BBC Nature's Calendar Photo - Northern Ireland Tourist Board, The 40,000 basalt steps that make up the Causeway are the stuff of local legend. One folk tale says it was built by the Irish giant Finn McCool to bring his girlfriend over from Scotland, whilst others claim that it might have been built by shovel and pick. But science sorted out the real origins in the late 18th Century when the rocks were found to have formed 50-60 million years ago as a result of massive volcanic activity. Geological wonder The Giant's Causeway is made up of some 40,000 large black basalt columns which protrude from the sea. It formed when molten rock was forced up through fissures in the earth to form a lava plateau. During one intense period of volcanic activity, rapidly cooling lava contracted and differences in the cooling rate led to the formation of hexagonal basalt columns. Weathering of the top of the lower area led to the formation of the Inter Basaltic Bed, characterised by its bands of reddish rock. Further erosion led to the creation of circular formations, known locally as 'giants eyes'.

Natural world Take a few steps beyond this top tourist attraction and there's a natural world that's also worth exploring. Take a closer look at the columns down by the shoreline and look for the black stripe on the rocks, the result of a plant known as Tar Lichen. It's a common sight in many splash zones where rocks like this meet the sea - you might even find other creatures like Winkles grazing on this stuff. And if you look closely, there's a veritable rainbow of lichen colours on these rocks - oranges, greens yellows and whites. Rock pooling and birding The Giant's Causeway is a surprisingly good place for rock pooling trips, and there's an amazing selection of marine to look out for. Amongst the marine life are Limpets, Sea Anemones, and Cushion Star Fish to name just a few. The Giant's Causeway is also a very good spot for birding. Amongst the birds which can be easily seen is the Fulmar, an ocean going seabird which can emit a strange oily vomit on would-be assailants, hence the Norse name meaning 'foul gull'. During the summer the Fulmars nest and start bringing up their young.

These great flyers are very much at home on the wing just soaring around so look to the skies. Also look out for the Rock Pipit, Wheatear, Oystercatchers, Guillemots and Whitethroat. Plant safari You might think that the plant life at the Giant's Causeway would be very fragile due to the exposed cliff faces and the wind, rain and cold. Although it's a tough place to live, many plants have adapted to the conditions, including the Oysterplant, which is usually found on the shingle near the sea, and is named because it leaves taste of oysters. Also look for Scots Lovage, which is only found in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Sea Spleenwort, Devils Bit Scabious, Bird Foot Trefoil (a member of the Shamrock family) and Thyme Broomrape. The great thing about the Giant's Causeway and the surrounding area is the diversity of the wildlife from birds and butterflies to crabs, plants and lichens. It's also home to the Orb Spider which spins its distinctive web to catch insects blown in from the sea.

Photo credits Giant's Causeway | geological formation, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom | Britannica.com geological formation, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Written By: Alternative Title: Clochán an Aifir Related Topics Beachy Head Giant’s Causeway, ( Irish: Clochán an Aifir) promontory of basalt columns along 4 miles (6 km) of the northern coast of Northern Ireland . It lies on the edge of the Antrim plateau between Causeway Head and Benbane Head, some 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Londonderry . There are approximately 40,000 of these stone pillars, each typically with five to seven irregular sides, jutting out of the cliff faces as if they were steps creeping into the sea. The Giant’s Causeway, near Portrush, Northern Ireland. Itub Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Formed 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene Period, the Giant’s Causeway resulted from successive flows of lava inching toward the coast and cooling when they contacted the sea.

Layers of basalt formed columns, and the pressure between these columns sculpted them into polygonal shapes that vary from 15 to 20 inches (38 to 51 cm) in diameter and measure up to 82 feet (25 metres) in height. They are arrayed along cliffs averaging some 330 feet (100 metres) in elevation. The Giant’s Causeway, “steps” of hexagonal basalt columns formed by the rapid cooling … © Joe Gough/Shutterstock.com First documented in 1693, the formation has been intensively studied by geologists. The Giant’s Causeway and its coastal environs were bequeathed to the National Trust (a British organization that promotes the preservation of natural and architectural wonders) in 1961. Subsequently, the site was extended to some 200 acres (80 hectares); it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. It is protected not only for its beauty but also because its cliffs, seashores, marshes, and grasslands are home to some 50 species of birds, as well as to more than 200 species of plants.

