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, near Bushmills, are part of the Giant's Causeway landscape, offering a challenging climb with rewarding views of the coastline and unique basalt columns. These steps provide access to the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
A brief summary to Shepherd's Steps
- Bushmills, GB
- Click to display
- 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
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.
Do you manage this location?
Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more
Activate your presence
Getting There
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Discover more about Shepherd's Steps
Explore the best of what Shepherd's Steps has to offer
More about Causeway Coastal Route
Experience the magic of Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route with its stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, and charming villages along one of the world's most scenic drives.
Tell me more about Causeway Coastal Route
Explore the breathtaking beauty and folklore of Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its unique basalt columns and stunning coastal views.
Discover the stunning beauty of the Giant's Causeway Viewpoint, where myth meets nature in Northern Ireland's iconic landscape.
