The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Ireland, attracts around 500,000 visitors annually. The natural wonder is made up of 40,000 basalt columns and is surrounded by myths and legends, including the story of two rival giants. The area also has a rich history, including the wreck of the Spanish ship Girona in 1588. The National Trust conserves the area.
Every year, around half a million tourists visit County Antrim in Ireland to see the natural phenomenon of the Giant’s Causeway. Made up of 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic action, the Giant’s Causeway is often called the eighth wonder of the world. The dramatic red hexagonal columns form part of the coastline which forms a natural protection against severe Atlantic storms. The scenery in this area offers some of the most breathtaking views in the world; huge cliffs, secluded coves, isolated ruins and the Giant’s Causeway create an awe inspiring place.
The Giant’s Causeway is surrounded by myths and legends. The famous legend concerns two rival giants, Benandonner, who lived in Scotland, and Finn MacCool in Ireland. MacCool was a relatively small giant at 52 feet (about 16 meters), and the two giants cried across the sea to each other demanding a showdown.
Finn MacCool decided to build a rocky path across the sea between the two countries to allow the contest to begin, but exhausted from work, he fell asleep on the causeway and was found by his gigantic wife Oonagh. He suddenly saw Benandonner approaching, who was indeed a huge giant. Knowing that Finn was no match for the massive giant, he pulled a coat over the sleeping Finn.
Benandonner demanded to know where Finn was. Oonagh responded by pointing to the sleeping Finn and saying, “Shut up or you’ll wake my son.” Seeing this, Benandonner had second thoughts. If that was their baby’s size, how big would Finn be? He raced back to Scotland, destroying the causeway on his trail.
Other stories surrounding the Giant’s Causeway involve the wrecks of ships that have perished on the Wild Coast. In 1588 at midnight on October 30, the Girona, a ship that was part of a Spanish armada, struck Lacada Point. The vessel had just picked up survivors from two other shipwrecks. The crew fought to stop the collision but were unsuccessful and 1,200 men were lost.
Only five men survived the sinking and descendants of the survivors are said to still live in Antrim. The victims of the shipwreck are buried in St Cuthbert’s churchyard near Dunluce Castle. There are also the cannons that survived the wreck.
The Giant’s Causeway is a place that mixes history, legend and breathtaking views. It also has some of the most amazing natural plants and wildlife in the world. The area is conserved by the National Trust, a conservation organization operating in Northern Ireland, Wales and England.
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