The shoreline of County Antrim is loved for its stunning views, and the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland is one of the best natural attractions to visit and explore.
The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, standing in the north part, has the glorious honor of being called the 8th Wonder of the World by many in Ireland and the whole world.
The outstanding ragged cape of around forty-thousand beautifully arranged sections of hexagonal volcanic basalt surrounded by the calming blue of the sea was made by some miracle of nature about six million years ago due to lava flow.
Sounds exciting? It is. And with this guide on the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, you will get to know everything interesting, meaningful, and fascinating before venturing out for this new adventure.
1. The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland: 10 Wonderful Things to Know
The country of Ireland is not just about leprechauns, Irish coffee, whiskey, and St. Patrick’s Day. Ireland is also well-known and distinguished for its picturesque coastlines, little villages, and charming towns along the waterfront.
Natural wonders play a massive part in the country’s popularity; among them, the most prominent is the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
But what is so special about this place, and why should it be at the top of your travel bucket list? Keep reading to discover fascinating facts about this region and why you should visit it.
1.1) What is the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland: A Miracle of Science and Nature
Before you discover all the reasons to visit this spectacular wonder of Ireland, you should first have an idea of what exactly you will explore.
The Causeway Coast, along with the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, is a stunning expanse of universal geological significance on the coast at the horizon of the Antrim plateau. This place of North Ireland has a unique and memorable aspect in the form of forty thousand huge, neatly molded polygonal sections of basalt in precise horizontal columns, shaping a pavement.
This astonishing spectacle of nature has given birth to tales and myths of giants walking over the ocean to Scotland. Notable in all arts and science fields, the Giant’s Causeway has been a tourist charm for approximately three hundred years and has become an accurate representation of the country.
So when in Ireland, visiting this tremendous Irish symbol is a must for everyone.
1.2) Finding the Giant’s Causeway: A Wonder of Northern Ireland
So where exactly can you discover this natural attraction of Northern Ireland?
The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland sits at the floor of the basalt peaks along the seashore on the perimeter of the Antrim plateau.
It stretches for around six kilometers along the northern coast of the country’s north. Situated between Causeway Head and Benbane Head, the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland presents a scenic view of thousands of stone pillars sticking out of the peaks as though they were gradually approaching the sea.
The nearest town from there is Bushmills which is only about two miles north of the Causeway and sits on its coast.
1.3) The Unique Origin and Formation of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland has a unique geology and rock formation history.
It is believed that the Causeway was created between fifty to sixty million years ago when a stream of lava came out from cracks and crevices in the earth. After that, the temperature of the molten rock lessened. Due to this, the rock formations contracted and broke into a row of about forty thousand columns, primarily in almost-perfect hexagonal forms.
However, the precise temperature at which the lava broke down is still a puzzle even today.
Tourists and travelers of this famous visitor location have much more than just the stones for company. You will find many other natural miracles like the Giant’s Boot, the Giants Organ, and the wishing chair here.
Moreover, the seaside stroll to the stones is a perfect spot to click stunning shots to impress your Instagram friends and followers.
1.4) The Unique History of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
Every iconic location on our blue planet has its unique history, and the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland is no exception.
Even though the Giant’s Causeway formed more than sixty million years ago, the basalt columns of the Causeway only became familiar to the world in 1692 when it was visited by the future Bishop of Dublin, William King, along with a Cambridge scholar. While the place was previously only known to the locals, it gradually became famous worldwide and got well-deserved fame and recognition.
1.5) The Reason the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Giant’s Causeway’s fame in Ireland and the coast spread further when it was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1986.
This place was honored because it is an extraordinary instance depicting vital phases of the world’s history. It includes substantial geological methods in the evolution of landforms or crucial geomorphic or physiographic elements of unique natural magnificence and aesthetic distinction.
1.6) The Myth of the Giant
Why does the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland have such a unique and different name? Before you venture into the wilderness of the lands, take a lesson on the stories surrounding the place.
The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland has attracted thousands of visitors from near and far with its mysterious allure and unique geological figures.
However, according to a myth, the pillars are the ruins of a causeway made by a giant named Finn McCool. According to the tale, the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill from the Fenian Cycle of Gaelic lore was challenged to fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. After accepting the challenge, Fionn constructed the Causeway across the North Channel so the two giants could face each other in battle.
You can experience the legend of the Irish and the Scottish giant on screen at the Giant’s Causeway visitor center.
