“When the world was moulded and fashioned out of formless chaos, this must have been the bit over—a remnant of chaos!”

Thackeray’s quote describing the Giants Causeway is not far from the truth. Although the original chaos was on a much larger scale and a very very long time ago.

The causeways 40000 plus columns are so regular that they even look man-made. However, this is far from the truth. The individual columns – the remains of a deep lava flow – are predominantly 5 sided (pentagonal) or 6 sided (Hexagonal); they are so tightly packed that they form a pavement hence causeway) like structure.

Of the three causeways that protrude out into the North Atlantic, none of them actually, despite the legends, continue underwater to Scotland; the causeways stop quite abruptly a short distance offshore, where the sea bed is mostly covered in sand, shell and gravel.

So how did this landscape of the Causeway come to be? The Late (100-66Ma) Between 66 and 100 million years ago, the Cretaceous period, was a time of significant global tectonic change, seeing the breakup of the supercontinents Gondwana and Laurasia, and the opening of the Atlantic Ocean.

It was in this time, during the Upper Santonian age, roughly 85 million years ago, that the maximum period of transgression occurred; sea levels were at an all-time high due to elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 and therefore higher global temperatures and warmer oceans. 

Deposits from these warm oceans include the Upper Cretaceous Chalks that can be seen all along the coast and in particular at Whiterocks Beach near Portrush.

Chalk is considered to be a very fine-grained, pure limestone composed of billions of microscopic nannoplankton called coccolithophores. 

These marine algae bloomed in the warm oceans, and subsequently, their remains rained down onto the ocean floor between 100 and 500m depth, accumulating as a white ooze and solidifying as chalk. The deposits can reach hundreds of metres in thickness, forming the spectacular white cliffs we see can see in the image above.

Chalk is a soft, highly porous type of pure limestone. The chalks of the north coast are incredibly refined, with less than 0.5% insoluble residues. However, they are also notoriously hard and dense compared to other Cretaceous chalks. 

Close examination of the cliff faces reveals thin, laterally continuous crinkled lines that connect to flint nodules. These lines are caused by pressure dissolution of the limestone. 

The carbonate material is dissolved into the solution due to increasing overburden, but insoluble material such as silica is left behind, accumulating in thin bands and migrating to form flint nodules that are capable of engulfing and preserving the body and trace fossils Uplift throughout the Jurassic to early Cretaceous period exposed the chalks at the surface and formed the white cliffs we see today.

What caused this chalk to become so condensed? Walking down Whiterocks beach, the homogenous white cliffs are interrupted briefly by a much darker igneous rock. This intrusion, known as a volcanic plug, gives us the first indication of the genesis of the Antrim basalts.

As the North Atlantic began to open at the end of the Cretaceous, magma began to erupt through the chalk firstly in the form of isolated cinder cone volcanoes. 

The explosive volcanism brecciated the chalk in many places, and forcibly injected magma blocks into the surrounding rocks, which can be seen as dark coloured boulders within the white cliffs. Over time these vents solidified to produce the volcanic plugs, upon one of which sits the spectacular Dunluce Castle.

As rifting continued, extensive fissures opened up in the earth’s crust resembling those seen in Iceland or Hawaii today, allowing basaltic lava to pour out on top of the chalk. 

Three successive pulses of rifting resulted in three distinct phases of volcanic activity; the lower, middle and upper basalts, separated by periods of calm.

The Giant’s Causeway is comprised of the middle basalts. During each phase, successive lava flows erupted onto the surface and pooled in natural hollows in the landscape. Flows range from 7 to 18m in thickness.

The renowned hexagonal pillars of the Giant’s Causeway are formed from the cooling of these immense pools of lava. As the lava cools, it loses heat to the atmosphere at the top, and to the colder country rock through the base of the pool. These cooling fronts move towards each other to the centre of the pool as the lava cools and solidifies.

As it does, the resulting basalt uniformly contracts laterally and cracks into mostly five- and six-sided columns. 

These cracks extend upwards and downwards, perpendicular to the cooling fronts, at roughly equal speeds. In an ideal situation, these cracks would eventually join each other at the centre of the flow, creating continuous columns separated by slightly offset cracks at the centre.

However, the main causeway lavas are divided into an upper colonnade, a central entablature and a thick basal colonnade. This is thought to be caused by water seeping into cracks as they were forming, accelerating cooling and disrupting large colonnade formation in the upper and middle sections. 

The most spectacular example of this junction is at the aptly named “Organ”.

Following the outpouring and cooling of each of these lava flows, a period of inactivity allowed the topmost section of the basalt to be exposed to intense, persistent tropical weathering, forming a soil rich in iron and aluminium, called laterite. 

Laterites form by the leaching of the parent rock during the wet season, the resulting solution is brought to the surface during the dry season and removed, progressively depleting the soil of easily dissolved ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, leaving behind the more insoluble elements such as aluminium and iron oxides. 

It is the iron oxides that give this soil its characteristic brick-red colour.

Laterite formation occurs on the surfaces of the basalt that are in contact with water; on the surface and within cracks in the rock. 

As a result, weathering propagates downwards and inwards from cracks, creating “cores” of unweathered basalt that resemble pillow basalt.

