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2014


Explore the Mystical Giant's Causeway

Published by Megan Eaves, Writer

Country: Ireland

The Experience

Once upon a time, there was a great Irish war hero named Finn McCool. Finn was a huge man - a giant revered by all who looked upon him, the fiercest warrior in Ireland. Finn's arch rival was a Scottish giant called Bendandonner. Upon setting out to greet his foe in battle, Finn realized that there was no way for him to reach Scotland, as no boat was sturdy enough to carry him the long journey across the sea. At that, Finn built Giant's Causeway out of rock and stone, creating a lengthy bridge that spanned all the way to Scotland. After arriving though, Finn saw his enemy's size and ran away back across the Causeway in worry. Followed by Bendandonner, Finn coyly hid in a baby crib pretending to be an infant. When Bendandonner looked into the crib and found a huge man-child, he ran back to Scotland in fear, destroying the Causeway behind him. The remnants of the stepping stone formations along the north coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland are all that are left of Finn McCool's massive bridge.

Whether you prefer the legend or the more factual explanation of creation by volcanic eruption, the Giant's Causeway is truly a sight to behold. With over 40,000 cylinders, the Causeway appears an endless array of basalt columns stacked one upon the other, row after row of mystical rocks sprawling out to sea. The angry waves of the North Channel crash upon the hexagonal stones, which stand like stoic soldier statues along the coast. At it's highest point the columns of the Causeway reach up over 40 feet high, and can be up to 90 feet thick in areas.

Visitors descend across the rock pillars like pilgrims to the sea, taking deliberate and prudent steps, avoiding the turbulent waters below. Spanning over 15 miles, the Giant's Causeway is lined by foot path taking you through scenic spots such as the Wishing Well, Giant's Granny and the King, Giants Organ, Honeycomb, across the staircase to Benbane, and past Port na Spaniagh where the Spanish Armada ship Girona foundered.

The lush cliff scape that rises behind the Giant's Causeway is circled by gulls overhead, calling wandering thoughts back to reality. The long rays of the sun low in the sky reflect eerily off the smooth basalt, giving off an ethereal glow. Gingerly trailing back to land across the stacked stones, with the tide rising and darkness approaching, the only thing left is the sound of the unrelenting waves crashing against the Giant's Causeway.

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Map

Puzzle

When to Go to Giants Causeway

Giant's Causeway is best visited during summer, as winter in Northern Ireland tends to be rainy, windy and very cold. The Causeway is located at the northern tip of County Antrim, about 60 miles from Belfast, and receives approximately 750,000 visitors yearly. A few tiny villages dot the surrounding area, including Bushmills, home of the Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, which makes it a good option for accommodation and restaurants.

Walking around the half mile Causeway loop, one has an endless supply of options for exploration. The stone steps span out to the sea in various forms, usually box or cylinder shapes. Adventurous travelers will also want to try their hand at crossing the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, which spans the deep chasm between the coast and a nearby fisherman's island.

Odds n' Ends

Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre is open year-round beginning at 10am, except during the Christmas period. They offer free information about the Causeway and surrounding area, as well as a multilingual audio/visual tour for a minimal cost. While there is no entrance fee to the actual Causeway itself, parking costs £6 a day. The Causeway is difficult to reach on foot, so car rental or guided coach tours are recommended for independent travelers.

Want a Guide?

The Causeway Coast Tour
Our fleet of luxurious coaches will help make your tour as comfortable as possible. If you require a private tour of the Causeway Coast in a 24, 52 or 73 seat coach just contact us to arrange. Our tour departure points - Castle Place and Jurys Hotel are very central within Belfast.
Allen's Guided Giant's Causeway Tours
Spend a memorable day with Allen's Tour visiting what is undoubtedly Northern Ireland's most famous attraction; the unforgettable and unmistakable Giant's Causeway. Travel with us aboard one of our luxury coaches on a journey you will remember for a life time taking in the spectacular natural beauty that is the Antrim Coastal Road.

