The Elephant Rock: A Coastal Giant
Discover the iconic Elephant Rock near Ballintoy, Northern Ireland: a natural wonder on the Causeway Coast offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
The Elephant Rock, near Ballintoy, Northern Ireland, is a striking rock formation resembling an elephant, carved by nature's forces. Situated along the Causeway Coastal Route, it offers stunning views and a unique photo opportunity against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
A brief summary to The Elephant Rock
- Ballycastle, Ballintoy, BT54 6NA, GB
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the coastal path walk from Ballintoy Harbour.
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Check the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly along the coast.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning coastal views and unique rock formation.
- Explore nearby Ballintoy Harbour and the village for local charm and history.
Getting There
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Walking
From Ballintoy Harbour, follow the coastal path west towards White Park Bay. After crossing two fences, you'll find the Elephant Rock along the shoreline. The walk is roughly 15 minutes from the harbor. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear as the path can be uneven.
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Public Transport
From Giant's Causeway, take the number 172 bus towards Ballycastle. Get off at the Ballintoy stop. From the bus stop, walk towards Ballintoy Harbour (approximately 10 minutes). Once at the harbour, the Elephant Rock is a short 5-minute walk along the coast. A single bus fare will cost around £8.
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Car
From the Giant's Causeway visitor center, head east on the A2 towards Ballycastle. Turn right onto the B90 road following signs for Ballintoy. In Ballintoy, park at the Ballintoy Harbour car park. The Elephant Rock is a 5-minute walk from there. Parking is free.
Discover more about The Elephant Rock
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Whitepark Bay viewpoint
1.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Whitepark Bay viewpoint, a scenic gem along the Northern Irish coastline offering stunning views and tranquility.
Giants Causeway Carpark
8.3 km
Explore the breathtaking Giants Causeway Carpark, the gateway to Northern Ireland's iconic natural wonder and captivating myths.
National Trust - Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
8.7 km
Explore the stunning Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, the gateway to Northern Ireland's iconic natural wonder with rich history and breathtaking views.
Bay of the Cow
8.8 km
Explore the stunning Bay of the Cow, a tranquil coastal gem near the Giant's Causeway, rich in natural beauty and history.
Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway
8.8 km
Discover the breathtaking landscapes and geological marvels of Giant's Causeway, paired with a charming journey on the historic Bushmills Railway.
Portcoon Jetty
9.1 km
Discover the serene beauty of Portcoon Jetty, a breathtaking coastal escape in Northern Ireland, perfect for photography and nature lovers alike.
The Dark Hedges
11.9 km
Discover the enchanting beech tree-lined avenue of The Dark Hedges, a must-visit natural wonder in Northern Ireland, perfect for photography and serene strolls.
Dunluce Castle
13.1 km
Discover the enchanting Dunluce Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the Antrim Coast, rich in history and stunning landscapes.
National Trust Barmouth Bird Hide
25.5 km
Discover the beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat at Barmouth Bird Hide, a serene nature preserve in Northern Ireland perfect for birdwatching.
National Trust - Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
28.6 km
Discover the breathtaking Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, a stunning blend of nature, history, and coastal views in Northern Ireland.
Merrick Stone
32.9 km
Discover the intriguing history and stunning scenery of Merrick Stone, a captivating landmark in Limavady, Northern Ireland.
American Monument
38.9 km
Discover the American Monument on the Isle of Islay: a captivating tribute surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes and rich history.
Whitebay
42.0 km
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Whitebay, a tranquil tourist attraction in Ballymena perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Moville Shore Path Walk, Inishowen
42.2 km
Explore the breathtaking Moville Shore Path Walk in Inishowen, where stunning coastal views and serene pathways await every nature lover.
Carraig Fhada Lighthouse
43.4 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich maritime history at Carraig Fhada Lighthouse on the stunning Isle of Islay.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Skull Rock
0.2 km
Discover the breathtaking Skull Rock in Ballycastle, a unique natural formation with picturesque coastal views along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Ballintoy Harbour
0.8 km
Explore the enchanting Ballintoy Harbour, a must-see destination on the Northern Ireland coast, known for its stunning views and rich maritime history.
