The Giant’s Causeway: The Magnificent Natural Wonder In The Uk

From the winner of the 2016 ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ to Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trip around Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route has a whole lot to offer.

On the northern Irish coast, close to Bushmills, sits the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's pretty amazing - a grouping of about 40,000 Basalt rocks, most of which are hexagonal in shape (although others are tall columns), that jut out into the water like stepping stones.

Volcanic activity created the causeway's distinctive appearance 60 million years ago. These pillars were created as a result of basalt lava seeping through the chalk layers and subsequently cooling.

Alternately, you may opt to accept the more intriguing legend that Irish colossus Finn MacCool constructed the causeway. Finn constructed the causeway as a bridge to connect Ireland and Scotland in response to a challenge from the Scottish giant Benandonner. Benandonner escaped back to Scotland when Finn outsmarted him, demolishing the causeway so that Finn could not pursue him. In Scotland, there are more basalt rock columns to back up this myth. The Giant's Causeway is now a natural reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Things to Do on the Causeway Coastal Route:

From the winner of the 2016 ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ to Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trip around Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route has a whole lot to offer.

Titanic Belfast

No vacation to the capital of Northern Ireland would be complete without first stopping by Titanic Belfast, which was chosen as the World's Leading Tourist Attraction for 2016 at the renowned World Travel Awards. The Titanic Experience, which is conveniently located near the city centre, provides a thorough history of the tragic RMS Titanic, from her conception in 1907 to its ultimate destruction on its maiden voyage in 1912.

The Titanic Experience is a highly immersive attraction that contains nine interactive galleries with special effects, interactive elements, and full-scale replicas. Purchasing tickets online will allow you to bypass the line.

Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved mediaeval castles in the nation, offers stunning harbour vistas in addition to its frequently violent past. After being heavily besieged by Irish, English, Scottish, and French troops during its construction in 1177, the castle later served as a garrison during World War I and an air raid bunker during World War II.

The Government of Northern Ireland has protected Carrickfergus Castle as an ancient monument, and it now leads a serene life as a wedding venue and year-round tourist destination.

The Gobbins

Visit The Gobbins, a breathtaking cliff-face trek near Islandmagee, County Antrim, to reconnect with nature and appreciate its full force and beauty. The Gobbins is a series of twisting cliff trails, stunning bridges, and underground tunnels, some of which extend below sea level. It was first made available to the public in 1902.

The Gobbins is a genuinely extraordinary experience that has to be seen to be believed, with countless chances for bird viewing and vistas that extend out across the sea to Scotland. The spring 2018 reopening of the cliff route will only be accessible by guided tour. If The Gobbins Cliff Walk seems a little too thrilling for your tastes, a much less gravity-defying interactive experience is available at the neighbouring visitor centre.

Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island, the only offshore island in Northern Ireland with a population of more than 150 people, is a favourite destination for day visi- tors looking for picturesque views, brisk hikes, and clean sea air.

A haven for birdwatchers, Rathlin is a special area of conservation in Northern Ireland because it is home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. Rathlin's "upside-down" lighthouse, so named because the light is located on the base of the edifice rather than the top, is one of the town's more peculiar attractions.

The Dark Hedges

One of the most photographed tourist destinations in all of Northern Ireland is the Dark Hedges, a remarkable avenue of interlocking beech trees near Ballymoney in County Antrim that is instantly recognisable to fans of HBO's Game of Thrones.

This eerie avenue, which dates to the eighteenth century, was planted by James Stewart, who wanted guests to be appropriately impressed as they approached his Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Visit the Dark Hedges early in the day to avoid the crowds or after dusk, when you might run across the area's resident ghost, "The Grey Lady," to truly appreciate its enchanting beauty.

Dunluce Castle

Many people may recognise Dunluce Castle, a mediaeval ruin on the County Antrim coast, as the setting for House Greyjoy in HBO's Game of Thrones. It is perched right on the edge of a cliff. In fact, this magnificent ruin's dramatic clifftop setting has served as an inspiration for numerous musicians, authors, and artists over the years.

While a picture of the castle may be found on the gatefold of Led Zeppelin's 1973 album, House of the Holy, it is believed that Dunluce Castle served as the model for Cair Paraval in C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. Visitors are welcome to the castle, which is connected to the mainland via a bridge, all year round.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, in County Antrim, close to Ballintoy, is a must-see for the truly daring traveller. This straightforward rope bridge, built by salmon fisherman in the middle of the eighteenth century and suspended thirty metres above the cliffs below, is now maintained by the National Trust.

Be cautious to check the weather prediction before you arrive if you intend to visit the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Frequently, crossings, which cost £7, are suspended during unfavourable weather, such as intense rain and strong gusts.

An Incredible Hiking Trail

It is certainly recommended for those who are not in a rush to combine their trip to the Giants Causeway with a hike. A day climb up the "Shepherd's Stairs"' 162 stone steps will reward you with a stunning aerial view of the basalt columns. North of the visitor centre, these are to be found.

This distinctive setting in front of the Antrim coast's cliffs is known by a number of nicknames. Some of the column forms even have their own names, such as "the honeycomb," "the camel's humps," "the organ pipes," "the harp," and "the chimneys."

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” - Rumi JalaludDin Happy Travelling!

Vivek Venugopal is one of India’s top automotive writers with over a decade’s experience in road-testing and reviewing cars. He is currently the Editor of Quarter Mile magazine and a columnist in several leading magazines and newspapers. He is also a highly sought after consulting engineer and market analyst for many automobile manufacturers.