Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway lies on the North Antrim coast near Bushmills, Northern Ireland, and is made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity some 60 million years ago. Most columns are hexagonal, and they rise in stepped formations from the sea. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is managed by the National Trust, which operates the visitor centre on Causeway Road. Legend attributes the formation to the giant Finn McCool, who is said to have built a path to Scotland, and the story is retold throughout the site. From the visitor centre the walk down to the stones takes around 20 to 30 minutes on a tarmac path, or visitors can take the shuttle bus. Named formations include the Giant's Boot, the Wishing Chair and the Organ, a tall curved set of columns on the cliff face. A cliff-top path leads along the headland and offers views back over the Causeway from above, which is the best vantage point for wide photographs. A longer walk climbs the Shepherd's Steps to the clifftop. Plan between two and three hours, including the visitor centre exhibition. The stones become slippery when wet and the coastal weather changes quickly, so sturdy footwear and waterproofs are advisable. The site is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon in summer, when coach tours arrive from Belfast. Arriving at opening or in the last hours of the day, when the light on the basalt is warmer, offers a quieter experience. Walking to the stones is free, while the fee covers the visitor centre and parking. Facilities at the site include a National Trust visitor centre with a cafe, a shop and an audio guide included with entry. The Causeway Coast Way leads along the shoreline toward Dunseverick, and the nearby Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle and the Bushmills distillery make a popular day along the North Antrim coast. Visitors should keep to marked paths, stay away from cliff edges and heed warnings about waves reaching the lower stones.