Ballintoy point
0.8 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Ballintoy Point, a scenic coastal spot in Northern Ireland perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Black and White Bay
1.0 km
Explore the stunning beauty and tranquility of Black and White Bay, a coastal gem in Ballycastle, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
The Element Rock
1.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of The Element Rock, a stunning natural attraction along Northern Ireland's picturesque coastline, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Ballintoy boat tours
1.5 km
Experience the stunning beauty of Northern Ireland's coastline with unforgettable boat tours in Ballintoy, showcasing rugged cliffs and vibrant marine life.
Causeway Coastal Route
1.5 km
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.
Whitepark Bay Beach
1.8 km
Discover Whitepark Bay: A secluded Northern Ireland beach with stunning scenery, rich history, and unique wildlife encounters along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Dunseverick coastal walk
2.1 km
Explore the stunning Dunseverick Coastal Walk, a breathtaking hiking area along Northern Ireland's rugged coastline, rich in wildlife and natural beauty.
National Trust - White Park Bay
2.2 km
Experience the unspoiled beauty of White Park Bay, a serene coastal haven with stunning beaches, rich wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes in Northern Ireland.
Portbradden Harbour
2.3 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Portbradden Harbour, a scenic coastal gem in Northern Ireland, ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Portbraddan Cottage
2.4 km
Experience the enchanting beauty and historical charm of Portbraddan Cottage, a must-visit destination on Northern Ireland's stunning coast.
Beach and caves
3.0 km
Explore the scenic hiking trails, pristine beaches, and captivating caves along Ballycastle's stunning coastline on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Rope bridge quarry (GOT)
3.1 km
Experience breathtaking views and thrilling adventures at the iconic Rope Bridge Quarry in Ballycastle, a must-visit tourist attraction.
National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede
3.1 km
Experience the thrill of crossing Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, a stunning coastal attraction in Northern Ireland with breathtaking views and rich history.
Essential places to dine
Roark's Kitchen
0.8 km
Discover Roark's Kitchen in Ballintoy: A cozy cafe offering homemade treats and stunning views along Northern Ireland’s breathtaking coast.
The Fullerton Arms
1.6 km
Experience authentic Irish hospitality at The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy - where comfort meets breathtaking coastal views.
Carrick-A-Rede Bar and Restaurant
1.6 km
Experience the best of Northern Irish cuisine at Carrick-A-Rede Bar and Restaurant—where delicious food meets stunning coastal views.
Bothy White Park Bay
2.7 km
Experience delightful breakfasts and exquisite coffee at Bothy White Park Bay, nestled on Northern Ireland's scenic coastline.
Causeway Tavern B & B
5.7 km
Discover comfort and charm at Causeway Tavern B & B in Dunseverick - your perfect base for exploring Northern Ireland's natural wonders.
Hungry Giant Causeway
8.6 km
Discover delicious local cuisine at Hungry Giant Causeway while enjoying breathtaking views near Northern Ireland's iconic natural wonder.
Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel
8.6 km
Discover the welcoming embrace of Finn McCool's Hostel near Giants Causeway - your gateway to adventure in Northern Ireland.
The Nook
8.6 km
Discover The Nook in Bushmills - where fresh seafood meets stunning coastal views for an unforgettable dining experience.
National trust cafe
8.7 km
Experience local flavors at the National Trust Cafe while enjoying breathtaking views near Giant's Causeway.
The Causeway Hotel
8.7 km
Discover unparalleled comfort at The Causeway Hotel, your gateway to explore Northern Ireland's breathtaking landscapes near the iconic Giant's Causeway.
The Cellar
9.4 km
Experience the best of local seafood at The Cellar in Ballycastle - where fresh meets flavor in a charming seaside setting.
