Trixie Navarre

Along the North Coast of Northern Ireland is a wonderous geological formation called The Giant’s Causeway. It is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, which were the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. The basalt columns built natural stepping stones of various heights, which create a dramatic scene with the Atlantic ocean waves crashing against them.

The Giant’s Causeway was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, and is managed by the National Trust.

I had gone several years back, taking a day tour from Dublin, Ireland. It was quite a journey crossing into Northern Ireland, but a great day none the less. Once we arrived to The Giant’s Causeway, it was a “wow” moment for everyone. Photos do not do this site justice. It is a greater experience to feel the cold air, and sprays of water, to hear the ocean waves hitting the stones, and watching your footing as you climb the basalt columns.

The Legend

During my visit, I had purchase this story book to remind me of the legend of ‘The Giant’s Causeway’, retold by Daniel Ferguson.

There are different legends of how The Giant’s Causeway was created with the most popular one being of two giants, Irish giant Finn and Scottish giant Benandonner, challenging each other for a battle. Finn had built the causeway between both countries, and walked across to Scotland in order to find Benandonner. He was asleep and could not be found, so Finn walked back.

When the Scottish giant awoke he saw the causeway and became angered, so he grabbed his weapons and walked across to find Finn. What Finn did not realize was that Benandonner was massive, a lot bigger than himself. Finn’s wife helped him trick Benandonner by wrapping up Finn like a baby, and disguising himself as the youngest child. Once the gigantic Benandonner saw this huge infant, he thought that Finn must be colossal if this was his youngest. The Scottish giant hightailed it back to Scotland crushing the causeway with his weight.

What I found interesting about this story is there are identical basalt columns across the way in Scotland, which I am sure had influence to this story.

The Carrick – A- Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is a thrilling experience while visiting the Great Causeway. The rope bridge was first built in 1755, and has evolved over the centuries. It was first created as only one single hand rail, and an uneven wooded slate every other step. It sounded awful and very unsafe.

Now-a-days the bridge is much safer, and offered a thrilling experience that I enjoyed. The Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge sits about 100 feet above the chilly waters of the Atlantic ocean, which you can see when you look down. The bridge also sways in the wind, which makes it more daring. I loved it!

White Park Bay Viewpoints

Along the North Antrim’s coastline is White Park Bay, which is close to The Giant’s Causeway. It is a beautiful stretch of ancient beaches and cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. On that trip to the North Antrim’s coastline, we stayed along the pathways on the tops of the cliffs. The winding trails with views of the cliff faces and blue waters were breathtaking.

For those looking to visit The Giant’s Causeway, it is in Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom, and not Ireland. If you not driving you can take day tours from Dublin, Ireland or Belfast, North Ireland. You can google and book online, or at legitimate tourist offices in the cities.

For more traveler’s information, please visit – Giant’s Causeway

________________

Photo Gallery

__________

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us…

🌎 Thank you for visiting my website and NEVER STOP EXPLORING!

📸 All photos are taken by me and are my intellectual property – Trixie Navarre