GIANT’S CAUSEWAY
Legend says that Giant’s Causeway was built and then subsequently destroyed in a battle between two giants – Irish Finn McCool and the Scottish Benandonner. Some say that Finn built the Causeway so that he could visit a Scottish maiden who he fell in love with. And others say that Giant’s Causeway was formed 50 to 60 million years ago as a result of flows of lava inching toward the coast and then cooling when they made contact with the sea. Whether you think the Causeway was made naturally or from giants, when you experience the rocks up close, it isn’t any less magical.
Access to these approximately 40,000 black basalt columns is free, however, if you would like to enjoy the National Trust’s Visitor Centre and parking lot, there is a fee. If you are experiencing Giant’s Causeway without stopping at the Visitor Centre, I would highly recommend going as early as possible. If you were taking advantage of the National Trust’s parking lot and amenities, I would advise arriving at 10am when it opens. Giant’s Causeway is the only Northern Ireland UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it gets quite crowded!
From the Visitor Centre, take the Blue Trail, a direct route to the stones that is under a mile. Along this path, we saw two cows lounging about, and gorgeous views of the sea. It was so relaxing hearing the waves crashing along the rocks as we made our way to the famous stones.
cows seen along the Blue Trail
For a different vantage point, take the Red Trail back up to the Visitor Centre. This is a cliff top trail that allows you to see the stones from above. When we were walking this path, we looked down and could already see many more people starting to crowd the stones!
view from the Red Trail
Then have lunch at the Visitor Centre. There are very reasonably priced sandwiches and scones, with vegan options as well. In all, I would allot 2.5 – 3 hours to really soak up the trails and grab lunch. If you are in Northern Ireland, you can’t miss a trip to Giant’s Causeway (especially if you are in Belfast, it’s only an hour and a half away)!