These cycles are spectacularly displayed in the amphitheatre shaped cliffs in the image above, from the iconic stepping stones of the middle basalts, through the distinct red layer of the laterite and into the columns of the upper basalts. 

The story of the Giant’s Causeway has evolved over many centuries, from myths of giants and man-made pillars to a tremendous primaeval ocean, but one thing that has never changed is the impact that this captivating landscape has had on mankind since we first set foot on the emerald isle, and will continue to evoke awe and wonder for centuries to come.

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Exploring the Legend of Finn McCool: Irish Myth and the Giant’s Might

Was Finn McCool merely an epic yarn spun by ancient bards, or was he a tangible piece of Ireland’s storied history? This article cuts through the mythology to explore the man, the legends, and the lasting lore surrounding the Giant’s Causeway. Join us as we unravel the stories of Finn McCool, piecing together his place in Irish folklore and questioning his existence against the backdrop of history.

Key Takeaways

• Finn McCool, or Fionn mac Cumhaill, is an iconic figure in Irish mythology. He embodies the heroic spirit of Ireland, and stories emphasise his strength, intellect, and leadership of the warrior band called the Fianna.
• Under Finn McCool’s leadership, the Fianna were revered for their martial prowess and strict code of conduct. They demanded exceptional knowledge of poetry and history, physical agility, and a sole loyalty oath upon initiation.
• The legend of Finn MacCool includes the famous tale of the Giant’s Causeway, where his wit defeats the Scottish giant Benandonner, and the Salmon of Knowledge, which grants him profound wisdom, enhancing his mythic stature and influence on Ireland’s culture.

The Enigma of Finn MacCool

Within the rich tapestry of Irish mythology, few figures stand as tall, literally and figuratively, as Finn McCool, also known as Finn Mac Cool. Known for his legendary strength and intellect, Finn MacCool is a cornerstone of Irish folklore, and his name is synonymous with the heroic spirit of Ireland. From the rugged coastlines battered by the Irish Sea to the whispers of the Scottish island lore, the name of Finn McCool—or Fionn mac Cumhaill, Finn mac cumail, Finn mac cumhaill, and finn mac cumhal, as he is known in the native tongue—conjures images of a warrior of immense physical and mental prowess, a leader whose tales are integral to the ancient Finn Cycle.

The Origins of a Legend

The legend of Finn Mac Cool is steeped in the cultural lineage of the Emerald Isle. His name, Fionn mac Cumhaill, is a beacon of ‘sureness’ and ‘certainty’, a symbol as sturdy as the young male deer it also represents. His roots stretch deep into the ancient soil of Ireland, tied to the tribe of U Thairsig, which grounds his legendary status in the fabric of Irish society and familial connections.

From this fertile ground of heritage, the legend of Finn Mac Cool sprouted, intertwining with the Irish myths and legends of other bardic romances that have shaped Irish folklore.

The Heroic Deeds of Young Finn

Fionn Mac Cumhaill journey to becoming a figure of myth began in his formative years. Under the tutelage of the wise druid Finnegas, young Finn acquired the teachings that would forge his path to greatness. His life was marked by boyish exploits and extraordinary events, such as the haunting transformation of his grandmother into a stone figure—an image immortalised on the windswept landscape of the Giant’s Causeway.

These early adventures laid the foundation for the young warrior’s legend, a prelude to the epic tales that would define him as the leader of the Fianna.

The Fianna: Finn McCool’s Band of Warriors

The Fianna, a band of elite warriors, embodied ancient Ireland’s martial valour, and Finn McCool stood at their helm. Renowned for their combat skills, they were also keepers of knowledge, mastering the arts of:

• poetry
• music
• genealogy
• history

Organised into cathas, or battalions, the Fianna were a force to be reckoned with, their numbers swelling from 9,000 during peacetime to an imposing 21,000 in times of conflict.

More than mere soldiers, they were the ‘soldiers of destiny’, their mythical importance and revered status woven into the very fabric of the Fenian Cycle.

The Criteria for Joining the Fianna

To join the ranks of the Fianna was to achieve an honour reserved for the few who could surpass the rigorous tests of intellect and might. Mastery of twelve books of poetry was the gatekeeper to this elite group, ensuring that each member was well-versed in the history and genealogies of Ireland.

Physical prowess was tested through a gauntlet of challenges, from evading spears to navigating forests without disturbing the natural si: this licence was a testament to the agility and quickness expected of a Fianna warrior. Combat skills were scrutinised, with candidates proving their steadiness of hand and bravery against multiple foes.

The final initiation was a symbolic severance of familial ties and a solemn oath to the Fianna, marking the transformation from aspirant to guardian of the High King.

The Code of the Fianna

The Fianna were bound by their combat skills and a code of honour that dictated their moral and societal conduct. Upon admission, each member took a solemn oath of loyalty, pledging to uphold the values that defined their order. This code was the cornerstone of Fianna’s reputation, influencing their decisions and ensuring their actions aligned with the highest standards of justice.

As their leader, Finn McCool was the paragon of these virtues—his every disembodied of the Fianna’s code, cementing his legacy in the annals of Irish mythology.

