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Giant's Causeway: A Geological Wonder

Explore the Giant's Causeway: a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique basalt columns, formed by volcanoes and steeped in Irish legend.

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The Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast, is famed for its unique landscape of interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Legend says it was built by the giant Finn McCool.

A brief summary to Giant's Causeway

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the rocks can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly, as the coastal area can be exposed to strong winds and rain.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the geology and legends surrounding the Giant's Causeway.
  • Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the biggest crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Take the Green Trail (Runkerry Trail) for an accessible route with panoramic views; some assistance may be needed on parts with loose stones.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving, the Giant's Causeway is located off the B147 Causeway Road, about 2 miles from Bushmills. Limited parking is available at the Visitor Centre for ticket holders and National Trust members. Alternative parking is available at the Causeway Coast Way Car Park (60 Causeway Road) for £15. Consider the Causeway Hotel car park for £10, which includes a £10 voucher for the hotel restaurant. Sat Nav: BT57 8SU.

  • Public Transport

    From Belfast, take a train to Coleraine, then the Translink bus 402 to the Giant's Causeway. The bus journey from Coleraine takes approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, take the train to Bushmills and transfer to the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway, which takes you directly to the Causeway. A single bus fare from Coleraine is around £8. A train ticket from Bushmills costs £8 for adults, £6 for children, £7 for concessions, and £27 for a family.

  • Walking

    For a scenic approach, walk from Portballintrae along Runkerry Beach. Park for free at Salmon Rock Beach car park in Portballintrae (Beach Rd, Bushmills BT57 8RT). The coastal walk is approximately 7-10km round trip. Alternatively, park at Dunseverick Castle and take the 4.8-mile coastal trail to the Causeway. Note that the walk from the Visitor Centre to the Causeway is about 1km. A shuttle bus is available for £1 per person each way.

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Discover more about Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway is a mesmerizing natural wonder steeped in both geological history and Irish legend. Located on the north coast of Northern Ireland in County Antrim, it's a landscape dominated by around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that rise dramatically from the sea. These columns, mostly hexagonal, were formed during intense volcanic activity approximately 50 to 60 million years ago. As molten basalt lava cooled rapidly, it contracted and fractured, creating the distinctive geometric patterns we see today. While science explains the Causeway's formation, local legend attributes it to the Irish giant Finn McCool. According to the myth, Finn built the causeway to cross the Irish Sea and confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner. After their encounter, Benandonner supposedly ripped up the causeway as he fled back to Scotland, leaving behind the remarkable rock formations. You can even see Finn McCool's boot fossilized in the bay. Visitors can explore the Giant's Causeway for free, walking among the basalt columns and taking in the stunning coastal scenery. The National Trust operates a visitor center that offers guided tours, audio guides, and exhibits about the Causeway's geology and folklore. From the visitor center, you can take a path or a shuttle bus down to the Causeway itself. Notable formations include the Giant's Boot, the Organ, and the Honeycomb. The surrounding area also offers breathtaking views of the Antrim coastline and the North Atlantic Ocean. The Giant's Causeway is more than just a geological formation; it's a place where science and myth intertwine, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor.

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