Giant's Causeway
- Address:44a Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim
- Hours:Open daily from dawn to dusk
- Admission:Free
8:59 AM Saturday, May 26
Sunny. Cool.
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Giant's Causeway is a cluster of approximately 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. These rock formations get their name from an old legend stating that Irish warrior Finn McCool built the path across the sea to face his Scottish rival, Benandonner. There are several variations of the story from this point but each one ends with Finn dressing as a baby and scaring off Benandonner, who thinks the disguised Finn is actually the child of a giant and is too afraid to face his opponent. On his way back to Scotland, Benandonner tears up the path behind him, leaving just what exists today on the Northern Irish coast and the Scottish island of Staffa, which has similar rock formations.
While the legend makes for an interesting story, geologists have a different explanation for the creation of the Giant's Causeway: volcanic activity. According to them, millions of years ago a volcanic eruption produced a lava flow that cooled quickly from both the top and sides, shaping the lava into hexagonal columns. Now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thousands of tourists visit Giant's Causeway each year to marvel at and photograph this natural wonder.
Latest Reviews All Giant's Causeway Reviews »
Great tour! The coach guide was very informative and pleasant and the train ride was comfortable. Giant's Causeway is a fascinating natural phenomena and should not be missed and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge was lots of fun to cross. The day is long but well worth every minute and we are so glad to have taken this tour.
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This tour was spectacular. The Giant's Causeway was amazing. Still don't know how those stones got there but what an amazing site. The guide and the driver was terrific. They really knew their history and the sites that we visited. They made the tour fun and exciting. Brendan was an excellent tour guide.
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Another great day trip up the Antrim Coast with views to Scotland. Giant's Causeway was amazing. Very informative tour guide.
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Over time, the elements have continued to sculpt these columns into various shapes and some are known to resemble objects. Notable formations include the Chimney Stacks, Giant's Harp and Honeycomb, all of which are favorites of visiting photographers. Spot these and other formations on your walk over the columns to the edge of the sea.