The Giant’s Causeway and the Battle of Wits

One of Finn McCool’s most renowned tales is the creation of the Giant’s Causeway, an enduring symbol of his cunning and might. This extraordinary formation was said to be a path engineered by Finn himself to confront the fearsome Scottish giant Benandonner across the tumultuous Irish Sea.

However, upon witnessing the staggering size of his adversary, Finn’s might gave way to wit as he hatched a plan to evade confrontation. With the help of his quick-thinking wife Oonagh, Finn disguised himself as a baby, tricking Benandonner into believing that a child of such size could only be sired by a giant far superior to himself, prompting the Scottish giant to flee in terror.

Geological Wonder Meets Myth

While the legend depicts a footpath built by a giant, science reveals a tale of its own. About 60 million years ago, the Giant’s Causeway was forged by the fiery wrath of volcanic activity, a time when Ireland was geologically connected to the North American continent. The striking hexagonal basalt columns that characterise the causeway resulted from cooling lava, which fractured as it flowed into a river valley, creating the natural wonder we see today.

Acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a testament to the planet’s dynamic history and a canvas for the legends of Finn McCool.

The Salmon of Knowledge and Finn’s Wisdom

The Salmon of Knowledge is a cornerstone of Finn McCool’s mythos, a creature whose wisdom would become integral to Finn’s legend. According to the tales, the salmon gain profound knowledge from the hazelnuts of a sacred well, a source of wisdom shrouded in mystery and protected by nine hazeltrees.

Under Finnegas’ guidance, young Finn was tasked with cooking the salmon but inadvertently tasted its fat, thus absorbing the salmon’s wisdom. Recognising the transformation in Finn’s gaze, Finnegas granted the rest of the fish to his pupil, granting him the knowledge to lead the Fianna and protect the realm. This gift of wisdom, invoked by the bite of a thumb, became Finn’s beacon throughout his life, a source of insight in times of need.

The Love Stories of Finn McCool

Finn McCool’s exploits were not confined to the battlefield; his heart was the stage for epic sagas. His pursuit of love led him to Gráinne, the High King’s daughter, whose beauty and spirit matched his stature. However, the engagement festivities took a dramatic turn when Gráinne’s eyes met those of Diarmuid, the young warrior she had once sought, prompting a scandalous elopement and igniting Finn’s vengeful pursuit. This tumultuous love triangle is immortalised in the landscapes and legends of Ireland, a testament to the depth and complexity of Finn’s character.

Yet, before Gráinne, there was Sadhbh, a woman whose love story with Finn would be marked by magic and sorrow.

Tragic Transformations and Lost Loves

Finn’s encounter with Sadhbh is a poignant narrative of love and loss. Transformed into a deer by the spiteful druid Fear Doirich, Sadhbh regained her human form on Finn’s lands, sealing their bond. Yet, their happiness was fleeting as Fear Doirich’s magic ensnared Sadhbh once more, turning her back into a deer and forever severing their union.

Amidst this tragedy, their love bore fruit; Oisín, Finn’s son, emerged from this tale of enchantment, rescued from his fawn form by Finn’s hounds to join his father’s side. Local folklore, such as the figures etched into Keadeen Mountain, ensures that the story of Finn and Sadhbh remains woven into the cultural fabric of Ireland.

The Legacy of Finn McCool in Modern Culture

The legend of Finn McCool transcends the annals of ancient Ireland, finding a vibrant afterlife in the cultural expressions of today. Modern literature has amplified his mythic stature, often depicting him as a literal giant, a symbol of unrivalled wisdom and strength. His influence dances across stages worldwide, with performances like the Irish Riverdance narrating stories inspired by his legendary feats, demonstrating his enduring impact on dance culture.

From the panels of contemporary comics to the lyrics of musicals, Finn McCool’s adaptability to various forms of media is a testament to the timeless appeal of his legend, making him a true Finn Mac icon.

From Ancient Tales to Modern Retellings

The enduring allure of Finn McCool’s story is evident in its retellings across a spectrum of modern creative works. The Fianna Cycle, which chronicles his exploits, has inspired authors like James Stephens, whose 1920 rendition brought new life to the tales of the Fiannaocht.

Artists such as Emilie Gill have also contributed to this legacy, illustrating modern adaptations like ‘The Tall Tale of the Giant’s Causeway’, allowing new generations to connect with the legend through the visual arts.

The Death and Immortality of a Hero

The end of Finn McCool’s earthly journey is shrouded in mystery and contradiction. Some believe he rests eternally, slumbering in a cave alongside the Fianna, awaiting the moment when Ireland’s need is most significant, and the call of the Dord Fiann will awaken him to defend his homeland once more. Yet another narrative recounts his mortal fate, one where he met his tragic end at the Battle of Gabhra, beheaded while lamenting the fall of his grandson and the uncertain destiny of the Fianna.

These varied accounts of his death, found in historical annals and folk legends, reflect the complexity of his character and the enduring nature of his myth.

Sheemore and Other Claimed Resting Places

While some tales speak of an eternal vigil, others point to final resting places, such as the hill of Sheemore in East Leitrim. Steeped in mythology, this hill is revered in local folklore as the last abode of the legendary Finn McCool and Goll Mac Morna. This site echoes the valour of Ireland’s greatest heroes.

