Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway (Irish: Clochán an Aifir) is a spectacular rock formation on the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. The site consists of some 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea. The Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Popular mythology attributes the creation of the Causeway to an Irish giant named Fionn mac Cumhaill. To prove his superior strength and status, Fionn decided to fight against a rival Scottish giant named Benandonner. As there was no boat large enough to carry huge Finn across the sea to confront Bennandonner, he built his own pathway of stepping stones from Ireland to Scotland. He then was able to walk across the sea without getting his feet wet.

When he crossed the sea, however, he saw just how large Benandonner was. He ran back to Ireland before Bennandonner saw him, but the causeway was built and Bennandonner came to fight. Fionn crawled into a crib and when Bennandonner came to the door to fight him, his wife told him not to wake the baby. Seeing just how large Fionn's "baby" was, Bennandonner grew afraid and ran back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway as he went to prevent Fionn following him.

The true explanation while not as colorful as the myths of yore is still quite interesting. Scientists now agree that about 60 million years ago a volcano let basalt come to or close to the surface that slowly cooled forming the polygon-shapes as the hot material contracted due to cooling. The hexagonal shape is most common as it is the most "efficient" way to "pack" material (just as it is in a beehive). Later erosion formed the current structure, as the basaltic material forming the pillars is more resistant to erosion than other material. Similar structures (though in less impressive locations) can be found throughout the world.

The focal point of the area is, of course, the Giant's Causeway. There is no charge for visiting the causeway, although you will find that parking costs a little more than you would expect (circa £12.50, albeit this is a free car park with an obligatory payment to see the visitors museum). This is a free site, so a car with four people works out quite reasonable. Cheaper still, check out the near-by Causeway railway carpark (circa £8) or park on the verge of the main road (free!)

It is an interesting site to see but come prepared for a long and intense walk. Best to wear waterproof clothing and strong footwear. Giant's Causeway is split up into six sections; in walking order:

• The Camel.
• The Granny.
• The Wishing Chair.
• The Chimney Tops.
• The Giant's Boot.
• The Organ.

All six parts of the Giant's Causeway are different in shape and form and truly are a sight to be seen.

The Camel.

The Granny.

The Wishing Chair.

The Chimney Tops.

The Giant's Boot.

The Organ.

Once parked up or off the bus at the visitors centre, you will find there is actually a further road that gets you down to the Causeway. There is a bus service (£1 each way for non National Trust members) runs constantly back and forth between the visitors centre and the rocks themselves, but walking there will only take around 20 minutes and will give you chance to take in some more of the coastal scenery.

Feel free to pose for photos on the rock columns, but be aware that waves will be splashing up onto the rocks, meaning that you can be soaked by the sudden swells and waves, or you can lose your footing on the slippery rocks.

The National Trust operate a gift shop within the new visitor centre, selling the usual tourist goods at inflated prices. Entry into the shop is charged at £8.50/adult or £4.25/child. The new visitor centre does however boast limited onsite parking, a cafe, toilets and a few minor exhibits to justify the charge. It also accepts credit/debit card, euro and US dollar currency (if paying by note, returning change in pounds sterling).

There is also a small privately owned gift shop located just to the side of the new visitor centre, easily missed, offering similar goods and refreshments at a much more reasonable price.

There is no ATM on-site. The nearest one is to be found in Bushmills.

• The Nook, 48 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, BT57 8SU (Beside the entrance to the causeway, +44 28 2073 2993. Bar and restaurant.

The Nook, 48 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, BT57 8SU (Beside the entrance to the causeway, +44 28 2073 2993. Bar and restaurant.

• Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge is nearby toward Ballycastle. Fun and (despite what your instincts may tell you) perfectly safe. It costs between £4 and £9, with family tickets available. A chance to walk around some more coastal countryside and walk to the Island across the rope bridge.
• Bushmills and the whiskey distillery
• East to Ballycastle and then by ferry to Rathlin Island.
• South-east to Cushendall.
• South-west to Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine, Limavady.
• South to Ballymoney and Ballymena.