Humans settled around the Giant’s Causeway in the 19th century, but the site is now uninhabited. It does, however, attract some 300,000 tourists annually. Deriving its name from local folklore, it is fabled to be the work of giants, particularly of Finn MacCumhaill (MacCool), who built it as part of a causeway to the Scottish island of Staffa (which has similar rock formations) for motives of either love or war. High columns of the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland. Mike Morley—iStock/Thinkstock Giant’s Causeway - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) On the northern coast of Northern Ireland rises a striking natural formation called the Giant’s Causeway, which is made up of thousands of close-fitting columns of basalt rock. It lies in County Antrim, some 25 miles (40 kilometers) northeast of Londonderry. There are approximately 40,000 of these stone pillars, each typically with five to seven irregular sides, jutting out of the cliff faces as if they were steps creeping into the sea.

Deriving its name from local folklore, the formation is fabled to be the work of giants. Article History Giant’s Causeway Facts | Primary Facts Giant’s Causeway Facts by James • 12 Comments Here are some facts about the Giant’s Causeway. The Giant’s Causeway is a natural rock formation. It is located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, in the county of Antrim, a few miles from the town of Bushmills. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland and was voted as the 4th best natural wonder in the UK. In 1986, UNESCO declared the rock formation a World Heritage Site, the only one in Northern Ireland. The formation consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of which are hexagonal. The columns form huge stepping stones, some as high as 39 feet, which slope down to the sea. Some of the columns have four, seven or eight sides. Weathering of the rock formation has also created circular structures, which the locals call ‘giant’s eyes’. Many of the columns fit together so closely that it is impossible to insert a knife blade between them.

When viewed from above, the causeway looks like a man made street. A local legend says that the Giant’s Causeway was built by Finn McCool, a magical giant. One of the rock formations resembles a giant boot. Finn supposedly built the causeway so that he could reach Scotland without getting his feet wet. There is a similar rock formation 75 miles away across the sea, at Fingal’s Cave, in Scotland. The Giant’s Causeway was actually formed by intense volcanic activity about 50 million years ago. As the lava rapidly cooled , it contracted into the distinctive shapes. The rocky coastline around the Giant’s Causeway has caused many shipwrecks. In 1588, over 1,000 men were killed when a Spanish ship sank and today, the rocks are known as Spaniard Rock. The Causeway is an excellent place to spot sea birds, including razorbills, cormorants and petrels. Some rare plants also thrive in the rock formation, including sea spleenwort.

Giant's Causeway, Ireland - GEO 121 Wiki: Fall 2011 GEO 121 Wiki: Fall 2011 Giant's Causeway, Ireland General Information: The Giant's Causeway is a unique area of nearly 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created from an ancient volcanic eruption. The site is located on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, where it drops into the North Sea in the County Antrim. The area has received numerous recognitions, such as being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and a National Nature Reserve by the Department of the Environment. Giant's Causeway is the most popular tourist destination in the entirety of Northern Ireland. Precipitation Distribution: Rainfall: *The graphs above show the annual mean rainfall for counties surrounding Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The greatest rainfall amounts are from the months of October to January. Summer months have the least rainfall. Areas with the greatest rainfall amount is caused by the rain-bearing winds that come from the Atlantic Ocean.

Snow/Sleet: Below are charts of the average monthly snow/sleet fall in regions near Giant's Causeway: From the charts, it is obvious that the amount of snowfall/sleet is increasing during the winter months due to the decrease in temperature. On the coast where Giant Causeway is located, the average number of days when snow or sleet falls is around 10. Humidity: January February March April May June July August September October November December %Relative Humidity 82 81 81 81 83 82 86 84 83 81 83 82 From the chart, it is obvious that because of the constant rainfall in Giants Causeway the relative humidity is also high. It is a little higher in the months of July and August because those are our hottest months but doesn't really decrease a whole lot in the other months of the year. source: Severe Weather in our Location: Severe weather that affects our location includes high sea levels and abnormal rain patterns, strong winds and abnormal snow fall.