The Real Versus the Mythical: Finn McCool’s Historical Roots

The figure of Finn McCool vacillates between myth and reality. Historical records suggest that he may have been a real warrior chieftain in 3rd-century AD medieval Ireland, a leader who inspired the stories that have flourished for centuries. Debates continue to swirl, much like the mists of the Irish countryside, about the veracity of his existence, drawing parallels with other legendary figures such as King Arthur and Robin Hood.

Archaeological investigations, like those at Sheebeg near Carrick on Shannon, have unearthed skeletons positioned towards the Hill of Tara, fueling speculation about their connection to the legendary Finn McCool.

Summary

In the whispers of the wind across the moors, in the tales told by the fireside, Finn McCool’s legend lives on, a timeless narrative etched into the bedrock of Irish culture. Through his original leadership, cunning, and heart, we have travelled across a panorama of mythology that captures the essence of a hero whose story is as boundless as the sea. Let the legend of Finn McCool inspire us to seek the extraordinary in our own lives, for in his tales, we find the courage and wisdom that define the human spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Giants Causeway was said to be discovered in 1692 when William King, the then Anglican Bishop of Derry and future Archbishop of Dublin, along with an unnamed Cambridge Scholar, or Master of Arts, visited the area.

As with many discoveries at this time, they are often attributed to those who first publish their findings. However, the Causeway had been known to locals for a considerable time before the Bishops visit in old Irish as Clochan na bhFomharaigh meaning the “Stepping Stones of the Fomorians. The Fomorians were said to be a small dark people who inhabited Ireland before the Celts. 

First Visitors

The first recorded reference to it is a brief mention in a letter by Sir Richard Bulkeley (d. 1710) to Dr Lister in 1693, subsequently published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, London. However, Bulkeley had not visited the Causeway himself and was relying on the observations of the Bishop of Derry and ‘a master of arts in Cambridge’. 

Bulkeley raised a series of questions concerning the nature of the Causeway’ pillars’, and these were answered in an account of the Giant’s Causeway by Bishop Samuel Foley (1655 – 1695) in 1694, again published in the Philosophical Transactions, accompanied by an engraving from an original drawing by Christopher Cole.

Bishop Foley’s brief note was immediately followed in the same 1694 volume of the Philosophical Transactions by a second article on the Giant’s Causeway by a certain Thomas Molyneux (1661 – 1733), a founder member of the Dublin Society in June 1731. Again, Molyneux did not visit the Causeway but was commenting on the information laid before him in Dublin. Although Cole’s drawing (above) shows the Grand Causeway columns, it is highly stylised and Molyneux, through the then Dublin Philosophical Society, commissioned artist Edwin Sandys to make a more realistic attempt.

An engraving of Sandys’ drawing was subsequently published in the Philosophical Transactions of 1697 by Thomas’ older brother William (1656 – 1698; who himself had founded the Dublin Philosophical Society in 1683), which was referred to in an article on the Causeway by Tomas the following year.

In 1740, the Society offered £25 art premiums and a then-unknown Dublin artist, Susanna Drury, submitted canvasses of the Giant’s Causeway (below) which she had painted during a three-month stay in Antrim. She was awarded a premium, and her paintings were subsequently engraved in London by Francois Vivarès and eventually found their way across Europe.

In 1765, Volume 12 of the great French Encyclopédie was published containing an article on the ‘Pave des geans’ and used one of Drury’s engravings as an illustration. This was followed in 1768 by a volume of plates for the Encyclopédie, containing Drury’s ‘East prospect of the Giant’s Causeway’ next to similar columns of the Auvergne region (below). The captions for these illustrations were written by French geologist Nicolas Desmarest, who had concluded that the Auvergne columns were volcanic in origin.

From Drury’s engravings, he immediately makes the same connection. Thus Nicolas Desmarest is generally accredited with suggesting that the Giant’s Causeway originally formed from erupting volcanic lava, even though he had never actually seen it!

Controversy – Neptune Versus Pluto

Desmarest’s proposal that columnar basalts, such as those in the Auvergne and Giant’s Causeway, had erupted from volcanoes triggered controversy within the fledgeling science of geology which rumbled on for over half a century. 

Two entrenched sides developed, one supporting the new idea which became known as Plutonism, the others remaining staunchly behind the generally accepted view at that time, known as Neptunism. 

Neptunists 

Neptunists followed the ideas of Abraham Gottlob Werner (1749 – 1817) of Freiburg, who proposed that when the Earth first formed, it had been covered by a vast ‘Primaeval Ocean’. As the ocean gradually receded, all the rocks we see around us today crystallised out from the ocean waters. Coal deposits burning underground could erupt some of their black material onto the surface as basalts. 

Looking at the black rocks at Portrush, their arguments are understandable; the basalts contained abundant fossils called ammonites, which were taken as evidence for submarine deposition. 

Plutonists

Plutonists followed the ‘theory’ proposed by the Edinburgh doctor, James Hutton (1726 – 1797) which first appeared in 1785. Hutton saw the planet in a state of dynamic cyclicity. Mountains were continually eroded and the sedimentary products deposited at the bottom of the oceans. 

These would be buried and become rock layers. At depth, they became heated, deformed and pushed back up to the surface to begin another cycle. Hutton’s ideas were revolutionary for two reasons; firstly, he could see, ‘no vestige of a beginning and no prospect of an end’ to the geological history of Earth. Secondly, that the planet had a source of internal heat which heated rocks and in some places could melt them, sending this melt to the surface to erupt from volcanoes. 

