The Element Rock: A Natural Wonder of Northern Ireland
Discover the breathtaking beauty of The Element Rock, a stunning natural attraction along Northern Ireland's picturesque coastline, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Ballycastle, The Element Rock captivates visitors with its breathtaking geological formations and stunning ocean views. A true gem for nature lovers, this tourist attraction offers an unforgettable experience of the natural beauty and rich heritage of Northern Ireland. Explore the dramatic cliffs and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.
A brief summary to The Element Rock
- Ballycastle, Ballintoy, BT39 0SJ, GB
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
- Wear sturdy footwear as some trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Check weather conditions before your visit, as coastal weather can change rapidly.
- Bring binoculars to observe seabirds and marine wildlife from a distance.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy while soaking in the stunning views.
Getting There
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Car
From the Giant's Causeway visitor center, take the A2 road heading towards Ballycastle. Continue on the A2 for approximately 10 miles (16 km). When you reach Ballintoy, look for signs pointing to The Element Rock, which is located at Ballintoy, Ballycastle BT39 0SJ. There is limited parking available near the site, so be sure to arrive early on busy days.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
Start at the Giant's Causeway visitor center and walk to the nearest bus stop. Take the bus service to Ballycastle (check for the specific bus schedule, as it may vary). Once you arrive in Ballycastle, you will need to take a local taxi, as The Element Rock is approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the bus stop in Ballycastle. Make sure to confirm taxi availability in advance to avoid long waits.
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Walking
If you're feeling adventurous and are up for a hike, you can walk from Giant's Causeway to The Element Rock. The distance is roughly 5 miles (8 km) via the coastal path. Start at the visitor center and follow the path along the coastline, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. Once you reach Ballintoy, navigate to the Element Rock. This hike may take around 1.5 to 2 hours, so ensure you have appropriate footwear and check the weather conditions before setting off.
Discover more about The Element Rock
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Whitepark Bay viewpoint
2.2 km
Discover the stunning coastal views and serene landscapes at Whitepark Bay Viewpoint in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland – a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Giants Causeway Carpark
9.6 km
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Giant's Causeway
9.7 km
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Giant's Causeway - Blue Trail
9.9 km
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National Trust - Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre
10.0 km
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Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway
10.1 km
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Bay of the Cow
10.1 km
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Portcoon Jetty
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The Dark Hedges
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Dunluce Castle
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National Trust Barmouth Bird Hide
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Merrick Stone
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American Monument
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Whitebay
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ballintoy boat tours
0.0 km
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Causeway Coastal Route
0.0 km
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Black and White Bay
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Ballintoy Harbour
1.1 km
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Ballintoy point
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The Skull Rock
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The Elephant Rock
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Beach and caves
1.6 km
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Rope bridge quarry (GOT)
1.7 km
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National Trust - Carrick-a-Rede
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Portaneevy Car Park & Viewpoint
2.0 km
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Whitepark Bay Beach
2.9 km
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Dunseverick coastal walk
3.1 km
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National Trust - White Park Bay
3.1 km
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Portbradden Harbour
3.6 km
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Essential places to dine
The Fullerton Arms
0.1 km
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Carrick-A-Rede Bar and Restaurant
0.1 km
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Roark's Kitchen
1.1 km
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Bothy White Park Bay
3.9 km
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Causeway Tavern B & B
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The Cellar
8.0 km
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Hungry Giant Causeway
9.9 km
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Finn McCool's Giants Causeway Hostel
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The Nook
10.0 km
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National trust cafe
10.0 km
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The Causeway Hotel
10.1 km
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Market Square
10.9 km
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The Bushmills Inn Restaurant and Bar
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The Bushmills Inn Hotel
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The Bush House Bar
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
North Coast Coffee
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The wee shop
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The Woodpile Provisions
4.4 km
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Someplace in Time
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The Original Factory Shop (Ballycastle)
7.7 km
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Cobwebs
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Home Made Beautiful
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That Witch
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Express Snack Hub & Hot Drinks
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Old Bushmills Distillery Gift Shop
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CentraBushmills
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Lilly's
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Co-op Food - Bushmills
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Therapy:Sole
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Taylor Yates
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McBrides Bar
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The Coast Inn
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ANZAC BAR, RESTAURANT & OFF SALES
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Glenshesk Bar
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House of McDonnell
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The Boyd Arms
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Nellie Rua's, Ballycastle
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O'Connor's Bar
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The Diamond Bar
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Anglers Arms
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Harbour Bar
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The Scotch House Bar
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Chonga Castlecatt
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Hunters Bar
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The Armada Inn
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