Ireland: Land of the Giants

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Ireland: Land of the Giants

by Louie Jerome on 18/11/08 at 7:19 am

The giant Fin MacCool built a huge walkway off the coast of Northern Ireland, so that he could walk over and attack his enemy, Fin Gal, or so the story goes.

If you are visiting Northern Ireland, you shouldn’t miss seeing the Giant’s Causeway which is a natural stone walkway leading out into the Atlantic ocean. Similar landmarks like this do exist off Scotland’s coast and in Iceland, but this is the most striking example of its kind.

All around you is the wild and windy Atlantic Ocean, off the coastline of County Antrim.

The rocks that make up the causeway resemble stacked up squared off blocks and the colours of the basalt pillars are wonderful. They seem to change according to time of day, season and current weather conditions.

There are more than forty thousand columns here and some of them are thirty metres thick. The tallest ones reach up to around fifteen metres above the level of the surrounding sea.

photo credit: boardgamegeek.com

These were formed by volcanic action within the earth’s crust more than sixty million years ago and the scale of this natural phenomenon is huge and quite breathtaking.

This is a blustery, cold place, even in the summer, so it is a good idea to take the bus from the nearest town which is Port Ballintrae and save yourself a cold and windy walk.

photo credit: screensaver.org

There is an old legend about the causeway. The giant, Fin MacCool is said have wanted a battle with the giant Fin Gall (Fin Gall’s cave) from across the water in Scotland, so he built a causeway. After that he was so tired that he fell asleep and Fin Gall took advantage of this and walked across to see just how big the Irish giant was.

When he saw his enormous body laying there asleep, he ran away in fear.

This is a place with a wonderful atmosphere and a certain magic. When you stand there by the sea it is very easy to imagine the giants walking across the Giant’s Causeway.

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Tags: Fin Gal, Fin mcCool, Finn Gall, Finn MCool, Giants Causeway, Ireland, legend, Scotland, sea, Travel

27 Comments

Lucas Dié

Nov 18th, 2008

What a charming peace about a great place!

C Jordan

Nov 18th, 2008

These rocks are fascinating. This rock formation carries out across the Irish Sea and appears again as huge columns in Fingals cave on the Scottish island of Staffa.

Joe Poniatowski

Nov 18th, 2008

What an interesting article. I prefer the “made by a giant” theory over that myth about volcanic activity.

Moses Ingram

Nov 18th, 2008

I find this very interesting,as I live in Newfoundland which has a large population of Irish descent, and many of the old Irish legends are still retold here. I have never visited Ireland but am amazed at the photos. A great piece. Thanks for sharing.

lindalulu

Nov 18th, 2008

How beautiful!

Darlene McFarlane

Nov 18th, 2008

I enjoyed reading this, Louie. When lanne was young I used to read stories of Fin MacCool to her. The rock formation is very interesting and I would love to be there to check it out up close and personal.

Very enjoyable piece.
Thank you

Glynis Smy

Nov 18th, 2008

How interesting, I love the Giant side of the article, the rocks look fantastic.

lanne

Nov 18th, 2008

very interesting piece Louie.

brian

Nov 18th, 2008

corax, thats bull, why would the scotish giant build the causeway in ireland! Going to school in ireland we were always told(fictionally of course) that fin maccool built it!

alexa gates

Nov 18th, 2008

what a great legend

eddiego65

Nov 18th, 2008

Enchanting place! Great article!

Ruby Hawk

Nov 18th, 2008

It sounds like a magical place as you describe it. Who wouldn’t love a vacation there? I know I would. Take care, Ruby

valli

Nov 18th, 2008

Fascinating read!

shaun simpson

Nov 19th, 2008

great piece, definately on my to visit list

Anne Lyken Garner

Nov 19th, 2008

This is on my list of places to visit. Although I lived in Ireland for years, I’ve never been to Northern Ireland. Certainly a worthwhile visit.

Akilah

Nov 19th, 2008

Very nice and interesting. Love folklore… myths… legends. Fascinating

Neverty Agisti

Nov 19th, 2008

Subhaanallaah! Amazing & Fascinating! How can be stones were formed by volcanic action within the earth’s crust more than sixty million years ago and the scale of this natural phenomenon is huge and quite breathtaking have a shape perfectly like a brick? Jammalakallah (hope Allah gives you kindness)

Judy Sheldon

Nov 19th, 2008

Beautiful imagery with words and pictures.

Take care & God bless.

John McDonnell

Nov 19th, 2008

Great article, Louie! Now I want to visit Ireland and see this natural wonder in person.

Mary Contrary

Nov 19th, 2008

A very interesting article! I prefer the “made by a giant” theory over the myth about volcanic activity as well!

HatedNation

Nov 20th, 2008

Ireland, The next overseas stop..lol Thank you for this great article!

Aaron Hanlon

Nov 20th, 2008

I am an Irishman and i can tell you everyone perfers the Giant stories. We’re a romantic lot that way. The picks are good but i’m sure even the writer will agree that the sheer scope of the real thing is very hard to catch in one shot.