Be spellbound by the Giant’s Causeway

An UNESCO World Heritage site

Be spellbound by the majestic Giant's Causeway - Ireland's top tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk over amazing basalt stone columns that were formed from volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. Be captivated by legendary tales linking the Causeway with the great Irish giant, Finn MacCool.

Visit the Giant's Causeway and be spellbound by a 60 million year-old natural history phenomenon and a great Irish myth.

Climb over curiously shaped basalt stone columns and imagine how these amazing geological treasures were formed by a vast volcanic eruption all those millennia ago. Look in awe at the Causeway stones, of which there are up to 38,000 in all, and marvel at their appearance. Most of the unusual stones formed from molten lava are six-sided but others range from 4- to 8-sided and some stretch to 12m high.

Then pause to wonder if another theory as to their origins could be true. It is said they were formed by the legendary Irish giant, Finn MacCool, who roamed the north-west coast. He is reputed to have built a causeway of stones so that a great rival of his, Benandonner, could have no excuse not to travel across the seas from Scotland to face him in battle.
Bring this great Irish myth to life as you find some of the column formations associated with Finn MacCool, with evocative names such as The Giant's Granny and The Giant's Organ! And find out more about this legendary tale in the audiovisual presentation at the Visitor Centre.

The Causeway itself is only part of the attraction - you will be enthralled by the rare and superlative natural phenomena of the immediate area. Take a walk along an 8km-stretch of well-signposted, coastal pathways that overlook 90m-high cliffs and a series of bays. The outstanding natural beauty, geology, flora and fauna will fascinate you. No wonder its unique international importance was acknowledged by UNESCO when the Giant's Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site.

Don't forget to look out for the site where the most valuable treasure ever found in a Spanish Armada wreck was recovered in the 1960's. In 1588, the 'Girona' was wrecked at Port na Spaniagh, with the loss of all but five of its 1,300-strong crew. Remarkably, nearly 10,000 priceless treasures were recovered from the wreck almost four centuries later. Picture-boards will tell you the full story as you enjoy your leisurely stroll.
If you wish, you can extend your walk along the coastline to reach the spectacular Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge located 11kms from the Giant's Causeway.