Giant's Causeway

It's hard to believe that the strange interlocking columns at Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway aren't man made. The weird 39 foot-tall, 92 foot-wide cliffs look like a retro alien landscape straight out of Star Trek. There's both a geological and mythological explanation for the strange square pillars, and both are equally as fascinating. 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene Period the area was exposed to unimaginable vocalic activity. As the fluid molten created lava plateaued, the heated rock contracted as it cooled down and created the strange fractures we see today, also nicknamed "biscuits". The legend of the Giant's Causeway "...goes that the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhail (Finn MacCool), from the Fenian Cycle of Gaelic mythology, was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted the challenge and built the causeway across the North Channel so that the two giants could meet." Some of the most-visited areas of the causeway include the Giant's Boot, a massive hunk of ancient lava that cooled into the shape of a foot. The Basalt columns, an insanely beautiful area of intricately connected basalt "biscuit" patterns. And the series of chimney stacks called "Shepherd's Steps; the Honeycomb; the Giant's Harp; the Chimney Stacks; the Giant's Gate and the Camel's Hump." Discovery of the Giant's Causeway was announced to the Trinity College in Dublin in 1693 and after artist Susanna Drury created a watercolor in 1739 the amazing natural feature became popular world-wide and has continued to inspire curiosity. Today the causeway is half a mile from the entrance site and visitors center. Guests can even walk freely over the basalt columns by the edge of the sea when visiting. It's an amazing natural feature that can't be missed on any trip to Northern Ireland. -Roadtrippers Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. Why not experience the Giant's Causeway for yourself? Visit the world-famous basalt columns with one of our knowledgeable tour guides, or pick up an audio guide and go at your own pace. Climb the Shepherd's Steps and hike along the cliff-top trail to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful causeway coast. Unlock the mystery and stories of the landscape in the exhibition area of our award-winning visitor centre, which also boasts a café serving a seasonal menu, and retail zone where you can pick up locally sourced souvenirs and handicrafts.