A treasure-chest of activities and attractions await travelers visiting the generous country of Ireland, but some marvels of nature are sure to remain etched in memory. Giant’s Causeway, nestled on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland is a true testimony of nature being capable of perfection; a perfection that surely intimidates, but at the same time, fascinates humans.
Years ago, when science was not capable of explaining the many mysteries of nature, the simplest way out was to attribute them to myths and legends. The many hexagonal bricks of Giant’s Causeway, which perfectly interlocked leading into a path towards the sea, were back in time thought to be the work of giants.
The legend of Finn MacCool
Legend has it that Irish giant Finn MacCool built the causeway so to walk to Scotland and fight his opponent, the Scottish Benandonner. However, upon noticing Benandonner’s size, Finn fled back home asking his wife to cover him in a blanket and disguise him as their baby. Upon arriving, Benandonners was so impressed by the size of the alleged ”baby” that he fled at the simple thought of imagining how bulky the father must be. As he escaped, he ripped up the Causeway to prevent Finn from following him, leaving behind both the hexagonal fragments that can be admired today in Ireland and some other remains in Scotland, precisely on the island of Staffa, where similar rock formations can be found.
Another similar version has Finn trying to build a bridge to fight his opponent, again, a giant from Scotland. A fellow boats man revealed to him that his opponent was much bulkier than him. Upon hearing this, Finn’s wife decided to dress Finn up as her baby. When the opponent arrived, Finn’s wife told him her husband took off to chop wood. She then showed him her baby. Terrified from the baby’s size, he ran back to Scotland tossing random stones into the water.
A more scientific explanation
The real explanation behind these rock formations is a bit less intriguing than the legends. The rocks are presumed to have been formed about 60,000 years ago, when lava flowing filled up the cracks and crevices, which upon solidifying gave rise to this natural work of art. Because of the site’s valuable geological formations from a naturalistic standpoint, Giant’s Causeway has been declared a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The 40,000 basalt columns leading towards the sea gives visitors the feel of walking on another planet. Some formations have been given legendary names such as the Giant’s Boots, the Giant’s Eyes, the Giant’s Harp, the Giant’s Gate and the Organ.
Note: In July 2012, the Giant’s Causeway is expected to open a brand new visitor’s center boasting intriguing architecture, charming tearooms, nature trails and information points for guidance.
Other nearby attractions
Dunluce Castle is a medieval castle located just a few miles away, now mostly in ruins. Its history, tracing back to early Christian and Viking populations, provides a glimpse of how life was back in ancient Irish medieval times. Surrounded by awe-inspiring coastal scenery, just the view from this site is worth a trip.
Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery, Bushmills is also full of history. During World War II the production of whisky had to be halted, but the grounds were used to accommodate many American and other Allied forces servicemen. Travelers may watch how whisky is made and enjoy a small sample.
Bushmill’s Railway offers visitors the opportunity to ride on a steam locomotive. Panoramic views of the magnificent coastal area are a great feature of this two-mile ride, connecting the town of Bushmill with the stone formations of the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage site.
Where to stay
The Causaway Hotel, perched atop a cliff overlooking the natural beauty of the Causeway Coast, offers comfy rooms and relaxation after a day spent exploring the famous basalt formations.
Causeway Hotel
40 Causeway Road
Bushmills
Co. Antrim
BT57 8SU
Northern Ireland
Phone number: +44 28 2073 1210 or +44 28 2073 1226
www.giants-causeway-hotel.com
Where to eat
The nearby Bushmill’s Inn offers an award-winning restaurant boasting many popular dishes. Fish is caught fresh in the local waters for a memorable dish of beer-battered fish and chips. The Sunday Carvery Menu is worth a try with a feast of the most succulent roasts.
The Bushmill Inn
9 Dunluce Road, Bushmills,
Co. Antrim, N. Ireland BT57 8QG
Phone number: +44(0)28 2073 3000
http://www.bushmillsinn.com
Giant’s Causeway is a must see for travelers visiting Northern Ireland. Walking over the rocky formations is reported by many as walking over a giant tridimensional chess board; an exhilarating experience that will remain forever etched in people’s memories for many years to come.