Giant’s Causeway

It is two days away from what would have been my next departure to Ireland and another trip of a lifetime.  Am I disappointed?  Of course I am, but I’m also relieved given the current situation we are in with the pandemic.  I am so very happy Brack Tours made the decision, very early on, to postpone this trip. It is now tentatively scheduled for September 2021.  In the meantime I am sitting with my “Ireland” hoodie on, with the wee tag that says “Irish Memories” and I’m revelling in the memories of the wonderful people I met and the places I visited.  Let’s go on a tour of Giant’s Causeway.  

Giant’s Causeway is located in County Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland.  It is near  Bushmills and not far from Portrush.  Our itinerary describes Giant’s Causeway as “a dramatic coastal landscape, steeped in local mythology, consisting of around 40,000 polygonal basalt columns jutting out into the sea, amid a spectacular coastal landscape”.  (I wonder who counted the columns.)  When I first researched this trip, this is one of the attractions that stood out for me.  I was extremely interested in visiting, although I knew little about it.  

We arrived at the reception area, from where our tour would commence.  Ray was our tour guide.  A shuttle bus travelled and up and down the road continuously.  We chose to walk to down to Giant’s Causeway and Ray provided commentary as we went along.  

Of course, like most of Ireland, there are myths, legends and folklore associated with the Giant’s Causeway.  It is believed the causeway was built by a giant, Fionn MacCumhaill (Finn MacCool).  Fionn had accepted a challenge to fight a Scottish giant, Benandonner.  Fionn built the Causeway, across the North Channel, so they could meet.  One story is that Fionn defeated Benadnonner.  In another story Fionn realized his foe was much bigger than he was, so he retreats.  Fionn’s wife, Oonagh, disguises Fionn as a baby and places him in a cradle.  When Benandonner comes looking for Fionn, Oonagh tells him he is away but invites him in to wait for Fionn.  Benandonner sees the size of the baby and assumes his father must be enormous.  He immediately goes back to Scotland destroying the Causeway as he goes, so Fionn can’t go looking for him.

In 1986 The Giant’s Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  The majority of the columns are hexagonal (6 sided) however the smallest one found is 3 sided and the largest is 8 sided.  They were formed through volcanic eruption 50-60 million years ago. Lava flowed to the surface, pooling in the hollow areas and then cooling.  As the lava cooled, the resulting basalt cracked laterally, forming the columns.  The tops of the columns form stepping stones that extend from the cliff foot to the ocean floor.  The tallest column is 39’ with the solidified lava within the cliff being 92’ thick.  

There are many rock formations within the area such as The Organ, Giant’s Boot, Chimney Stacks, Giant’s Harp and Camel’s Hump, amongst others.  

There are several hikes at the Causeway, but time did not permit our group to participate. We did have about a half hour, or so, to explore on our own after reaching the Causeway.  Although there were hundreds of people walking down the road to the Causeway, and the buses looked to be completely filled going in both directions, it did not appear, or feel busy while walking on the rocks.  I looked at the top of some of the columns and decided I would climb them.  Although it isn’t a difficult climb, you do have to be careful where you place your feet.  After a few minutes I found myself nearing the final stages to the top.  It was time for a selfie, as I wanted to have the mountains, beyond the columns, visible in the picture.  When I finally reached the top, I raised my arms and Laura celebrated at the base of the columns and took my picture.  

I noticed many coins wedged into the stone wall.  They could not be budged and many were at precarious angles.  It appeared they had been placed there years ago.  Perhaps it was a wishing wall, much like a wishing well and the coins were placed as one made a wish.  

The scenery was spectacular.  I suppose I was not surprised as the sight of the basalt columns as it was much what I expected.  However the scenic walk down to the actual Causeway was beautiful.  A lone kayaker was paddling around the coastline in waters that were relatively calm but one can imagine the seas can change quickly.  As a kayaker I longed to be out with him/her to see the view from the water as well.  The rolling hills dropping quickly to the sea, the rugged coastline and the gorgeous blue of the ocean were such a contrast.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day weather-wise.  It was sunny and warm which just added to making this place all the more breathtaking.  The cliffs rising up so high above the columns of the Causeway provided a wonderful backdrop.  It was such an odd, eerie, yet calming feeling standing on this formation that was created millions of years ago.  

At one point, while walking on the columns, I heard a whistle blow.  I looked around but could not see what was happening.  Then the whistle continued and it was only after sounding several more times that I noticed people in orange vests located around and throughout the area.  Although everyone was exploring at their own risks, the orange vested people were keeping a watch.  In this particular instance someone was venturing too close to the edge and they were being called back.  I also noticed white tall boxes located strategically on the columns.  One side is glass and inside the box is a rescue line just in case someone slips off the rocks and lands in the water.  

We took the shuttle bus back to the top, which cost a pound.  

One disappointing aspect to Giant’s Causeway was the admission to the gift shop/visitor centre.  I can understand charging admission to the visitor centre, which is an interactive exhibit explaining the formation of the Causeway and the folklore surrounding the Causeway, but in order to purchase a momento of your visit, you had to first pay admission to get in the gift shop, which seemed peculiar.  

The area around the visitor centre is very pretty.  The blue sky, puffy white clouds, rolling hills and green fields, much of which is farmland, with many sheep grazing, and a sandy looking beach in the distance, with gentle rolling waves, was so relaxing as we gathered and waited for our bus to arrive.