High sea level and strong winds could be a result of our location being on a coast surrounded by a bay, abnormal snow fall is a result of a heavy front passing through the England and Scotland region. The snow can sometimes deposit in our location where it usually does not receive snow fall. During the months of January, September, October, November, and December our location experiences more rainfall than the other months, making it more likely for severe rain storms and damage from those rainstorms too occur. Air Masses Three main air masses affect Giants Causeway, Ireland. They include the Arctic air, Polar Air, and Tropical Air. In the winter months, the Arctic air affects Ireland due to high pressure dominating over the continental polar air masses. In the Summer, the Polar air masses occupy Giants Causeway by having high latitudes and warm and dry weather . The Tropical Air masses contribute a significant amount to Ireland's weather. The Continental tropics create very dry regions throughout the summer. The Maritime tropics create both dampness in the winter and warm muggy weather during the summer. Precipitation/Temperature Regimes: The precipitation regime that affects Giants Causeway is the Marine West Coast Regime.

The Marine West Coast Regime has a lot of precipitation during the winter which is during the low-sun period. (Marine West Coast regime) The temperature regime that affects Giants Causeway is greatly dependent on the Atlantic Ocean. Since the Atlantic Ocean only causes a slight change in temperature during the summer and winter months, Giants Causeway is affected by the Marine West Coast temperature regime. Source: Introducing Physical Geography textbook, pages 221-228. Koopen Climate: The Koopen climate in Ireland is classified as Maritime Temperate. Typical winter weather is usually some clouds and rain with occasional sunny spans. The temperature is around 5 degree's Celcius and drops below freezing during the night. Typical summers are warm, sunny weather, and light rain occasionally occurs. Weather is very consistent compared to continental climates because of the moderating effect of the Atlantic ocean. Factors influencing Vegetation and Wildlife: Pesticides have been known to be the cause of death for some animals in Londonderry, Ireland (near Giant's Causeway). The pesticides poison the small mammals such as hedgehogs.

Badgers are known to carry the disease bovine tuberculosis , which farmers see as a threat to their animals and resulting in the illegal baiting of badgers. The hunting of foxes also affects the wildlife. Foxes are considered vermin and many hunters make them their main target. Ireland is very green and the grasses grow rapidly due to the moist air. There are not a lot of trees due to intense winds which cause the growth of trees to decrease . Soils in northern Ireland derived from glaciers. The soil consists of fertile grey-brown podzolic, which are mostly found on the lowland of northern Ireland. Agriculture also affects the vegetation in Ireland. 2/3 of the land in Ireland is made up of farms and enclosed fields. #VEG Topography: Giant’s Causeway is right on the shore line so the topography leads to the growth of Tar Lichen causing black strips on the rocks. Environmental Threats: The most notable environmental threat in Giant’s Causeway are the invasive species. One of the main invasive species is the Oncorhynchus Mykiss (Rainbow Trout). This fish is native to the Pacific Ocean and was brought to the Giant’s Causeway region for fishing competitions and commercial aqua cultural.

The rainbow trout is an invasive species because it feeds on the native fish which has caused many of them to become endangered or extinct. Biome/ Eco-Region: Giant’s Causeway, Ireland is located in the Mid-Latitude Deciduous forest ecoregion and is found in the Temperature deciduous forests biome. Plant and Animal Adaptations: Animals and plants have different adaptations to the wet climate in Giants Causeway and in the different seasons: Animals who can survive the wet climate will thrive in Giants Causeway but those who can not do not last long. During the cold seasons animals such as birds will migrate to other areas where they can survive. Plants especially thrive in this type of climate because all of the water helps them to grow faster and healthier. During the cold season most trees and plants are dormant except for a few deciduous trees in the region who can survive the cold weather. Some plants that require large amounts of sunlight might not grow well in Giants Causeway because it does experience low sun periods throughout the year. Weathering and Erosion Processes: Analyzing the correlation of Giants Causeway and Volcanoes is a significant. Giants Causeway was formed through the eruption of lava that cooled rapidly.

