The Best Hotels to Book Near the Giant's Causeway

You can’t stay much closer to Giant’s Causeway than at the Causeway Hotel, which is located near the head of the footpath that winds its way down to the hexagonal rocks. The hotel itself is a little piece of history, too. Now a Grade II-listed building, it was first constructed in 1836 and was the first hotel in the area where visitors to this stretch of coastline could stay. Rooms facing the Atlantic are best for their sunset coastal views.

Ballycastle, which lies 13mi (21km) west along the coast from the Giant’s Causeway, is one of the larger towns close to the natural wonder. Located a block from the seafront is Glass Island, a modern bed and breakfast with the luxury furnishings of an upscale hotel and an impeccable record for cleanliness. The cooked breakfasts in the morning are particularly popular and guests can request their preferred combination of ingredients for the perfect start to a day of exploration.

As the name suggests, many rooms at the Bayview Hotel overlook Portballintrea Harbour, which is a few miles down the coast from Giant’s Causeway. A 3mi (5km) path over beaches and cliffs is a pleasant way to reach the sight from this hotel. Be sure to ask for a room overlooking the Atlantic, where you can put on the robe and slippers provided, pull up a comfy chair and watch the sunset. Junior suites also have a Jacuzzi bath.

The name Bushmills may well precede it, thanks to the town’s well-known whiskey distillery. Try a tipple at the classy wood-panelled bar of the Bushmills Inn, a historic building which has been updated into an upmarket boutique hotel. Rooms retain their original bones from its days as a coaching inn from the 17th century. Rooms range from a hayloft snug double room to larger rooms with four-poster beds. The inn even has its own cinema.

Another picturesque seaside resort with plenty of accommodation options near Giant’s Causeway is Portrush. Antique House B&B is so-named for the antiques shop located at the front of the property. The bedrooms are anything but old-fashioned, though, with modern designs in earthy tones and warm lighting. Smaller rooms have a shared bathroom. A breakfast buffet is included in the price, or you can order something from the vegan or full English breakfast menus.

With a name that nods to the tradition in this area of salt production, The Salthouse Hotel is quick to establish the importance of combining tradition and natural materials to create an eco- and heritage-friendly place to stay. Rooms are spacious, with a desk and a sitting area. There’s an upscale restaurant onsite serving artfully prepared dishes, such as pistachio-encrusted Irish lamb, but the salt is best utilised as a scrub at the hotel’s own luxury spa.

Are you travelling with a larger group or simply want more flexibility than a hotel can offer? A luxury apartment could be the right option. Accommodating up to six people (two doubles and a king-sized bed), each apartment at Curran Gate has a balcony and sea view, a fully equipped kitchen and a large communal space. These spaces also benefit from excellent lighting fixtures. The apartments also benefit from all the amenities in Portrush town, which is just 8mi (13km) from Giant’s Causeway.

Marine Hotel is located at the heart of Ballycastle, overlooking the seafront. A blue-and-white design motif maintains the marine atmosphere, with pops of mustard yellow giving the furnishings an extra layer of personality. Golfers can organise a round at the Ballycastle Golf Club and there are occasional yoga classes here too. This is a dog-friendly hotel, with all balcony rooms open to people travelling with their pets.