The amazing Giant’s Causeway spans around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns caused by an ancient volcanic eruption (50–60 million years ago) in what is now County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The area represents great scientific importance. In 1986, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, and in 1987, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland made it a national nature reserve.

The tops of the columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. It has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.

Mythology and Legends of the Giant’s Causeway

The area’s uniqueness has sprouted many legends and myths over the years. According to one of these legends, the columns are the remains of a causeway built by a giant. Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool), from Gaelic mythology, was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted the challenge and built the causeway across the North Channel so the two giants could meet.

Some say Fionn defeats Benandonner. Other legends claim that Fionn hides from Benandonner when he realizes his enemy is much bigger than him. In an attempt to save her husband’s life, Fionn’s wife, Oonagh, disguises him as a baby. When Benandonner sees the size of the ‘baby’, he reckons that its father, Fionn, must be a giant among giants. He flees back to Scotland in fright, destroying the causeway behind him so Fionn cannot chase him down.

Other legends claim that Fionn mac Cumhaill was a hero with supernatural abilities. According to Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (1888), “the pagan gods of Ireland […] grew smaller and smaller in the popular imagination until they turned into the fairies; the pagan heroes grew bigger and bigger until they turned into the giants”.

Preserving a Natural Treasure

The Giant’s Causeway is a natural wonder, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its outstanding universal value. Efforts to preserve and protect this unique landscape are ongoing, with conservation initiatives to safeguard its geological features and fragile ecosystems.

Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and follow designated paths and trails to minimize their impact on the delicate ecosystem. Educational programs and interpretive displays provide insight into the importance of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of the Causeway for years to come.

Tourism and Tourist Attractions along the Giant’s Causeway

When the Bishop of Derry visited the area in 1692, the Giant’s Causeway became better known—gaining more and more popularity over time. It received international attention through Dublin artist Susanna Drury’s watercolour paintings in 1739. It gained popularity among tourists in the nineteenth century following the inauguration of the Giant’s Causeway Tramway. Visitors can enjoy a walk over the beautiful basalt columns at the sea’s edge and the stunning panoramic views on offer.

“It’s no wonder this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because beyond the mindboggling beauty, the Causeway is our portal into Earth’s most ancient past.”

– Eleanor Killough, Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre

Described by CNN’s John D Sutter as “Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction”, the Giant’s Causeway offers tourists plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure!

1. Hiking
   

The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre offers tourists walking and hiking tours of the most popular attraction in Northern Ireland. Starting at Dunseverick Castle, the tour follows the Causeway Coastal Route in a 4.5-mile hike of around 2 hours. Tourists can enjoy the ocean waves along with the surrounding farmland. They finally arrive at ‘The Shepherd’s Steps. Consisting of 162 stone steps down to the columns over the bay and the Amphitheatre down to the Giant’s Causeway. It’s an opportunity that should not be missed!

2. Take a Photo or Catch the Sunset

You cannot visit one of the most famous spots in Northern Ireland that overlooks the ocean without taking the chance to relax and watch a fantastic sunset view. Also, if you’re interested in photography, we can guarantee you will find a better location for capturing stunning photos of the nature surrounding you. The natural beauty of the Giants Causeway makes for a photographer’s dream. So be sure to bring your camera along for the trip.

3. Go Kayaking

If you want to venture into the water yourself, what better way to do so than to go kayaking? Tourists of all ages may go on this adventure and enjoy paddling through the sparkling waters of the ocean.

4. Visit Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is a medieval castle in Northern Ireland, County Antrim. It is surrounded by very steep drops on each side, which is what drew the early Christians and Vikings to this place where an early Irish fort once stood.

This historic castle has been the site of numerous battles; over one hundred years, it was besieged multiple times. It is also a location of many legends. A local legend states that at one point, part of the kitchen next to the cliff face collapsed into the sea. Another story revolves around Maeve Roe, whom her father locked away in the castle’s north-eastern tower for refusing to marry her suitor.

However, she managed to escape with her true love and fled to Mermaid Cave, where they fled by boat. But they were dashed against the cliffs. Maeve’s ghost is still said to sweep her prison tower. Another legend involves the MacDonnells, who, after their expulsion, besieged the castle more than once until their forces climbed into the corner towers and hanged the English captain. His ghost is said to haunt one of the towers.

The castle has inspired many literary works over the years, including Cair Paravel in C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia (1950–1954). It has also been featured in the HBO hit drama series Game of Thrones, doubling as the stronghold of Pyke on the Iron Islands. It is also said that the show’s Red Wedding scene was inspired by real events between the McQuillans (the Starks) and the MacDonnells (the Freys).

5. Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Another activity that attracts many tourists is walking across the 30-metre rope bridge between the mainland and the small rock island of Carrickarede. Built over 350 years ago by salmon fishermen. The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge has also inspired literary creations, such as the poem “A Postcard from North Antrim” by Irish poet Seamus Heaney. Check the poem out below:

‘A lone figure is waving

From the thin line of a bridge

Of ropes and slates, slung

Dangerously out between

The cliff-top and the pillar rock.’

6. Visit Mussenden Temple

Proclaimed to be one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland, the Mussenden Temple offers breathtaking views of the North Coast and spectacular 18th-century ruins.

7. Take a Stroll at Downhill Beach

Downhill Beach begins below the cliffs of the Mussenden Temple and ends at the Causeway Coast. It offers a wide variety of entertaining activities for families and individuals alike, including water sports such as windsurfing, horse riding, scenic walks, and all the necessary facilities.

Visitors will also find rocks that children can climb safely for fun, making the beach family-friendly. Downhill Beach is also famous for beach angling activities.

Downhill Beach is quite an iconic location nowadays, as it was used in the filming of Game of Thrones. This beautiful location is featured in season two of Game of Thrones. The area was transformed into Dragonstone, where Melisandre burned the Seven Idols of Westeros.

8. Giant’s Boot

Another famous feature of the Giant’s Causeway is the Giant’s Boot (sized at 93.5), which, according to legends, Finn lost as he fled from Benandonner.

Could the legends be true?! You’ll have to see for yourself.

9. Take a Seat on the Wishing Chair

The Wishing Chair is a natural throne formed from a set of columns. It is said that ages ago, only women were allowed to sit on it…

It is said that this chair was made for Finn MacCool when he was a child. Legends say that anyone sitting on it will have all their wishes come true.

10. The Camel

Another of Finn McCool’s belongings can be found at the base of the Giant’s Causeway: his camel. It appears to have been turned to stone after working tediously to carry its master back and forth.

A Journey to Remember

If you’re ever in Northern Ireland, be sure to pay an extended visit to the Giant’s Causeway. Walk through the paths of history and legends, find beautiful panoramic views, and enjoy fun and entertaining activities—you definitely won’t regret it!

A trip to the Giant’s Causeway is more than just a sightseeing excursion – it’s an immersive journey into the heart of one of nature’s most extraordinary creations. From its ancient legends to its geological wonders, this iconic destination offers a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world and the rich tapestry of human history and culture surrounding it.

Whether exploring the rugged coastline, marvelling at the symmetrical columns, or delving into the area’s fascinating history, visiting the Giant’s Causeway will leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for an adventure you’ll never forget.

Also, don’t forget to check out other places and attractions around Northern Ireland: |The Glens of Antrim| Where is Game of Thrones Filmed? Northern Ireland Locations| Titanic Museum Belfast| Castlewellan Forest Park| The Amazing Games of Thrones Tapestry| Carrickfergus Castle: The Strongman|