Many people are attracted to this specific section of Ireland because the rock that was formed there was due to volcanic activity. Although there is no recent volcanic activity people visit to see the ancient volcanic activity that was created over 50 million years ago. Plate Boundaries: Ireland, specifically Northern Ireland where The Giant's Causeway is located, is not near a plate boundary. The closest plate boundary is to the west of Giants Causeway in the mid-North Atlantic between North America and Europe. Rocks Found in Giant's Causeway Giant’s Causeway is made up almost entirely of rocks called basalt columns, a result from a volcanic eruption. The columns act as stepping stones that lead from the top of the cliff into the sea. The columns are hexagonal in shape with multiple different sides; the tallest columns are almost twelve meters high. Internal processes The reason Giants Causeway was formed was due to volcanic activity 62-65 million years ago. There was a set of 3 intense periods of lava flow which contributes to the hexagonal shapes. The reason for the hexagonal shapes result from the pace at which the lava cools as proven by Harvard University professor L.

Mahadevan Erosion and Weathering in Giants Causeway Present The major erosion happens on the coastline of Giants Causeway Coastline preservation is very important because it is one of the major areas for sight seeing for tourists. The Causeway Coastal Route takes tourists around the coastline of Giants Causeway to see how beautiful it is. The result of these physical and chemical weathering processes caused by water is the breaking down of the rock, from the outside in. Rotten rock sloughs off in sheets, exposing fresh rock from the interior for weathering to attack. Over time this constant exposure to high energy water reduces the rock and coasts size and volume. Wedging also takes place when water gets into the cracks of rocks and when colder weather approaches the water freezes forming ice which creates cracks and breaking in the basalt. This process is continuous because the constant widening of the cracks creates more space to accommodate more water and a higher chance of wedging. Past Giants Causeway formed by a volcano, the flowing lava created certain landforms in the surface of rocks. Lava, when hot, takes up more volume than cold igneous rock. As it cools, the solidifying lava contracts.

Because the whole volume of rock is contracting, evenly-spaced centers of contraction develop. Cracks open up to accommodate that contraction, this creates a honeycomb pattern. Once this honeycomb type of pattern is formed it makes the rock much more likely to water penetrating the cracks and making it susceptible to wedging. Another type of weathering process the rocks show in Giants Causeway shows a joint process. A “joint” is when any fracture in a rock along which movement has NOT occurred.The particular joint process shown in Northern Ireland is: the intersection of the joints divide the rock into column-shaped pieces, shaped roughly like an un-sharpened pencil. This is an example of the honey-comb pattern caused by constant wedging. This is an image of the "Causeway basalt" layers exposed in a gorge east of the Giant's Causeway itself. Note their difference in size: slower cooling produces larger columns. Faster cooling produces smaller columns. Watersheds The Giant’s Causeway is close to the edge of its watershed boundary. Located near The Giant’s Causeway is a river that runs through Londonderry, a city close to our site. The surface water drains into the river located near Londonderry and then eventually into the Atlantic Ocean.

Impacts of Liquid Water Northern Ireland surface water is extremely important, about 83% of the surface water is used for drinking water. Keeping the surface conserved and safe to drink is extremely important and Ireland is still trying to figure out ways to protect the water supply better than they do now. Ground water is also very important to regulate and control because if the ground water is polluted or begins to deteriorate it is very costly to fix and takes a long time to recover. Human activities are being monitored more and more as they begin to negatively impact the ground water and surface water supply and safety. Glaciers Throughout Ireland During the Ice Age, Ireland was very heavily populated by thick, massive glaciers and ice sheets. Over the next 2000 years Ireland began to reach equilibrium and many of the glaciers that once existed there no longer existed. When these ice sheets melted new water landforms were formed that were left by glaciers. Although the Ice Age destroyed what Ireland looked like prior to the Ice Age, the remains that were formed from this destruction have shaped Ireland and its popular history. This map shows Ireland at two stages in the Ice Age. The dark purple line shows the maximum extent of the ice 20,000 years ago.

The light purple line shows how far the ice had retreated by 13,000BC (15,000 years ago). The division between the two shades of blue indicates the approximate coastline in 13,000BC. Also shown on the map are the distribution of Drumlins, Eskers and Corries, which are all glacial landforms. The Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland Wikipedia Photo Above - the middle Causeway, photo was taken during my first visit to Ireland on a relatively sunny day. The Giant's Causeway is truly one of Nature's Wonders. These polygonal, column like structures, were formed millions (around 60 million) years ago when a volcanic rock flow experienced unusual, rapid, and erratic cooling. Photo Above - puddles of water collect on the top of the basalt columns. It was this cooling process that forced the rock to crack, forming the material into hexagons and pentagons. A process somewhat like (but not the same as) that which forms the polygonal structures sometimes found in dried out mud puddles. Over the years the cap rock eroded exposing the basalt columns.

