Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland
From series “The Most Mysterious Geological Formations on the Planet”Lenght: 300 meters. Width: 150 m.
An amazing natural attraction can be found in Northern Ireland. We are talking about Giant's Causeway - that's how locals call 40,000 basalt columns formed millions of years ago after a volcanic eruption. The structure looks very impressive. Columns located close to each other originate at the foot of the cliff and go into the sea forming some sort of springboard. The springboard is quite impressive; it’s 300 meters long and 150 meters wide.
The theory of emergence of pillars is quite logical and justified. Giant's Causeway is nothing, but a huge cracked basalt plateau. Orderliness of cracks and correct hexagonal pillars are also quite simple to explain. The reason for that was too rapid cooling of the plateau and the usual horizontal compression. The locals associate many beautiful legends with that causeway. According to the most common one, that was built by giant called Fionn MacCool specifically to challenge the one-eyed sea monster, Gaulle. The giant has managed to wangle an opponent; while running, he broke the trail, so its appearance today is far from ideal. Despite the fact that scientists have been able to suggest a logical theory of the origin, the path never ceases to attract thousands of travelers. Next - Great Blue Hole
Re-use of this article is allowed. A valid link to www.orangesmile.com is obligatory.
Giants Causeway - interactive map
Useful staff nearby
ATM bankomat: 'Bayview Hotel' located in 3 km (
check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'Coastal Self Drive' is located in 15 km (
on the map).
Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit
1 km - Giants Causeway Coast
Northern Ireland has the wonderful natural monument called the Giant's Causeway. It is the plateau consisting of more than 40 000 basalt and andesite columns. The plateau has been formed during an eruption of an ancient volcano, when the flow of lava went into contact …
From the series 'Top 15 Unesco Sites in Europe'
Northern Ireland has the wonderful natural monument called the Giant's Causeway. It is the plateau consisting of more than 40 000 basalt and andesite columns. The plateau has been formed during an eruption of an ancient volcano, when the flow of lava went into contact …
11 km - Carrick-a-Rede Bridge
Located in the British county of Antrim, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge has long been one of the most popular attractions of the region. It connects the main part of Ireland with the small island of Carrick, whose name literally translates as ‘stone.’ The name of the …
From the series 'The Most Dangerous Bridges in the World'
Located in the British county of Antrim, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge has long been one of the most popular attractions of the region. It connects the main part of Ireland with the small island of Carrick, whose name literally translates as ‘stone.’ The name of the …
14 km - Dark Hedges
Fans of walks along unusual fabulous places should go to the village of Armoy in Ireland. It is known to the whole world because of its surroundings. That’s a dark alley that resembles a frame from a horror movie. This natural tunnel of beech trees really looks very …
From the series 'Fabulous Nooks of the World with Striking Colorful Shades'
Fans of walks along unusual fabulous places should go to the village of Armoy in Ireland. It is known to the whole world because of its surroundings. That’s a dark alley that resembles a frame from a horror movie. This natural tunnel of beech trees really looks very …
86 km - Doe Castle
The legendary Doe Castle is located in the vicinity of the village of Creeslough. It is known as the stronghold of the MacSweeney Clan. The castle was built in the 16th century. It is one of the most beautiful castles in the country. The historical building is …
From the series 'Ireland's Greatest Castles'
The legendary Doe Castle is located in the vicinity of the village of Creeslough. It is known as the stronghold of the MacSweeney Clan. The castle was built in the 16th century. It is one of the most beautiful castles in the country. The historical building is …
95 km - Glenveagh Castle
Glenveagh Castle is located in County Donegal within the National Park of the same name. It is one of the youngest castles in Ireland. Its construction took three years. It was fully completed in 1873. The castle is located in a very beautiful mountain area. …
From the series 'Ireland's Greatest Castles'
Glenveagh Castle is located in County Donegal within the National Park of the same name. It is one of the youngest castles in Ireland. Its construction took three years. It was fully completed in 1873. The castle is located in a very beautiful mountain area. …
109 km - Culzean Castle
Culzean Castle stands out from other castles of Scotland. It was built in the 18th century and resembles more a luxurious palace than a typical strengthen structures. The castle is surrounded with a marvellous garden. It has a lot of exotic plants, there were planted …
From the series 'The Greatest Castles of Scotland'
Culzean Castle stands out from other castles of Scotland. It was built in the 18th century and resembles more a luxurious palace than a typical strengthen structures. The castle is surrounded with a marvellous garden. It has a lot of exotic plants, there were planted …