Giant's Causeway

Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well and taking care of yourselves. It is Saturday today and I wondered which magical place I would choose to write about this time. After some thought, I came to a decision to talk about – perhaps for its uniqueness it is probably one of the most frequently visited places in Ireland – a captivating natural phenomenon on the very north of Northern Ireland. Okay, okay, before some of you start to argue that Northern Ireland is from the governmental and political point of view NOT a part of Ireland, I would like to say we are not here to talk dividing lines and boundaries. Ireland, despite its division is after all – geographically speaking – one and the same piece of land, isn't it? And we are here to strive and grace its natural beauty and culture and what the land has to offer… so, if that is okay with you, let's begin…

I would like to introduce to you a spectacular spot at the northern cape of Northern Ireland. The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt colums, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It is located in County Antrim, about three miles northeast of the town of Bushmills – sound familiar? Yes, correct, the famous Old Bushmills Distillery distributing primarily Irish whiskey originated in the town back in 1784. But back to the theme.

The Giant's Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and a national nature reserve by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland in 1987.

The causeway originated about 50-60 million years ago, when Ireland was still part of North America. During that period called the Paleocene Epoch, Antrim was subject to intense volcanic activity, when highly fluid molten basalt intruded through chalk beds to form an extensive volcanic plateau. As the lava cooled, contraction occurred. Gradually, as time flied, it fossilized and slowly shaped itself to a formation it is now. As for the structure and layout of the place, the top columns form steppingstones that lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. Most of the columns are hexagonal with a few exceptions. The tallest are about 12 meters high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 meters thick in places.

Now, you mind wonder why the Giant's Causeway is called followingly. It may not be a surprise to you, but there are – once again –legends connected to the story called 'A giant legend.' The legend has it that an Irish giant named Finn McCool created a causeway to get across the Irish Sea to face his rival, the Scottish giant Benandonner. Following the fearsome meeting, Benandonner ripped up the causeway as he fled back to Scotland so that Finn could not chase him, leaving what you can see today. Fin McCool's giant boot also lies fossilized at the Giant's Causeway in the bay locals refer to as 'Port Noffer' or 'bay of the giant.' Another legend provides an alternative version of the story. This lesser-known story was told by Causeway guides in the 1700s and early 1800S – of Finn building the Causeway for love rather than battle. A poem found in a library in Norway by Eva Hov recounted the tale they told. Written in 1830 by Mary Anne, the poem gives the version of events told by the Causeway guides. I attach a print screen of the poem here.

Well, I would say that is a sufficient handful of information and facts. I hope you did not find it too boring and on the flip side actually found it at least a bit enjoyable and interesting. Have a lovely and alright time <33

Bye.