The Giant’s Causeway, on the North America Coast
of Northern Ireland ,is an area of
breathtaking scenery which has fascinated visitors for centuries. The Causeway
lies at the foot of coastal cliffs, and it consists of columns of rock
which formed over 60 million years ago
as a result of a volcanic eruption. There are approximately 40.000 columns and
the tops of the columns form stepping stones which lead from the cliff and
continue out towards the sea, where they disappear. Tourists can drive along
towns and village. The area is also home to various rare plants and animals.
There is a legend that the Causeway was built by a giant called Fionn maccumhaill. He built it in order to cross the sea to Scotland where he wound fight the
much larger Scottish giant Benandonner. In one story the giant Fionn fell asleep before
he reached Scotland and Benandonner came looking for him. Fionn’s wife,
Oonagh covered her husband with a
blanket in order to disguise him as their baby. When Benandonner saw the size
of the baby he through the father would surely enormous, so he went back to
Scotland destroying the Causeway in case Fionn followed him. There is a Fionn
maccumhaill trail which visitors can follow to find various interesting
geological features related to the giant such as the Granny the Giant’s Chimney
the Giant’s boot, the Wishing Chair and the Giant’s Gate.