Places to Eat

The Causeway Hotel Restaurant
The Causeway Hotel is famous for its quality and variety of food and especially for High Tea, the Causeway Special and the Causeway Mixed Grill which attracts many regular patrons.
"Taste of Ulster" Bushmills Inn Restaurant
This “Taste of Ulster” restaurant welcomes visitors all day for an imaginatively planned selection of dishes or snacks, prepared of course, from the best Co. Antrim produce.

Recommended Places to Stay

Giant's Causeway Hotel
The Causeway Hotel is a long established (1836) and well known establishment situated beside the world famous Giant's Causeway and along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Bushmills Inn
We hope that the images of the Causeway Coast can portray something of the magnificence of our countryside and that the pictures of the Bushmills Inn Hotel can reveal something of the flavour of our “living museum of Ulster hospitality.”
The Smugglers Inn
Traditional Inn overlooking the Giants Causeway. With beautiful views of the Donegal Hills and Scottish Isles. Friendly atmosphere, bistro and A La Carte dining. Perfect location for exploring the Causeway Coast and Glens Of Antrim. One mile from Bushfoot Golf Club and only four miles from Royal Portrush. Fishing and walking in Bushmills.
Ballylinny Holiday Cottages
Set alongside the Laverty farm, these nine luxury self contained cottages are indeed something rather special. NITB 4 and 5 star rating and have unrivalled views over the Giants Causeway, the sleepy seaside village of Portballintrae and the sweeping Donegal Coastline beyond.
Sheep Island View Hostel
Sheep Island View is located in the village of Ballintoy on the main coast road between the towns of Ballycastle and Bushmills in Co.Antrim, Northern Ireland. Close to the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge and the Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery.
Ballyeamon Camping Barn
Owner Liz Weir works as a professional storyteller and organises frequent music and storytelling sessions for visitors to this idyllic location. It overlooks the scenic Glenariff Forest Park and is just a few hundred metres from the Moyle Way.
Soerneog View Hostel, Rathlin Island
Soerneog View Hostel, Rathlin Island, overlooks Mill Bay with good views of grey and common seals . Soerneog, the Gaelic word for "kiln", is the name of an area within the bay. The hostel can accommodate up to 6 people (one room with double bed and two rooms with bunk beds) . Central heating and full self-catering facilities are available .

More Experiences Nearby

Taste the Distinction of Time and Tradition at Bushmills Distillery, Ireland
During the American Revolution, whiskey was used as a form of currency. But it wasn't until the maiden voyage of the S.S. Bushmills in 1890 that the famous Bushmills brand made its debut in the United States from the shores of Ireland. As the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, the Old Bushmills Distillery has been in operation for more than 400 years, and has built a solid reputation for producing high quality Irish whiskey. As such, in Northern Ireland's Country Antrim, the Bushmills Distillery tour attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, who come to savour the smooth whiskey ...4 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

Giants Causeway (Paperback)
Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips (Hardcover)
No one knows the world like National Geographic—and in this lavish volume, we reveal our picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with helpful information for readers who want to try them out.
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009: 850 Trends, Destinations, Journeys & Experiences for the Year Ahead (Paperback)

Elsewhere on the Web

Giants Causeway - MSN.ca
Science says that this fascinating site on Northern Ireland’s northeast coast was created by a volcano that erupted in ancient times.
Giant's Causeway Official Guide
On this site you will find information about the history of the Causeway along with information on how to get here and what facilities are on offer once your here.
Official Website of the Visitor Centre at Giant's Causeway
The Giant's Causeway is a World Heritage site, National Nature Reserve and Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attraction.
National Trust - Giant's Causeway
Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site. Legendary emblem of North Antrim's spectacular coastline.
Giant's Causeway - UNESCO
The Giant's Causeway lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland.

Media References

Euro boost for tourism industry - BBC.co.uk (television)
Northern Ireland's tourist industry could enjoy a big boost as holiday-makers from the Republic of Ireland take advantage of the weak sterling and flagship attractions open for business, the Tourist Board has said.

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