1.7) The Flora and Fauna of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
The stones, rocks, and the sea are not your only companions in this part of Northern Ireland. The grassy lands against the clear skies are also a beautiful part of the place.
Most notably, the region is a refuge for sea birds like fulmar, cormorant, guillemot, and shag. You will get glimpses of Irish hares, rabbits, foxes, and badgers among animals.
The rugged rock structures are home to various common and rare plants like frog orchids, sea fescue, and hare foot trefoil. During spring and summer, wildflowers cover the lands with colors. The landscape wears pretty hues of blue spring squill, white sea champion, and pink thrift.
In winter, the barren Causeway Coast can be a brutal setting for flourishing plants, flowers, and trees. But, even in the harsh cold, trees like ash, blackthorn, and hazel manage to withstand in the less barren regions.
1.8) Places to Stay When in Causeway
A perfect trip is not just about exploring the lands; a temporary and comfortable home is also necessary during the vacation. You will find accommodations such as the Causeway Lodge, The Bushmills Inn Hotel, Beulah Guest House, and Carnately Lodge, among the most popular and best-rated places to stay near Causeway.
Book ahead for the perfect room with the best possible comforts and features.
1.9) Sites to Explore at the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
The coastal neighborhood has enchanting scenic routes perfect for hiking and road trips.
Mainly, there are four trails to explore in this part of Ireland – the blue, red, green, and yellow trails.
The blue trail is not for hiking, but it is the fastest and most straightforward way to reach the foot of the Causeway. On the other hand, the red trail gives you a stunning view of the shoreline and is connected to the blue path from where you can reach the Causeway. The green one is suitable for kids and beginners. Finally, the yellow trail covers the coastline and takes more than a few hours. All three courses are beautiful, with enchanting views and a perfect place for hikers and adventurers.
Dunluce Castle and the Bushmills Distillery are some more outstanding and famous sceneries only a quick ride from the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. And if you are a fan of the popular TV series, Game of Thrones, here you will find many filming sites and set locations. So remember these lovely attractions when taking the Giant’s Causeway road trip.
So visit Giant’s Causeway to adventure and explore all the wonders of Ireland.
1.10) Some Similar and Special Spectacles Around the World
The Giant’s Causeway is an extraordinary and gorgeous place, but some similar sites worldwide also have incredible columns.
The nearest one is only across the water on an isle in Scottish called the Staffa Flow, where Fingal’s Cave is prominent for its massive basalt columns. Other examples include Devil’s Tower (USA), Hexagon Pool (Israel), and even some columns on Mars!
However, the uniqueness and beauty of the stone columns and weathered rock formations of Giant’s Causeway in Ireland cannot be compared to any other wonder of the earth or even the entire solar system.
2. FAQs on The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
Still, have queries on this beautiful Irish attraction? Read on to find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland and the most notable reasons to visit this place.
2.1) Where is the Giant’s Causeway?
Well, you already know that the fantastic Giant’s Causeway is located in the beautiful country of Ireland. But where exactly can you find it in Northern Ireland?
The Giant’s Causeway in Ireland stands at the bottom of the basalt ridges along the coast on the horizon of the Antrim plateau.
It spans approximately six kilometers along the northern shore of Northern Ireland. Located between Causeway Head and Benbane Head, the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland gives its visitors a spectacular view of thousands of stone columns jutting out of the ridges as if they were slowly moving toward the coast.
The neighboring town there is Bushmills which is barely two miles north of the Causeway and sits on its coast.
2.2) What are some places similar to the Giant’s Causeway coast?
Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway is a rare and beautiful place, but some similar locations worldwide also have such remarkable columns.
The closest one is only across the water on an island in Scottish known as the Staffa Flow, where Fingal’s Cave is distinguished with enormous basalt columns.
You can also find similar formations in Russia, Israel, Mexico, and Iceland. But truth be told, though they are all unique and beautiful, none are as spectacular and cannot be compared with the elegance of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
Click Here: Top 18 Best Places to Visit in Ireland
Endnotes: Exploring the Irish Wonders
So now that you know all about the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland and other fantastic Irish attractions of scenic beauty, what are you waiting for?
The country of Ireland is filled with stunning shorelines and charming towns and villages for you to visit and explore. Among the most picturesque beauties around the globe, you will find the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland at the very top.
With neat rows of natural columns along an incredible coastline, the place looks like something from a picture book or a fairytale.
And by having an adventure in the lands of the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, you will enjoy the wonderful blend of science and nature and have a truly magical experience.