In the curious case of the Portrush ammonites, vulcanists suggested that the hard black rocks were not basalts at all, but were mudstones that had been baked by the great heat of an intrusion that was pushed up from deep within the Earth.

Portrush Black Rock

The Portrush Rock (Sadly not the sweet kind that keeps dentists in fancy cars) is now a National Nature Reserve, and it’s well worth a visit. It is on the shoreline by the Ramore Head Car Park, facing East Strand Beach. The nearby Portrush Coastal Zone has a wealth of information on the natural and local history of the Causeway Coast from Portrush to Ballycastle.

The Reverand Dr William Hamilton

Finally, in 1784, a keen geologist investigated the Antrim coast.

The Reverend Doctor William Hamilton (1755 – 1797) wrote the first accurate account of the geology of the Antrim Coast as a series of letters to the Earl of Charlemont during 1784, which were subsequently published as a book in 1786. Hamilton’s book puts forward a lucid argument in favour of the volcanic origin of the Causeway. 

Considering that he was writing before Hutton’s ‘Theory of the Earth’ had been presented, historians should perhaps give Hamilton more credit for his work.

William Hamilton was also responsible for founding the Museum at Trinity College Dublin in 1777 and was one of the founders of the Royal Irish Academy in 1785. Sadly, Hamilton was murdered during the local unrest leading up to the 1798 rebellion. However, his book on the Causeway Coast remained the benchmark reference on the area long after his death and a second edition were published in 1822. 

Today, ‘Hamilton’s Seat’ overlooking Benbane Head commemorates the site where he is said to have often rested while out on horse-back investigating the geology along this stretch of coast.

The First Guidebooks and Travel Writers

In 1788, the Complete Irish Traveller in the Kingdom of Ireland was published in two volumes. This was one of the first popular guidebooks to be published and contained an excellent description of the giant’s Causeway.

Guidebooks flourished throughout the 1830s and 1840s, by which time the Causeway was on almost every traveller to Irelands itinerary (much like today’s tourists). These guidebooks and articles in magazines such as the Dublin Penny Journal and the Illustrated London News featured images and stories of the famous stones.

Naturalists, many travelling in Naturalist club trips, gathered information from the ever-increasing number of geological journals and prints were anxious to see the famous Giant’s Causeway and develop their new-found knowledge. Also, the fledgeling past time of photography was contributing to the interest in the site. Prints were first published in the mid-1800s, and by the end of the century, photographs were appearing regularly in guidebooks, alongside the more traditional engravings and sketches.

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From eerie crater lakes to travertine terraces, the earth has a knack for bringing out surreal landscapes. Some of the most amazing and strangest features are formed via volcanic processes. 

As basaltic lava emerges on the floor of the earth and cools down, fascinating geometric features form. Incredible hexagonal basalt rock columns will often form giant cliffs that can get as high as possible.

These attractive features can be found all over the world. It is so intriguing to see beautiful features formed after lava flow even after so many years. 

Basaltic lava is responsible for these formations; it usually is hotter and moves faster. The entire process is known as columnar jointing. This article investigates insights on some of these remarkable features and the stories surrounding them. 

1. Fingals Cave, Staffa Flow

Found off the coast of Scotland, Fingals cave is just across the sea from the Giants Causeway and can be seen on a clear day. The Isle of Staffa was formed from the same lava action that created the Giants Causeways around 50 million years ago.

The name ‘Fingal’ originally comes from an Irish myth, where the hero Fionn MacCumhaill’s or Finn McCool (shortened to ‘Fingal’, meaning ‘white stranger’) and his faithful warriors migrated into Scotland from Ireland.

The legend is that Fionn built the Giant’s Causeway, which is identical to Fingal’s Cave, after a challenge to fight a Scottish Giant Bennandoner. He soon became famous across Scotland, making his name the obvious choice.

2. Fingals Beach Headland, NSW Australia

Fingal’s Beach Headland is a magnificent geological formation located on the north coast New South Wales

At Fingal’s Beach Headland, nature has crafted its own masterpiece, similar to the Giants Causeway. The headland showcases stunning hexagonal basalt columns, just like its more famous relative. These extraordinary columns result from volcanic activity millions of years ago, where rapidly cooling lava formed characteristic hexagonal shapes.

While not as extensive as the Giant’s Causeway, Fingal’s Beach Headland still boasts an impressive display of these geological wonders, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors. The area surrounding the headland is adorned with dramatic coastal cliffs, providing a picturesque backdrop to the incredible rock formations.

Both locations are steeped in folklore and legends, with the Giant’s Causeway being associated with mythical stories of giants, and Fingal’s Beach Headland also having its own local tales that add to the allure of the place

Thanks to Brent from Brownsigns.net.au for letting us know about this amazing place.

3. The Hexagon Pool, Israel

Also known as Breichat HaMeshushim, this hexagon pool in Israel is enclosed by a conserved forest found at the bottom part of a grand canyon. 

The stunning Hexagon Pool is a sought-after destination in the northern part of Israel for swimmers and hikers. The formation of this pool was quite phenomenal as it was formed after water flowed over the igneous rock that had cooled down.

