Ireland’s landscape still carries the fingerprints of long‑gone fire: cliffs, plateaus and hills formed by eruptions and volcanic intrusions shape many familiar views across the island. Walking the causeways and uplands, you can trace those old vents and lava flows in the rock and landforms that geologists use to read Ireland’s deep past.
There are 12 Volcanoes in Ireland, ranging from Antrim Plateau to Slieve Gullion. For each, you’ll find below the data organized as Location (County; coords),Age (Ma),Type.
Are any of Ireland’s volcanoes still active?
No — the volcanic systems in Ireland are extinct; their eruptions happened millions of years ago and what remains are eroded centers, lava deposits and volcanic plugs rather than active magma chambers or eruptions.
How old are Ireland’s volcanic features and what does the Age (Ma) column mean?
The ages listed in Ma (million years) indicate when the volcanic activity occurred; Ireland’s volcanic rocks span tens to hundreds of millions of years, preserved as ancient flows and intrusions that tell a timeline of past tectonic and volcanic events.
Volcanoes in Ireland
| Name | Location (County; coords) | Age (Ma) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giant’s Causeway | Antrim;55.2408,-6.5116 | 60 | basalt lava flows |
| Antrim Plateau | Antrim;55.0700,-6.3000 | 60 | lava plateau (flood basalts) |
| Rathlin Island | Antrim;55.2950,-6.2160 | 60 | basalt lava flows |
| Carrick-a-Rede | Antrim;55.2460,-6.3830 | 60 | basalt cliffs/vent exposures |
| Dunluce Head | Antrim;55.2055,-6.5916 | 60 | basalt headland |
| Dunseverick | Antrim;55.2080,-6.6400 | 60 | basalt promontory |
| Fair Head | Antrim;55.1200,-6.1600 | 60 | basalt cliffs |
| Benbane Head | Antrim;55.2000,-6.6550 | 60 | basalt cliffs/columns |
| Binevenagh | Londonderry;55.1890,-6.8990 | 60 | basalt plateau/cliffs |
| Slemish | Antrim;54.8890,-6.1120 | 60 | volcanic plug |
| Scawt Hill | Antrim;54.7650,-5.8180 | 60 | volcanic vent/contact hill |
| Slieve Gullion | Armagh;54.2000,-6.4500 | 60 | ring-dyke volcanic complex |
Images and Descriptions
Giant’s Causeway
World-famous Paleogene basalt columns formed by cooling lava; walk coastal cliffs, see hexagonal pillars and coastal scenery from the visitor centre. Significant as a UNESCO geology landmark and visible evidence of Ireland’s ancient volcanic activity.
Antrim Plateau
Broad Paleogene basalt plateau forming high cliffs and rolling moorland across north Antrim. Exposures include columnar joints and cliffs; accessible by coastal routes and country roads, showing large-scale lava flows from North Atlantic rifting.
Rathlin Island
Island of Paleogene basalt lavas with cliffs, stacks and seabird colonies. Boat access from Ballycastle; walk trails expose layered lava flows and columnar joints. Important for coastal volcanism and wildlife viewing.
Carrick-a-Rede
Coastal headland with dramatic basalt cliffs and exposures tied to Paleogene lava events; famous rope bridge access to the islet. Short walks offer clear views of layered lava and jointing; popular tourist spot.
Dunluce Head
Dramatic basalt-cliff headland with ruins perched above layered lava flows. Coastal footpaths allow viewing of cliffs, sea stacks and columnar formations; landscape records Paleogene volcanic eruptions and coastal erosion.
Dunseverick
Coastal basalt promontory and cliff with pillar-like jointing; easy roadside access and short walks. Part of the Antrim volcanic succession, showing classic columnar jointing and lava layering on the coast.
Fair Head
High, sheer basalt cliffs on the northern Antrim coast with strong columnar jointing and cliff-top walks. Popular with hikers and climbers; offers panoramic views over the North Channel and clear display of Paleogene lava sequences.
Benbane Head
Coastal headland with striking basalt columns and rock platforms near Portrush. Short coastal walks reveal columnar jointing and wave-cut features; part of the wider Antrim lava story and accessible from local beaches.
Binevenagh
Flat-topped basalt plateau with steep cliffs overlooking Lough Foyle, formed by Paleogene lava flows. Scenic viewpoint car parks and walking routes; notable for geology and sweeping coastal views.
Slemish
Prominent conical hill, the solidified neck of a Paleogene volcano. Well-marked hiking path to the summit with panoramic views; clear example of a volcanic plug exposed by erosion and local folklore ties.
Scawt Hill
Small volcanic outcrop known for unusual minerals formed where Paleogene lava intruded limestone. Short walks from nearby roads, scientific interest for contact metamorphism and accessible roadside exposures.
Slieve Gullion
An ancient volcanic centre with ring-dyke structure and central peak, surrounded by scenic woodland and walking trails. Exposed igneous rocks show the remains of an old volcano; access via established hikes and forestry roads.
