Giant's Causeway: Could something so pretty be the result of a volcanic eruption?
Photo: @nature_wizards
Visiting what is known as “Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction”, could be just the beach holiday with a twist that you envisioned on your travels. Sets of rocks formed by volcanic eruptions are perfectly stacked next to each other in hexagon tubes, creating a surreal picture.
There’s two stories behind how and why the amazing spectacle that is, the Giant’s Causeway, came to exist today. One includes a scientific explanation which revolves around volcanic eruptions and the other revolves around a Scottish and Irish giant fighting.
The scientific story states that the Giant’s Causeway is the aftermath of volcanic crashing and cooling an amazing 60-million-years ago. The place is a Unesco World Heritage Site, meaning the landmark has been officially recognised by the United Nations. The sites lucky enough to make it to the list are selected on their cultural, historical, scientific or other significant qualities. No wonder the Causeway has made it onto the honoured list, it is a portal into the Earth’s past and scientific discoveries. The natural wonder attracts tourists every year, but still is not considered to be an average beach holiday.
Photo: @daniel.kerzner
The second story or the myth behind Causeway states that a Scottish giant was threatening Ireland, the other giant (Finn McCool) decided to grab chunks of the Antrim coast and throw them into the sea. The chunks of rocks form a path for Finn to follow so that he can fight and teach the other giant a lesson. Hence the name, the ‘Giant’s Causeway’. Whilst visiting the Giant’s Causeway, there’s lots of visitor attractions which play on this mythological story which has become so famous around the world. Making it a really interesting and fun beach trip.
Whether you believe the science or the myth, there is no doubt that the Giant’s Causeway is absolutely stunning, brilliant snaps of the location will make anybody who sees them jaw drop. It is quite a surreal looking location and one which needs to be seen.
Photo: @claireparker14
The unique beach might not be surrounded with palm trees or sun, but this coastal retreat is something that you cannot miss even if you’re not a fan of the Irish weather. There are various walking and climbing trails to get stuck into, if you really want to experience the world like a giant and, as stated before, lots of other little attractions and activities to really make the most of your journey.
The Giant’s Causeway is a mythical and scientific beauty. The incredible natural monument is surrounded by many beautiful towns and sights but, the Giant’s Causeway is always the show stopper. Nothing you can see or read can prepare you for the experience. The first look at a 60-million-year old column will make you understand why we have decided to include this coastal phenomenon. The perfect hexagons seem so out of place on the Irish coast and yet, here they are and they look beautiful. Seeing 40,000 interlocking basalt columns isn’t an everyday experience, located in the County Antrim on the northeast coast, you can walk over the incredible basalt columns, although a beach towel probably isn’t needed. Unique experiences like visiting the Causeway and connecting with nature and the environment around you is really something special, something quite refreshing in the modern world.
Photo: @theirishtimesla
