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
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Dramatic clifftop vista of white sand and ancient dunes on the North Antrim coast.
The Dark Hedges
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Dunluce Castle
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National Trust Barmouth Bird Hide
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National Trust - Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
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Merrick Stone
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American Monument
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Whitebay
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Moville Shore Path Walk, Inishowen
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Carraig Fhada Lighthouse
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Port Ellen War Memorial
44.7 km
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Leodamais
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IsleAdilla @ The Old Excise House
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Soldiers Rock
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Laphroaig Distillery
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Unmissable attractions to see
The Skull Rock
0.2 km
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Ballintoy Harbour
0.8 km
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Black and White Bay
1.0 km
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The Element Rock
1.5 km
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Causeway Coastal Route
1.5 km
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Whitepark Bay Beach
1.8 km
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Dunseverick coastal walk
2.1 km
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National Trust - White Park Bay
2.2 km
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Portbradden Harbour
2.3 km
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Portbraddan Cottage
2.4 km
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Beach and caves
3.0 km
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Rope bridge quarry (GOT)
3.1 km
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National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede
3.1 km
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Dunseverick pool
3.3 km
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Dunseverick Surf
3.3 km
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Essential places to dine
Roark's Kitchen
0.8 km
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The Fullerton Arms
1.6 km
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Carrick-A-Rede Bar and Restaurant
1.6 km
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Bothy White Park Bay
2.7 km
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Causeway Tavern B & B
5.7 km
Family-run B&B near Bushmills offering cozy rooms, hearty breakfasts, and lively local charm just minutes from the Giant’s Causeway.
Hungry Giant Causeway
8.6 km
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Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel
8.6 km
Boutique hostel with panoramic coastal views, just steps from the Giant's Causeway, offering budget-friendly comfort and a friendly atmosphere.
The Nook
8.6 km
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National trust cafe
8.7 km
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The Causeway Hotel
8.7 km
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The Cellar
9.4 km
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Market Square
9.9 km
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The Bushmills Inn Restaurant and Bar
9.9 km
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The Bushmills Inn Hotel
9.9 km
A historic 17th-century coaching inn reborn as a 4-star boutique retreat on the Causeway Coast, with peat fires, an AA Rosette restaurant, and easy access to the Giant’s Causeway.
Bushmills Townhouse
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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
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The Woodpile Provisions
4.9 km
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Express Snack Hub & Hot Drinks
8.7 km
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Someplace in Time
9.0 km
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The Original Factory Shop (Ballycastle)
9.2 km
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Cobwebs
9.4 km
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Home Made Beautiful
9.5 km
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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
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Co-op Food - Bushmills
9.9 km
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Lilly's
9.9 km
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Therapy:Sole
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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
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ANZAC BAR, RESTAURANT & OFF SALES
9.3 km
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Glenshesk Bar
9.4 km
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House of McDonnell
9.4 km
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Halo Ballycastle
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The Boyd Arms
9.4 km
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Nellie Rua's, Ballycastle
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O'Connor's Bar
9.4 km
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The Diamond Bar
9.5 km
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Anglers Arms
9.7 km
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Harbour Bar
9.8 km
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The Scotch House Bar
9.9 km
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Chonga Castlecatt
10.7 km
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The Armada Inn
12.7 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kellys Complex Portrush
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The Legends Lounge
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ORIGIN Nightclub & Bar Ballymena
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Halyon Club
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Bailey Redcastle Nite Club
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Tul Na Ri
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The Lochside Hotel & Restaurant
57.7 km
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DUFFIE'S BAR
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Antrim Sports Club
58.7 km
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Rococo Wine Bar Antrim
59.1 km
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Railway Bar
59.4 km
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The Anchor Bar
59.5 km
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Maddens Bar & Restaurant
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Top Of The Town
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Ibiza Orchestra Live
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