Ireland's Greatest Natural Wonder Was Built By Giants!

Photo by Sean Kuriyan on Unsplash

The Giant's Causeway is a breathtaking natural wonder located along the rugged coastline of County Antrim in Northern Ireland.

Renowned for its unique geological formations, it is composed of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity millions of years ago.

Legend has it that the causeway was built by the Irish giant, Fionn mac Cumhaill, as a pathway to Scotland to confront his Scottish rival. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from around the globe, offering stunning vistas, intriguing folklore, and a glimpse into the Earth's tumultuous geological history.

In today’s email

• A Visitors Guide to the Giant’s Causeway

• How Was the Giant’s Causeway Formed?

• County Antrim | Things to see and do

  • Visit Belfast City

  • Follow the Game of Thrones®

  • Trail Stop for a Game of Thrones®

  • Tea Glenariff  Waterfall

  • Walk Giant’s Causeway

  • Dunluce Castle

  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

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A Visitors Guide to the Giant’s Causeway

Visiting the Giant’s Causeway offers a range of experiences and reasons to explore this natural wonder:

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How Was the Giant’s Causeway Formed?

The Mythical Giant's Causeway

The Legend of Finn McCool

The Giant's Causeway is a place where myth and reality blur into a breathtaking tapestry of geological wonders. Legend has it that it was created by Finn McCool, a giant in Irish mythology. He built the Causeway as a path to confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner, who was also a giant. The story goes that the two giants hurled massive stones at each other to create this incredible natural formation, a place where the two giants could meet. Today, the interlocking basalt columns that stretch out into the sea stand as a testament to this incredible tale.

Geological Wonders

From a geological perspective, the Giant's Causeway is a marvel. It is comprised of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns, formed millions of years ago during a volcanic eruption. As lava cooled and contracted, these distinctive, six-sided pillars emerged, creating a sight unlike any other. The Causeway's unique formation, along with its historical and mythical significance has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Situated on the dramatic coastline of County Antrim in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway stands as one of the world’s most captivating natural wonders. Its awe-inspiring hexagonal rock formations have captivated visitors and scientists alike for centuries. But how exactly was this geological masterpiece formed?

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County Antrim | Things to see and do