David Brooks once described the hike via the forest to the pool as “a little treacherous at times,” but the scenery is quite captivating and worth the effort. The scene is merely magical, and every photographer would die to capture these fascinating views.

4. Svartifoss Waterfall

The Vatnajokull National park in Iceland, also known as Black Fall, encompasses an astounding waterfall on beautiful dark columns. Iceland is known to feature numerous basalt columns because of the multiple igneous formations and several volcanoes.

They are all captivating and spellbinding with every new pillar you come across. However, it is not advisable to jump to the bottom of the fall, unlike in Hexagon Pool. At the bottom of the fall are sharp rocks that are as a result of the fallen columns making it very risky. 

Photographers will also capture magical shots here as it is one of the ideal places for photography in Iceland.

 

5. Devils Postpile California

National park service categorizes this feature in California as “one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt.” The national monument goes reaches to a height of 60 feet and has an unusual symmetry. 

This beguiling feature appeared as a result of impeded lava vent. The vent led to the creation of a vast lake, which later cooled down and resulted in the formation of the hexagonal columns visited by numerous tourists all year round.

 

6. Takachiho Gorge Japan

The enchanting green gorge in Japan is unique since the columns rise to more than 300 feet above the ground and also a bewitching hue. 

Plants have grown down the columns found in this place because water runs through this region all the time. A riveting waterfall (Manai waterfall) continuously erodes the rock, and tourists can experience this fantastic view from the small lake below the columns.

 

7. Cape Stolbchaty Russia

 Located on Kunashir Island, this basalt colum or pillars can be seen on the Kuril Islands of Russia.

The columns can be seen while you are at the Sea of Ohotsk just along its coastline. Cape Stolbchaty columns are estimated to be have existed for 50 million years, and are a UNESCO world heritage site like the Causeway.

Tourists can observe a magnificent geometric site as they do tours along the top of these columns.

8. Basalt Cliffs South Korea

Jeju Island is a volcanic Island found in South Korea. Massive basalt pillars can be discovered on this Island. Jusangjeolli cliffs provide visitors with spectacular views of the columns as they dropdown. 

They were formed more than 100,000 years back because of volcanic activities. Jusangjeolli cliffs are the most beautiful and mysterious cliffs in South Korea, according to The Jeju Weekly.

9. Los Prismas Basalticos Mexico

Los Prismas Basalticos, located in Hildago, Mexico, can be observed in a gorge, and they are popular because of the delightful waterfall that traverses over them. 

Standing nearly 100 feet above the water below, the rocks have been shaped to appear like lumpy steps by the ever-flowing stream. 

Tourists can experience immersing experience by climbing on the rocks and cooling off at the waterfall.

10. Los Organos Spain

Impossibly daunting and immense, these giant columns are named “pipes of the musical instrument.” It is apparent why these phenomenal columns were named that way. 

The rocks rise to 2,000 feet, and they can be observed on the Canary Islands. Los Organos is genuinely a geographical prodigy worth seeing. 

11. Ghenh Da Dia Vietnam

These columns may appear tinier than the others on this list, but their spectacular formation and quick view make them among the best columns worth a visit. 

Found in Vietnam, Ghen Da Dia column rocks form a star design, unlike the other columns which form hexagons.

12. Zlaty Vrch Czech Republic

Located near the southeastern border of the Czech Republic with Germany, these beautiful columns provide visitors with picturesque views. A range of mountains orchestrates this region with magnificent columns formed years back.

 This range of mountains consists of sandstone sedimentary rocks forming a crystalline basement. During this formation, lava broke through the sandstone and solidified to create basalt columns leading to the creation of this great feature in the Czech Republic.

13. Reynisfjara Beach, Vik Village, Iceland

These gorgeous cliffs can be visibly seen below the Reynisfjall Mountain. These columns can be found at the rear end of the mysterious black sand beach. Columns here rise to 66 meters above the waters. Reynisdrangar acts as a trademark for Vik in Myrdal, which is a village in Iceland.

 It is believed that two trolls had been pulling a ship to the beach, but they were not successful. The elves were ambushed by sunlight in the morning, and they now turned into stone according to myths about trolls getting caught up by sunlight at dawn

14. Penghu, Taiwan

A basalt rock formation that resembles a city wall and also looking like monoliths on land can be observed on the Taiwan Strait. The wall is 10 meters high and 200 meters long in the water. Columns here resemble numerous pillars that have been put together.

 The basaltic features are a tremendous phenomenal since most of these features are seen above the water, but this is underwater. Visit this great feature in Taiwan to enjoy the great sensation.

15. Flores Island, Portugal

Flores Island is found in the Western group of Azores. If there is a place you should visit, is this enchanting place. This Island in Portugal is characterized by an extremely rugged and heavily indented coastline. Flores is known to have magnificent waterfalls, streams, and striking columns.

 The Island is tiny, and you can discover it in a short period. Explore the beautiful landscapes of this fascinating Island as you walk at the top of the basalt pillars. 

16. Litlanesfoss, Fljotsdalur valley, Iceland.

Litlanesfoss is the waterfall you will encounter as you move upstream to Hengifoss. It is notably the most exciting waterfall and geological phenomenon that one could ever find in Iceland. 

