Giants Causeway

"A World Heritage Site"

Probably the best known landmark of Northern Ireland and a World Heritage site, on the north coast of County Antrim. It consists of around 40,000 interlocking polygonal basalt columns, jutting out into the sea amid a spectacular coastal landscape of cliffs, headlands and crashing waves.  It is also a site of international importance for flora and fauna.

It is believed that the Causeway was created during a period of volcanic activity some 60 million years ago. The columns being created when lava cooled quickly upon flowing into the sea. The surrounding cliffs also demonstrate the many lava flows that have shaped the North Antrim landscape.

Local folklore offers an alternative explanation for the Causeway’s creation. It is said that it was built by the Irish Giant Finn MacCool so that he could cross the Irish Sea to Scotland to challenge a rival giant, Benandoner. Finn is also credited with the creation of the Isle of Man, which is said to have been formed when he scooped a massive sod of earth to launch at his rival. The resulting hole filled with water to become Lough Neagh.

Although worldwide it is known as the Giants Causeway it has been given other names to describe the formations of rock, these are the Giant’s boot, camel, harp, the organ and the wishing chair.

There is a  bus service, 'Causeway Coaster', which runs from the visitor centre to the Grand Causeway throughout the year. The route, though steep, can also be walked.

The wider Causeway area offers other opportunities for walkers including the Causeway Coast Path which extends east for some 12 miles to the famous Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. Interpretative panels along the route provide information about the history, mythology and scientific interest of the area.

It is owned and managed by the National Trust.

Location: Giants Causeway, nr Bushmills, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland Grid Reference: C952452 Ceremonial County: Co. Antrim Map Link: Multimap Aerial photo: Multimap Aerial Photo Getting there: From Bushmills take the B146 Causeway-Dunseverick road East for 2 miles. Access: Car park and tourist information centre operated by Moyle District Council Website: The Giants Causeway   Giants Causeway Visitor Centre     National Trust Other Useful Websites: Wiki     www.causewaycoastandglens.com Email: giantscauseway@nationaltrust.org.uk Address: 44a Causeway Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim Postcode: BT57 8SU Telephone: 028 2073 1582 Opening Times: All year except 25/26 December Charges: Free to access but there is a car park fee Nearby Locations: Causeway & Bushmills Steam Railway 200 yards. Other Location Pages: White Park Bay Notes: Dogs on leads only. Tea room World Heritage Sites World Heritage Sites - Further Information World Heritage Sites in the UK

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