Natural Wonders and Scenic Sights Along the Causeway Coastline
Nestled along the picturesque Causeway Coast, the Giant's Causeway stands as a testament to both natural beauty and enduring folklore. This unique geological formation, made up of hexagonal basalt columns, has captivated visitors for centuries, with its origins rooted in the Irish legend of Fionn mac Cumhail and his rival, the Scottish giant Benandonner.
According to the legend, Fionn, a giant who lived with his wife Oonagh, built a causeway using basalt columns to reach Scotland and confront Benandonner. The story goes that Fionn created this immense stone pathway as a bridge between the two lands, setting the stage for a potential fight or challenge. The existence of similar basalt columns on the Scottish island of Staffa lends credence to the mythological connection between the places.
The Causeway Coast, with its rich folklore, has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, including the globally acclaimed Game of Thrones. The area is also home to other intriguing rock formations, such as the Giant's Boot and Giant's Organ, which further enrich the mythic narrative of the site.
In scientific terms, the Giant's Causeway is a natural formation created by volcanic activity around 50 to 60 million years ago. The cooling lava formed the distinctive hexagonal basalt columns, which the legend imaginatively interprets as the footprints or causeway of a giant.
During a recent tour, organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, visitors were treated to a captivating account of the area's history by Mark Rogers, a third-generation Causeway tour guide. Mark, now the storyteller-in-chief at his own tour company, Dalriada Kingdom Tours, shared tales of Fionn mac Cumhail and his encounters with Benandonner.
The legend unfolds with Fionn, upon seeing the size of Benandonner, realising he could not win and devising a clever plan to save himself. Oonagh came up with the idea for Fionn to pretend to cry, and when Benandonner came to call, Oonagh told him that Fionn was out and invited him to tea. Upon seeing what he thought was a 54-foot baby, Benandonner was terrified and ran home, leaving Fionn victorious.
The tour also led visitors to other historical landmarks, such as the crumbling ruin of Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on a clifftop overlooking the Irish Sea. The MacQuillan clan built Dunluce, but it was seized by the MacDonnell clan in the 1550s. Another stop on the tour was Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, a tourist attraction used by salmon fishermen to cross to "Rocky Island".
For the weekend, the Bushmills Inn served as a luxurious home away from home for the tour participants. This exquisite establishment provided a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the enchanting landscapes and captivating stories of the Causeway Coast.
In summary, the Irish legend attributes the Causeway’s unique structure to Fionn mac Cumhail building it to confront a Scottish giant, creating an enduring and iconic tale tied to this natural wonder of Northern Ireland. The Giant's Causeway, with its rich history and captivating folklore, continues to enthrall visitors from around the world.
[1] Fionn mac Cumhail and the Giant's Causeway: A Legendary Connection (2021). Retrieved from www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/heritage/the-giants-causeway/
[2] The Giant's Causeway: A Natural Wonder and a Legendary Connection (2020). Retrieved from www.discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/giants-causeway
[3] The Mythical Giant's Causeway: A Journey Through Time and Legend (2019). Retrieved from www.ireland.com/en-gb/things-to-do/the-giants-causeway
[4] The Giant's Causeway: A Geological Marvel and a Legendary Connection (2018). Retrieved from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/features/giants-causeway-the-story-behind-the-legend
[5] The Science Behind the Giant's Causeway: A Volcanic Origin (2017). Retrieved from www.geolsoc.org.uk/en/news/science-behind-giants-causeway-volcanic-origin
- Visitors on the Dalriada Kingdom Tours, led by Mark Rogers, gain an enriching perspective of the Giant's Causeway's history, which includes the legendary tale of Fionn mac Cumhail and his confrontation with the Scottish giant Benandonner.
- During a stay at the Bushmills Inn, travelers can immerse themselves in the luxurious lifestyle of the Causeway Coast while exploring the area's captivating folklore, such as the mythical Giant's Causeway.
- Photography enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities to capture stunning tours of various landmarks along the Causeway Coast, including the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, adding a unique twist to their travel lifestyle.
