Fingal's Cave

Fingal's Cave (Polish: Grota Fingala) is a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa, part of the Inner Hebrides in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The island is looked after by the National Trust for Scotland and has been a National Nature Reserve since 2001. Tall, regular basalt columns frame the entrance, and the cave is known for its remarkable acoustics.

What makes Fingal's Cave special?

The walls are made of hexagonal basalt columns formed as lava cooled around 60 million years ago. The same kind of rock structure appears at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Atlantic swells roll deep into the cave and echo off the stone, so sound carries as in a concert hall. This is the place that inspired Felix Mendelssohn to compose his Hebrides Overture.

How do you get to Staffa?

No bridge or car ferry serves the island, so a boat trip is the only way. Tours leave from Mull (including Ulva Ferry), from Iona and Fionnphort, and from Oban. The crossing from Ulva Ferry takes about an hour each way, with a little over an hour ashore. Trips from Iona and Fionnphort last roughly three hours in total. Boats generally run from around Easter to September, weather permitting, so book ahead.

What will you see there?

After landing you follow a path along the cliff edge to the cave mouth. A narrow walkway runs along the base of the basalt columns, letting you look into the cave. Staffa's highest point is about 42 m above sea level. The grassy top of the island is a place to watch seabirds such as puffins, fulmars and black guillemots.

When should you go?

Calm, settled weather is best, since the boat can then land easily at the jetty. Puffins arrive in summer, so birdwatchers aim for those months. Bring a waterproof jacket and shoes with good grip, because the rock can be slippery. Check with your operator that the Staffa jetty is open before you book. It was closed for repair work from September 2024 to March 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Fingal's Cave? You can walk to the entrance and look inside from the rock walkway, and the interior can also be seen from a boat when sea conditions allow. Confirm the details with your operator.

How long does a trip to Staffa take? The crossing from Ulva Ferry takes about an hour each way, with over an hour on the island. The trip from Iona and Fionnphort takes around three hours.

Are there puffins on Staffa? Yes, the island is home to puffins as well as fulmars and black guillemots. Summer gives you the best chance of seeing them.

Is a visit to Fingal's Cave expensive? You pay for the boat trip rather than for entry to the island. Fares from Ulva Ferry start at around 32.50 pounds for an adult, so check the current price with the operator.