By chance, the columns are next to and actually extend into the Ocean; providing a dramatic setting for these polygonal formations. Since the basalt columns look like pavers making a pathway into the sea, many early viewers of the structure thought it had to be the ruins of a man made causeway. But, who could have made such a grand structure? Only Giants of course. Photo Right - As storm clouds gather above us, my son stands on the Causeway rocks and peers down to the calm ocean. Arriving at the Giant's Causeway Visitor Center, we decided to take the guidebook's suggestion and hike the cliff's face, the upper walk, ....at times I am not so certain Travel Guides know what they're talking about. We had encountered some wet weather in the early morning but as we headed out on to the cliff, it looked like mostly sun heading our way. Giant's Causeway Giant's Causeway Facilities Giantâs Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in N Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point for a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries.

It harbours a wealth of local and natural history. Other noteworthy items include: a Spanish Armada shipwreck site (âLa Gironaâ) & many traces of the legendary giant â Finn MacCool. Distance: 40,000+ polygonal basalt columns. Giantâs Boot, The Organ etc Nearest town: Some steep slopes, gravel paths Route: From the visitor centre, follow a tarred roadway & footpath which descends down a steep slope, until you arrive at âThe Stookansâ or Windy Gap, as locals refer to it â evident as here the walker is exposed to the wild Atlantic elements. From here continue along the tarred roadway (always taking care to mind the popular tourist shuttle bus service) and quickly the first signs of the hexagonal causeway stones will appear. The Giantâs Causeway is made up of 3 promontories â the Little Causeway (1st feature the walker meets), the Middle Causeway (better known as the âHoneycombâ) â which has spectacularly precise hexagonal features, followed by the The Grand Causeway.

In this immediate area, evocative place names & features abound â Wishing Chair, Wishing Well & Giantâs Gate (all connected with Finn MacCool folklore). Many tourists on strict time operator deadlines, rarely go beyond the stones, but for this walk negotiate the Giantâs Gate & proceed into Port Noffer (The bay of the giant). Here a different world exists, with marginally more sheltered conditions allowing more diverse maritime meadows & saltmarsh vegetation to establish. Cast an eye for Sea aster, Yellow iris & other rich plant life. Meadow pipits & many warblers in summer can be found â with sedge warblers & grasshopper warbler not uncommon. And high amongst the crags â the dominant birds are nesting fulmars, and an occasional lone pair of ravens. Passing the Giantâs Boot, climb up the slope to what looks like a giant church organ (in geological terms â huge columns of basalt make the âorgan pipesâ, hence the local name of âThe Organâ. From here the cliff path continues past âThe Organâ for another 400 yards to the headland.

At the point of the headland, there is a viewing platform which looks into the spectacularly named âAmphitheatreâ. Here all manner of lava flows can be observed, aswell as the dynamic nature of the cliffs. Look for the Giantâs Harp & Eyes? At this point the cliff path is closed off for safety reasons, due to unstable cliffs (a number of significant rockfalls occurred here in 1994). From here, return to The Organ, and instead of retracing your steps to the stones climb the steep path, with lots & lots of steps. Known as the Shepherdâs Path, these 162 steps will take you to the cliff top & on to the North Antrim Cliff Path. At the top of the steps, turn right and after half a mile you will be back at the visitor centre & car park â You may even have earned a âFinn MacCool Steakâ at the Causeway Hotel for your efforts at completing this iconic Irish walk! Facilities: National Trust operated car park (see National Trust link below for up-to-date fees).