Spectacular columnar basalt outcrops the waterfall and stands at 125 feet above the ground. What happens at the lower tier. The waterfall and the columns do form the most magical phenomena in Iceland worth your time and money. 

Litlanesfoss is by far the most scenic waterfall orchestrated with the wondrous columnar jointing.

17. Garni Gorge Armenia

Found 23 km just east of Armenia is an outstanding gorge with quite a dramatic topography. Along the sidelines of this gorge are fantastically arranged columns of basalt that were carved out by a river that cuts through the canyon known as Goght River.

 The area is simply a ravine made of cliffs of hexagonal volcanic rock columns. The locals around this region call this place “Symphony of the stones.” This spectacular area in Armenia provides visitors with hiking opportunities while enjoying beautiful sceneries.

18. St. Mary Island India

The St. Mary’s Island in India is also called Thonsepar and Coconut Island. They are four tiny Islands found on the coast of Malpe, Karnataka, India. These islands are famous because of the columnar basaltic lava that was formed as a result of volcanic activities. Studies have shown that the basalt here was created as a result of sub-aerial subvolcanic.

 These four islands comprise of igneous rocks that have an acidic composition, including rhyolites, dacites, granophyres, etc.

19. The Sea Cave, Akun Island, Alaska

Located on the famous Akun Island, this cave houses the columnar basaltic rocks in it. Akun is among the Fox Islands subgroup. They are typically found in the Aleutian Islands in the southwest of Alaska USA. The Island is full of basalt and sea caves altogether. Visit this place and get to see what nature has to offer on this side of the world.

20. Kirkjugolf Iceland

Also known as The Church Floor, this area covers 80 sq meter of columnar basalt that are shaped and eroded by waves and glacier activity. The place looks man-made, but there has never been a church at Kirkjugolf.

 As a result of volcanic activity, the basalt was formed. After cracks form on these rocks, they develop the hexagonal columns. It is potent to note that Kirkjugolf is a natural monument that is protected.

21. Studlagil Iceland

 Iceland is a geological wonderland that tops this list with the most basaltic places. Found in Jokuldalur valley, this is among the most magnificent basalt on earth. The basalt forms unique marvellous features giving you breathtaking views of the region. Cliff formation in this canyon feels like a cathedral.

22. Kalfshamarsvik Iceland

Kalfshamarsvik is typically a tiny bay found in the northern part of Iceland. Many rock formations found in this bay, will give you a magical feeling. Basaltic rocks located here provide all the magical moments of this spectacular bay. It is indeed a popular tourist attraction in Iceland.

23. Dverghamrar Iceland

Also known as Dwarfs Steep Cliff, this is among the fantastic gems in Iceland found around Ring Road. It is an ideal location for picnics and family tours. Basalt columns orchestrate this majestic place even though they are quite small.

 However, you should be vigilant as you walk along the columns since elves and small people could surround any time.

24. Arnarstapi Iceland

Snaefellsnes peninsula is a haven to visit because of the great features this place offers. Basaltic rocks found here provide the perfect arena for taking killer shots for photographers. The formations by the seashore are spectacular, and you can easily walk on the rock formations.

25. Aldeyjarfoss Iceland

A massive glacial river feeds this majestic waterfall. The river then falls from a bluff that has magical basalt pillars. Aldeyjarfoss is considered a fascinating waterfall in Iceland, orchestrating the impressive basalt pillars. It is a famous tourist hub in Iceland.

26. Gerduberg

 Found at the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, this cliff has so many basaltic pillars systematically arranged in an unbelievable way. From a far off distance, the cliff seems just like a typical mountain, but from an up-close view, you will experience all the hidden secrets of this beautiful place. Magnificent basaltic pillars appear here like they were arranged by someone some years back. 

Bottom Line

 These are the most evident basalt pillars found on earth. Magical and scenic views can be observed from these spectacular features formed as a result of volcanic activities. They are also fantastic tourist hubs that bring in visitors from all over the world to enjoy the magical moments at these columns.

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We are often asked how to get to the Giants Causeway. Our answer is almost always the same: It depends. It depends on you and how you like to travel, as there are so many different ways to get here. So, we have pulled together a few other ways to get here.

Where is the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Okay, so let us start with where precisely the Giants Causeway is. The Causeway sits on the North Coast of the Island of Ireland, an area known as the Causeway Coast, famous for its Causeway Coast route. However, it is not actually in the country of Ireland. It sits in the county of Antrim, which is part of Northern Ireland, which itself is part of the United Kingdom or Britain. Well, let us not go into the geopolitics of this; it is best saved for someone else like our friends at Causeway Coast Holiday

The Causeway sits between Bushmills, famous for its Whisky Distillery and Ballycastle, renowned for the historic Auld Lammas Fayre. Close by are the seaside towns of Portstewart and Portrush, home to the 2019 Open Golf Championship and the 2018 Irish Open.

During intense volcanic eruptions, the Giant’s Causeway formed around 50 to 60 million years ago. The molten basalt lava thrown up through Antrim’s chalk beds formed a lake of lava. As the lava cooled and contracted, cracks formed the neatly packed columns of hexagonal stones and pillars that we see today, known as the 8th Wonder of the World. The Giant’s Causeway is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its global geological significance.

