The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, and rightfully so. A stunning natural formation of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns situated on Northern Ireland’s beautiful northeastern coast, the Causeway is a must-see on any visit to the country.
flickr/code poet
Local legend has it that the Giant’s Causeway was constructed by the mythical Irish giant Finn MacCool, who built the causeway in order to reach Scotland, where another giant called Benandonner was waiting to fight him. Today, all that remains is the “end” of the causeway on the coast of county Antrim, just 5 km north from the town of Bushmills.
Meanwhile, geologists contend that the causeway was created between 50 and 60 million years ago, when a basaltic lava flow cooled and cracked into the distinctive hexagonal shapes still present today.
flickr/Darragh Sherwin
Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway is the premier jewel of the gorgeous Antrim coastline. The causeway is best accessed by car, and entrance is free. A helpful Visitor’s Center offers information on the causeway’s formation, as well as suggested routes to walk along the stones.
However, first time visitors may prefer the comfort of an organized tour. One of the most popular is aday trip from Dublin to the Giant’s Causeway, along the way taking in other interesting sites, such as the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with views of Mull of Kintyre in Scotland and Rathlin Island. The tour includes comfortable transportation and a guide, and provides a hassle-free way to experience one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Location of the Giant’s Causeway
Address: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, Antrim BT57 8SU
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