For those exploring the area, the Bushmills Railway offers a heritage railway journey along the coast, connecting the village of Bushmills to the Giant’s Causeway - a nostalgic way to cover the last leg of the trip, not just a novelty ride.
History
The line traces back to 1883, when it opened as the Giant’s Causeway Tramway - the world’s first long electric tramway, and the first commercially operated hydroelectric-powered tram system anywhere. It was the vision of Colonel William Traill of Ballyclough, inspired by an electric railway system he’d seen demonstrated at the Berlin Trade Fair in 1879. Power came from the Walkmill Falls generating station, despite opposition at the time from Sir Macnaghten of Dundarave. The original tramway connected Portrush, Bushmills, and the Giant’s Causeway, and ran for 65 years before closing at the end of the 1949 season. The current heritage railway revives the same route.
The Route
The railway runs from just outside Bushmills village on a 20-minute, two-mile journey to and from the Giant’s Causeway, following the original narrow-gauge trackbed. Along the way, it passes views of the North Antrim coast, Portballintrae, and the Bushfoot Golf Course.
Visiting Information
Ticket prices (previously missing from this page entirely): Adult £8, Child £6, Family (4) £27, with children aged 2 and under travelling free.
Operating days: heritage railway schedules like this one vary by season, and sources don’t fully agree - check the current timetable directly before travelling rather than assuming a fixed pattern. It’s run by volunteers, so it’s worth calling ahead on (028) 20732844 to confirm the day’s schedule, especially outside peak summer.
Visitors can use their train ticket at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre to receive a discounted entrance fee - worth asking about when you arrive. Arrive at the station at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure. The railway’s operating season, and any special events (Easter is a recurring one), can also affect the schedule - again, best confirmed directly before you travel.