Belfast is around 60 miles (100km), or just over an hour’s drive, to the southeast, and Dublin is about 160 miles (270km), or 3 hours’ drive away.

How to Get Here By Car?

From Belfast

There are two ways to get to the Giants Causeway from Belfast, the first which we will detail below is the most direct and takes around an hour and 15 minutes. The second is along the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route; you can find more about this route here. We highly recommend that if you have time you take this route, you won’t be disappointed.

Leaving Belfast on the M2, follow the signs for “The North”, and no these are not part of the Game of Thrones, it will also be signposted for Londonderry and International Airport. This is where the Causeway Coastal Route and the direct Route split off and above.

Follow this motorway for around 17 miles (28km) until you reach Junction 1 of the M2 Motorway and see signposts for Antrim, Ballymena, Coleraine A26 (see image below)

Come off the Motorway at this junction, get in the right hand or middle lane of the off-ramp and take the third exit, which will be signposted “B’MENA ONLY” & A26. Follow the A26 for a further 7 miles (11km) until you reach the Ballee Roundabout (known to locals as the Seven Towers Round-a-bout)

From here take the 3rd exit onto A26 heading to Coleraine/Ballymena A26 on a green signpost. This will take you onto the A26 “Frosses Road”. Follow this for approx 15 miles (25km) until you reach the next roundabout.

At this roundabout take the first exit signposted for “A26 Coleraine Ballymoney” and follow the road for 8 miles (13km) to Ballymoney going straight over at the Kilraughts Roundabout and onto the (2nd roundabout) Portrush Road Roundabout. 

At Portrush Rd Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Ballybogey Rd/B62 it will be signposted Portrush B52, Ballybogey, Bushmills (B17) on a white signpost and “GIANTS CAUSEWAY 12” on a Brown sign.

Follow this road (the B62) for 10 miles (16km) through the village of Ballybogey and onto Portrush. You can turn off after about 7 miles (10 km) onto the Priestland Road. Through the town of Bushmills (which is a great place to stop), however, we recommend going via Portrush for the epic views of Royal Portrush Golf Club, The North Atlantic and Dunluce Castle.

Once you reach Portrush (you’ll see the Royal Court Hotel on your right), take a (very very) sharp right hand turn onto the A2/Causeway Coastal Route. The Atlantic should now be on your left-hand side. Follow this route for 4 miles (6km) along the coast past Magheracross View Point (great for views of Portrush, Dunluce Castle and on a clear day Islay & Jura) Dunluce Castle and Portballintrae to Bushmills.

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Once in Bushmills, you will pass the Old Bushmills Railway on your left and the then Bushmills Inn before getting to the Market Square Roundabout, here take the first turn off (left) and follow the road through Bushmills. The route will be signposted Giants Causeway. There is a Park & Ride Facility in Bushmills which can be useful in peak season.

Follow this road for about a mile (2km) out of Bushmills.

You will now see the Smugglers Inn on your right, and you should follow the signposts for Giants Causeway (left-hand turn). 

Follow this road for about a mile, and you will see the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre and Hotel on your left-hand side. You can find out more below about Parking.

Parking

Travelling by Rail to The Giant’s Causeway

From Belfast

Translink operates a regular timetable, usually every hour or less between Belfast and Coleraine. You can find the schedule here, or use their app/website here. The journey from Belfast Central takes around an hour and 20 minutes through the Antrim countryside.

From Coleraine, you will have to change to get a bus (the 172/402 (see timetable) from the bus station, which is part of the same building as the Train Station.

You can also change (see timetables) for trains to Portrush. Trains run every hour, and the journey takes around 10 minutes. There are two stations in Portrush. Dhu Varren, which is on the western entrance overlooking West Strand and Portrush Station in the centre of town. 

From Portrush, you can pick up the 172/402 (see timetable) at the Dunluce Centre (about a 3-minute walk from the Main Portrush Station. This is a much more beautiful route in our opinion, as the train passes through the countryside and along the famous West Strand Beach.

From Derry-Londonderry

The Derry-Londonderry rail line is one of the most scenic train trips in the world. The route weaves along cliffs, through tunnels under temples, past over two runways and along the banks of Loch Foyle.

Many famous train enthusiasts, such as Micheal Palin and Micheal Portillo, have written fantastically about the Derry-Londonderry line.

You can see our trip earlier this year from Coleraine to Derry.

The trip takes around 35 minutes and is one we highly recommend.

As with the trains from Belfast, you will have to change for either Portrush or get a bus (see above)

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Getting to The Giant’s Causeway by Bus

Translink runs several bus options for getting to the Giants Causeway from the Causeway Rambler, Ulster Bus and Goldline depending where you are coming from.

From Belfast and Derry-Londonderry

When coming from Belfast, you can use the regular 218 Goldline (Timetable here) coach service from Belfast. This can be boarded at Great Victoria Street Bus terminal. From Derry~Londonderry you can pick up the 234 Goldline from (timetable here) the Foyle Street bus station or the new Train station on the other side of the river.

Both of these services arrive at Coleraine Rail and Bus station, where you can easily jump on the 172 or 402 buses (see timetables) that will take you to the Giants Causeway Via Portrush. 

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