Northern Ireland’s coastline is a treasure trove of scenic splendor. When I stepped on the vast trail known as the Giants Causeway nestled between the wild North Atlantic Ocean and enormous cliffs, I was dwarfed by the larger beauty around me. Giants Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Huge slender basalt stone columns, some 40,000 of them, rise from the shoreline, where they have stood since volcanic eruptions created them 60 million years ago.
Photos by Susan Geiger
The National Trust, Northern Ireland’s conservation charity, is the caretaker of Giants Causeway. Visitors have free access to the trails leading to the stone and rock formations. For a fee, you can join a tour with a professional guide from the Giants Causeway Visitors Center. At some point during your visit (or through your own research), you’ll hear several versions of a folk tale of two giants: Finn McCool of Ireland and his archenemy Benandonner of Scotland. McCool, according to one tale, was building the causeway as a bridge to Scotland to rescue his love who was held captive by Benadonner. However, McCool ultimately perished from exhaustion during a storm. Another tale has McCool building the causeway to scare-off Benadonner. Visit any Irish pub and you’ll likely hear various versions of this folk tale as the Guinness flows.
Hiking the Giants Causeway trails is a stimulating workout over gentle hills and into somewhat deep valleys. You may see a cow or two lazing in a sunny meadow along the way. The landscape also pops with spring and summer wildflowers. On clear days, you can see Scotland’s coastline. You’ll also come upon trail markers describing historical spots and geological wonders.
The incredible stepping stones on the Causeway are shaped like hexagons and extend from the shoreline directly into the water. You can venture out on them, but proceed with caution because they’re slippery when wet. I opted out and instead sat on a rock watching the youthful exuberance of kids and their parents walk and climb on the stone columns.
The drive along the Causeway Coastal Route is equally stunning. You’ll drive by the ruins of Dunluce Castle, which sits on a craggy cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The 16th century castle ruins are one of the most dramatic sights in Northern Ireland. Also nearby is Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, built in 1755 by salmon fishermen. The single file rope bridge looks harrowing as it’s suspended across a chasm with the Atlantic Ocean below. Visitors to the site can book a walk across the bridge, if they dare.
Just east of Giants Causeway is the charming little village of Portrush, known as the capital of the Causeway Coast. This seaside village has picturesque beaches, quaint surfside cafes and restaurants, shops, and a 90-year-old amusement park. The historic Royal Portrush Golf Course is also one of the most famous and challenging in the world.
The trip to Giants Causeway is a pleasant and scenic drive from where we stayed in Belfast. A perfect day trip that is most gratifying.
Press Play For A Giants Causeway Video Tour
