Just over an hour from Belfast is a truly staggering natural marvel that looks almost too perfect to be natural. The Giant’s Causeway is a breathtaking natural wonder that may not be listed as an official wonder of the world – but if the list is ever revised, it should be on it.
It’s made up of around 40,000 interlocking stone columns, mostly hexagonal, creating a sprawling, puzzle-like path that juts out into the wild waves of the sea off the coast of Ireland. According to Irish mythology, it was built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, who laid the stones as a route to Scotland to confront his rival. It’s a story that’s been passed down for generations, and the incredible scenery does look straight out of a fairytale.
The truth behind these incredible rock formations is that they were created by a volcanic eruption around 50 million years ago. As the lava cooled and cracked, it formed into the fantastic towers that make up the causeway.
This wondrous rock landscape is still untouched by human hand, despite being declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
There are no barriers between you and the sea, no queues to wait in to explore the volcanic rocks, and if you head out early or stay late, you might just have the whole place to yourself.