Toilets, Picnic area, Interpretation, National Trust shop & tea room (12 months opening). Guided tours for groups by arrangement. Accessible toilet facilities: Some steep slopes, gravel paths and steps. Walking footwear recommended. Accessible signage: Yes (award winning interpretation panels) Publication: Giantâs Causeway Guide Book Publication availability: Giant's Causeway Shop tel: 028 2073 1855 Getting to the start by public transport: By bus, Causeway Rambler (Ulsterbus No 402) between Bushmills and Carrick-a-Rede runs in the summer; or Ulsterbus No 252 is a circular route via the Antrim Glens from Belfast. Both stop at the Giantâs Causeway. Parking/getting to the start options: 1. Park in Bushmills (Park ânâ Ride) facilities, anyone using Park and Ride will be charged the green transport visitor experience charge of £7 instead of the standard £8.50 2. Free parking at Bushmills steam railway car park, and walk to Giantâs Causeway via steam railway line/walkway (2 miles).

3. Free parking at Portballintrae and follow Causeway Coast Way (1.5 miles). 4. Park at steam railway station at Runkerry Road, beside Giants Causeway (0.25 miles). Charge £6 per car. 5. Translink Causeway Coast Rambler Bus (Bushmills stop hourly) £5.90 per adult or £2.95 per child day ticket â operating from Coleraine-Portrush-Carrick-a-Rede (inc Giants Causeway stop point). Getting to the start by car: Well sign posted c/o the Causeway Coastal Route, both from Bushmills and Ballycastle. On B146 and 2 miles from Bushmills. Opening times: Stones and coastal path open daily from dawn to dusk.

Visitor Centre Opening times for 2015: January: 9.00 am â 5.00 pm February & March: 9.00 am â 6.00 pm April â September: 9.00 am â 7.00 pm October: 9.00 am â 6.00 pm November & December: 9.00 am â 5.00 pm Closed 24th, 25th & 26th December 2015 Last ticket sales is one hour before advertised closing time. During Spring and Summer our busiest times are between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm, so come early or plan an evening visit.

Prices: Prices: This includes access to â¢ A state of the art visitor centre featuring an illuminating exhibition showcasing the stories and the science behind the Giantâs Causeway â¢ Innovative pocket size audio guide available in 9 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Polish â¢ The option of a guided walk led by an experienced member of the National Trust team (available daily as hourly intervals during off-peak times and becoming more frequent during peak season; please contact Visitor Information for exact timings) â¢ An award winning retail facility introducing new and exclusive local products â¢ Visitor Information (please note this service at the centre is free to access) â¢ Fully accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility for people with disabilities â¢ A grab and go style café â¢ Orientation leaflet and Parking If you park within the defined area of the visitor experience, the admission charge will be applied. Staff will be on standby to check tickets. Pedestrian access to the Giantâs Causeway is free. However, if you wish to use any of the facilities at the site, including parking but exccluding the Visitor Information Service, the visitor experience charge will apply.

Standard Admission Ticket: Adult £9.00, Child £4.50, Family £22 (2 adults + up to 3 children under 17 years) Under 5 years Free National Trust Members Free Groups with a minimum of 15 people can pre-book by contacting (028) 2073 3419. Pre-purchase and save: visit to pre-purchase your tickets and save £1.50 on adult asmission, £1 on child admission and £3.50 on familly admission. Go green and save: if you arrive by public transport, by bicycle or on foot, youâll save £2 on adult admission, £1.25 on child admission and £4 on family admission. Green saving applied at Admissions Point. Green admission discount also applies to the Park & Ride in Bushmills Village (operates March â October). The Park & Ride service is only for those wishing to gain access into the Giantâs Causeway Visitor Centre. Shuttle bus from Visitor Centre to the stones is run by Translink and is an extra charge: currently £1 per adult and 50p per child each way.

National Trust Members who present valid membership cards travel for free as do Northern Ireland Senior Citizens who present a Smart Pass. Book using: Giant's Causeway | National Trust Giant's Causeway Next Previous Sunset on the horizon at the Giant's Causeway Brian Morrison Built in part underground, the basalt grey Visitor Centre mimics a fissure erupting from deep in the earth Art Ward See below for more information on the Clifftop Experience walks this summer Tourism Northern Ireland Tile mosaic spelling The Causeway Hotel National Trust Runkerry Trail is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs Art Ward Giant's Causeway shop National Trust / Brian Morrison In the footsteps of giants... Recent news and stories from the Giant's Causeway and our site team. These stunning rock formations draw visitors from all over the world National Trust Images / Naomi Goggin Download our menu and wedding brochure and learn more about special occasions at the Causeway Hotel.

