The Giant’s Causeway is an unusual and very beautiful place. It is located at the foot of giant basalt cliffs.
The Giant’s Causeway consists of more than 40,000 massive black hexagonal columns, “growing” as if from the sea. And these majestic forms look as if they were really placed there by giants.
In fact, they were created as a result of numerous volcanic eruptions, the movement of tectonic plates and erosion over 60 million years.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a geological wonder. It is visited by tourists from all over the world who want to immerse themselves in historical legends, enjoy breathtaking views and feel like little people among giant natural sculptures for a while.
Walking less than one kilometer from the road, you will reach its base, where you can examine this miracle up close.
Where does the trail get its name?
There is an ancient Celtic myth that says that giants once lived in these places. One day, a giant named Finn Mac Cumhal from the coast of Ireland decided to fight his enemy, the one-eyed giant Goll, who lived in Scotland. To do this, it was necessary to swim across the bay or build a bridge across it. Finn chose the second method and in 7 days drove a huge number of stone rods into the water bottom.
After such hard work, the giant decided to rest. While he was sleeping, Goll came to “visit” from the shores of Scotland. The warrior’s wife noticed the visitor in time and swaddled her sleeping husband like a baby, passing him off as her son. While the Scottish giant was waiting for his rival to return home, the mistress of the house baked pancakes with a filling made from iron frying pans and treated Goll. The giant immediately broke his teeth, which made him very angry. Then Finn’s wife gave a pancake to her “baby”, but chose the one that did not have a frying pan.
The Scottish giant watched in horror as the “baby” quickly gobbled up the pancake. He was afraid to even imagine what the father of this “baby” would be like. So he immediately ran home, destroying the bridge on the way. This is how the Giant’s Causeway appeared, going to nowhere.
How was it really?
Scientists, of course, have their own version – more prosaic. It is believed that the Giant’s Causeway is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred about 50 or 60 million years ago. Hot basalt lava burst to the surface at the bottom of a river that once existed here. After passing through the water, the lava flows quickly cooled and formed pillars.
How to get to the Giant’s Causeway
By city or tourist bus from the capital Belfast.
By tourist bus from the city of Bushmills.
Nand Translink trains from Belfast and Londonderry to Portrush or Coleraine, where regular buses run.
By steam railway from Bushmills (the station is 200 metres from the main entrance to the park).
Source: alp.org.ua