at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park (60 Causeway Road) for £15 per car. From either car park, follow the walking directions to the Shepherd's Steps. Parking at the Causeway Hotel costs £10, but you receive a £10 voucher to spend at the hotel restaurant.