Picture gallery Giant's Causeway Groups Our friendly staff are on hand to help at every step of the Visitor Experience National Trust / Art Ward Jobs Find our about our current vacancies Dr Cliff Henry with the rare meadowsweet gall he discovered at the Giant's Causeway National Trust / Jennifer Michael Learn about our conservation team's discoveries of 2016 Places nearby Pretty 17th-century 'Plantation' home with a significant costume collection Join General Interactive exhibition exploring the Giant's Causeway Outdoor audio guide availiable, providing information in nine languages. Audio guide for visually impaired visitors also available Grab-and-go coffee shop Local and unique gifts for sale in shop Tourist Information Centre Parking across three car parks and Park and Ride facility Family Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted Accessible path for pushchairs Visitor Centre is accessible Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities (key on request) Grounds - partly accessible, grass, uneven, narrow, loose and hard gravel paths, steep slopes, steps, undulating terrain Some visitors may require assistance from their companion Accessible trail Close In the footsteps of giants...

Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. Why not experience the Giant's Causeway for yourself? Visit the world-famous basalt columns with one of our knowledgeable tour guides, or pick up an audio guide and go at your own pace. Climb the Shepherd's Steps and hike along the cliff-top trail to get a bird's eye view of the beautiful causeway coast. Unlock the mystery and stories of the landscape in the exhibition area of our award-winning Visitor Centre, which comprises a café serving seasonal, regional fayre, and retail zone where you can pick up locally-sourced memories of your causeway trip in the form of beautiful souvenirs and handicrafts. Book tickets to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience Tickets to Tourist Information Centre within the Visitor Centre are free of charge 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8SU By cycle Route 93 of the National Cycle Network in Northern Ireland runs round the coast from Newry to Ballycastle via Bangor and Belfast.

Visitors travelling this way receive a 'green discount' at admission to Visitor Centre Cycle route information On foot If you prefer to go by foot the Causeway Coast Way is a breathtaking 33-mile stretch of Ireland's most celebrated coastline. This route links to the Giant's Causeway trail network. Visitors travelling this way receive a 'green discount' at admission to Visitor Centre. Plan your walk along the Causeway Coast Way Park and Ride Operating between March and October, the Giant's Causeway park and ride service runs every 20 minutes from Bushmills village. Visitors travelling this way receive a 'green discount' at admission. For more information please call 028 2073 1855 and choose option 2. By train Regular train services operate from Belfast or Londonderry to Coleraine, then change to bus connection Ulsterbus Service 172. Visitors travelling this way receive a 'green discount' at admission to Visitor Centre. Northern Ireland Railways information By road The Giant's Causeway and Visitor Centre is located on the B147 Causeway road.

It is 2 miles from Bushmills village, 11 miles from Coleraine and 13 miles from Ballycastle. Parking: Onsite parking is reserved for visitors admitted through the Visitor Centre. SatNav: Visitor Centre C9444439; Sat Nav BT57 8SU Park and ride C94104 41034; Sat Nav BT57 8SE By bus Regular services available, some are seasonal. Ulsterbus Service 172; Goldline Service 221; Causeway Rambler Service 402; Open Top Causeway Coast Service 177; Antrim Coaster Service 252. Visitors travelling this way receive a 'green discount' at admission to Visitor Centre. Visit Translink website for detailed information Giant's Causeway £22.00 What is Gift Aid? Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets: Gift Aid Admission or Standard admission If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices.

But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay. Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds. An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point. The myth and legend of the Giant’s Causeway | Ireland.com The Giant Story Antrim’s Giant’s Causeway’s is a 60-million-year-old story of science. Or is it? CNN’s John D Sutter is touring the island of Ireland clockwise. Eventually, he arrives to what he calls “Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction”.

