Giant's Causeway

Overview

Introduction

Near the town of Bushmills, the Giant's Causeway is one of the most famous and dramatic sights in Northern Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage site is 50 mi/80 km north of Belfast, and legend holds that the 37,000 hexagonal basalt columns jutting out of the sea were put in place by the giant Finn MacCoul. He needed a way to visit his love, a towering beauty who lived on an island. Scientists propose the less romantic theory that volcanic upwelling and cooling 60 million years ago did the deed. Whichever story you choose to believe, the causeway can be reached either by shuttle bus or a half-mile/kilometer walk from the visitors center. (The walk is downhill on the way there, uphill on the way back.) Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you want to take a more challenging walk along the high cliffs overlooking the Causeway—recommended for the spectacular views. Also take time to visit the nearby ruins of Dunluce Castle. In the summer months, visitors are encouraged to take a shuttle bus (and discouraged from driving their own private vehicles) because of the number of visitors. Plan for at least 2-3 hours there. http://www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com.

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