Market Square
9.9 km
Experience authentic Irish cuisine at Market Square in Bushmills - where delicious food meets vibrant culture.
The Bushmills Inn Restaurant and Bar
9.9 km
Discover culinary delights at The Bushmills Inn Restaurant and Bar - where traditional Irish hospitality meets modern gastropub dining.
The Bushmills Inn Hotel
9.9 km
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Bushmills Townhouse
9.9 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
North Coast Coffee
1.5 km
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The wee shop
1.6 km
Experience local charm at The Wee Shop in Ballycastle, your go-to convenience store for essentials and unique souvenirs in Northern Ireland.
The Woodpile Provisions
4.9 km
Explore unique handmade home goods at The Woodpile Provisions in Ballycastle, where local craftsmanship meets cozy charm for the perfect souvenir.
Express Snack Hub & Hot Drinks
8.7 km
Experience the warm hospitality of Bushmills at Express Snack Hub & Hot Drinks, where every sip and bite reflects the charm of Northern Ireland.
Someplace in Time
9.0 km
Explore the enchanting furniture store Someplace in Time in Ballycastle, where unique vintage and contemporary pieces await every discerning shopper.
The Original Factory Shop (Ballycastle)
9.2 km
Experience the best in shopping at The Original Factory Shop in Ballycastle, where quality meets affordability for every traveler.
Cobwebs
9.4 km
Explore Cobwebs, Ballycastle's antique store, where history and charm come together in a treasure hunt for unique collectibles and vintage finds.
Home Made Beautiful
9.5 km
Explore the charm of Ballycastle at Home Made Beautiful, your go-to gift shop for unique handmade treasures and local artisan crafts.
That Witch
9.6 km
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Old Bushmills Distillery Gift Shop
9.8 km
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CentraBushmills
9.9 km
Discover the convenience of CentraBushmills, your go-to supermarket for fresh produce and local delicacies in the heart of Bushmills, Northern Ireland.
Co-op Food - Bushmills
9.9 km
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Lilly's
9.9 km
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Therapy:Sole
9.9 km
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Therapy Style Studio
9.9 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
McBrides Bar
5.7 km
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The Coast Inn
9.2 km
Experience authentic Irish hospitality at The Coast Inn, Ballycastle's cherished pub offering local cuisine and craft beverages.
ANZAC BAR, RESTAURANT & OFF SALES
9.3 km
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Glenshesk Bar
9.4 km
Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at Glenshesk Bar, Ballycastle's favorite spot for local brews and live music.
House of McDonnell
9.4 km
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The Boyd Arms
9.4 km
Experience authentic Irish hospitality at The Boyd Arms in Ballycastle, where great food and local brews await in a cozy pub atmosphere.
Nellie Rua's, Ballycastle
9.4 km
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O'Connor's Bar
9.4 km
Discover the heart of Ballycastle at O'Connor's Bar, where traditional Irish hospitality meets a vibrant local atmosphere.
The Diamond Bar
9.5 km
Experience authentic Irish pub culture at The Diamond Bar in Ballycastle, offering a warm atmosphere and a wide selection of local beverages.
Anglers Arms
9.7 km
Experience the warm Irish hospitality at Anglers Arms Pub in Ballycastle, offering delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy with friends.
Harbour Bar
9.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and local charm at Harbour Bar, Ballycastle's premier destination for drinks and entertainment.
The Scotch House Bar
9.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of The Scotch House Bar in Bushmills, where traditional Irish music meets delicious pub fare and a warm welcome.
Chonga Castlecatt
10.7 km
Experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at Chonga Castlecatt, a charming bar in Bushmills, where local culture and relaxation meet.
The Armada Inn
12.7 km
Discover the charm of The Armada Inn, a cozy pub in Armoy offering authentic Irish cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.
Hunters Bar
13.2 km
Experience the charm of Ballyvoy at Hunters Bar, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in a cozy atmosphere.