His description of the Giant’s Causeway hints at the magical: “A golf-course green canyon wall slopes into a set of volcanic rock formations that are completely surreal: Near-perfect hexagon tubes are stacked next to each other like puzzle pieces.” Giant's Causeway, County Antrim Something this pretty couldn’t be the result of a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, could it? Well, there are two lines of thought on that one. The first involves a certain giant by the name of Finn McCool (also known as Fionn mac Cumhaill). Think a friend might enjoy this article? Click to save and share Giant fights Finn is having trouble with someone across the water. The Scottish giant Benandonner is threatening Ireland. An enraged Finn grabs chunks of the Antrim coast and throws them into the sea. The rock forms a path for Finn to follow and teach Benandonner a lesson. Bad idea – Benandonner is terrifyingly massive. Finn beats a hasty retreat, followed by the giant, only to be saved by our hero’s quick-thinking wife who disguised him as a baby. The angry Scot saw the baby and decided if the child was that big, the daddy must be really huge.

Mythical landscapes, magical tales For Eleanor Killough, a guide at the new state-of-the-art visitor centre, the Finn story holds water: “Of course it was Finn McCool! That’s what we the locals believe anyway. “We give our visitors the two sides of the coin – the stories and the science and let them decide, but most visitors leave believing this place is an ancient home of a mighty giant.” As Eleanor says, though, there are two sides to the story. The science bit “The Giant’s Causeway is the aftermath of volcanic crashing, burning and cooling,” Eleanor explains. “An epic 60-million-year-old legacy to lava. Over 40,000 basalt columns. Interlocked. “It’s no wonder this place is a Unesco World Heritage Site because beyond the mindboggling beauty, the Causeway is our portal into Earth’s most ancient past,” she concludes. Picture-perfect scenes Whatever you choose to believe, there’s no disputing that the Causeway makes a pretty picture. Thousands of tourists click their cameras here every year, and when the Olympic Torch visited Northern Ireland, it was a photo opportunity not to be missed.

Director Ben Joyner was so enamoured with the Causeway, he put it on screen. The result won Discover Ireland’s “Jump Into Ireland” video competition. Giant or science? Maybe you should check it out for yourself. Save this page to a Scrapbook: Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway | Miles Away Travel Blog Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway Other The Giant's Causeway The only UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a massive rock formation made up of tens of thousands of eerily shaped basalt columns jutting dramatically out from the sea. The fascinating and otherworldly rock formation is the result of a volcanic eruption that happened about 60 million years ago. But, the Causeway's bizarrely shaped columns seem too purposely aesthetic and designed to just be the stuff of natural causes – no matter how extraordinary. So, shrouded in myth and legend … and being situated in the storytelling land of the Emerald Isle, the origin of Giant's Causeway has be the subject of much supernaturally inspired discussion.

The reigning “theory” of how the Causeway got there is that a mighty giant named Finn McCool, tore pieces off a nearby cliff and tossed them into the sea trying to form a bridge that reached Scotland. There are a few versions of this theory; one tells that McCool built his causeway in order to fight his enemy, another giant named Benandonner. When McCool reached halfway of the causeway, he fell asleep and his wife Oonag covered him with a blanket to pretend he was their son when Benandonner came out looking for him at the causeway. Another version suggests that Finn was terrified and fled when he realized Benandonner was much bigger than him. He then asked his wife to wrap him using a blanket. When Benandonner saw the size of the baby, he got terrified and ran back to Scotland, tearing the cause way as he ran along to prevent McCool from following. The Giant's Causeway has been drawing head-scratching and jaw-dropped visitors for centuries and is still the number one attraction in Northern Ireland today. And the site has never been as accessible as it is today. When you visit the Giant’s Causeway, your first stop is the Giant's Causeway Visitor Center complex.

Here you can learn more about the Causeway’s myths and legends and its geography. Just opened this summer, a new eco and carbon footprint-friendly centre is located along the Causeway Coastal Route. Mostly underground with an accessible grass roof which blends seamlessly into the environment, the centre offers stunning views as well as a range of activities and information about the area. From the centre, you can either choose to walk along the paved road leading to the Causeway for a leisurely hike through the rock formations or to take the path through the cliffs where you can enjoy the amazing panoramic view of this scenic wonderland. There are tourist “trains” as well for visitors preferring not to walk. More details about visiting the Giant's Causeway are available at a dedicated National Trust webpage . Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for exclusive travel deals! photo: Chris Osburn

Question: The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is made up from which type of rock?
Answer: BASALT