The Giant’s Causeway is considered by many as the 8th natural wonder of the world! It lies on the north eastern tip of Ireland on the Irish Sea. And it is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. It is an official UNESCO site of World Heritage. When you see it, you will instantly understand. There are 40,000 interlocking basalt hexagonal columns all natural in composition and placement.
We climbed and walked rather gingerly over the stones. Such a contrast to say the Parthenon in Athens with the tape keeping visitors out of the ruins that have lasted thousands of years. The Irish invite adventure!
Scientists explain the causeway as intense volcanic rock that is 50 million years old. But the local legend is that it was built by a giant, Finn McCool! I much prefer the Irish magician giant story. And after all there is proof with one formation a giant’s boot, no less. Finn built the causeway so he could walk across the sea to Scotland without getting his feet wet. The Scottish giant is Benandonner. There are similar rock formations 75 miles away at Fingal’s Cave in Scotland. This video is a clip from the myth of Finn McCool. I bought a copy to share with the kids in Arizona. . . . expanding their education of other cultures. It is is just minutes and I think it is great, but that is the opinion of an elementary teacher, after all!
A clip from the Legend of Finn McCool
And there is more to the Causeway . . . over the hills with a moderate walk there is a simple suspension bridge called Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Is that not amazing? The history is that salmon fisherman started building bridges 350 years ago to get over to that rock because the best salmon were caught from there.
No one has ever fallen from the bridge, but some people have to be rescued by a boat after they cross once but are frozen by fear to return. I walked both ways but most admit to crossing both ways with my eyes shut tightly! Crazy, I know. Heard that before!
Here is a tiny view of crossing the rope bridge !
Rope bridge
Anyone else been here or want to visit?
TalesAlongTheWay 
I loved our visit to the Giant’s Causeway back in 2011 during my wife and my road trip around Ireland. I must say that I very much enjoyed the distillery up the road at Bushmill also 😉
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We never visited a distillery , come to think of it! Architecture must not have been memorable. We did love having a Guinness on the top floor of that amazing brewery in Dublin !
Did you love Ireland. . . the people, places ? I had to beg to go as the architect only wants to see architecture. We went in 2010 in the height of “Celtic Tiger” economy. He found some very interesting contemporary buildings built by Irish architects so the trip was a smashing hit all the way around ! Smiles. . . . . .
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It really was one of the greatest trip that I have made.
I’m sure the architecture at Bushmills was amazing; though I do not remember that much about it apart from the exceptionally good use of space:)
The Guiness was good in Dublin also – come to think of it, it was good in Derry, Galway, Clare and Cork also.
The Island was beautiful in so many places and so many ways. The people were amazing and so friendly- even to an Englishman.
I personally fell in love with Donegal and only discovered upon my return that my Maternal ancestral land was in fact the very same county.
Next road trip will be Scotland, the land of my paternal ancestry; but we will need to wait until my 7 month old son is a little older first.
Keep up the travels, I truly believe that it broadens the mind.
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Brilliant photo!
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Thank you !
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A lovely post. When we were there it was raining and slippery. And the skies were heavy and grey.
Your visit looks amazingly sunny.
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It is hard to imagine that there are a few days in Ireland when it doesn’t rain. . . . but that is true! 😎
Thanks for the comment. . . . Smiles. . . .
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Gave me a happy smile!
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So glad! Have a lovely weekend !
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Looks like an amazing experience!!!
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Chess, it was! I have been blessed to have visited so many wonderful places on this earth. It gives me great pleasure to share those experiences. Thanks for accepting my gift to you ! Smiles. . . . .
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Fascinating that the basalt rocks are naturally standing upright, as picured and the efforts of the fisherman and the bridge,too. So interesting, Annet.
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It is hard to image isn’t it? Do visit it if you have a chance someday ! Smiles . . . .
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thanks
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