The Giant's Causeway
One of the most mysterious and unusual places in Antrim, Ireland and certainly Europe, the Giants Causeway has been nicknamed ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. With large and amazing rock formations it is definitely a must-see when visiting Northern Ireland. Amongst the rolling waves and towering mountains, this strange phenomenon was first discovered by a Bishop of Derry by the name of Richard Bulkeley in 1697 in a presentation to the Royal Society. The new find caused quite a stir and a debate began on whether this amazing place was created by man, nature or a giant of some kind! Of course however, it was eventually found in 1771, by a Frenchman that the mysterious rocks had occurred through the result of some form of volcanic achievement. However, most of the local people in Antrim preferred the legend of giant Finn Mc Cool who was believed to have built the causeway to reach and fight his adversary in Scotland, a giant named Fingal, and this became a story which entertains and thrills children all over the Isle of Ireland and further.
Whatever the reason behind this great landmark, it has attracted thousands of visitors young and old and continues to awe and surprise with beautiful and dramatic scenery. For those who are looking for a good hike, then the mountain surrounding the causeway has an excellent walk around the top which allows for visitors to see and take advantage of the full extent of the beauty surrounding the causeway and its coast. Although the Giant’s Causeway is a good walk away from the visitors centre, the optional Causeway Coaster Bus collects visitors from the visitors centre and delivers them down into the heart of the area. The National Trust provides a tearoom, a gift shop, tourist information and an audio visual presentation on the Giant’s Causeway making the visitor’s centre an ideal hub of information and convenience on the causeway it’s self.
The Giant’s Causeway is an ideal visitors spot whether native to the county of Antrim or from further away. It caters for all ages, from the interesting reason as to why it still here today to the magical story of Finn Mc Cool. Without a doubt this is one of Northern Ireland’s most prized areas and the Giant’s Causeway is one place that every person must see and experience at least once!