the giant’s causeway: a natural unesco
Before we actually travelled, we would pseudo-travel: after work, as we channel surfed, we would always end up watching travel shows. And it was on one of those shows when we first saw and heard about the Giant’s Causeway. So when we were in Europe back in 2006, we added Northern Ireland to our list of countries to visit – and we didn’t regret it one bit.
There are 6 km of this unusual geological formation; polygon-shaped rocks piled on top of one another into columns. Formed following volcanic activity many million years ago, there are similar formations as well on the coast of Scotland – just across the body of water.
As the myths and legends go, Finn McCool, the giant had something to do with this hence the name. 😉
Admission gives you access to the visitor’s centre and pedestrian access to the Causeway. There are regular shuttles down to the Causeway but there is a small additional charge. There was the option to see the rocks from “bird’s eye” view by walking along the cliff track up above. Beware on windy days!!
The Giant’s Causeway is about an hour’s drive out of Belfast. And not far from it is Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The day we went it was so crazy windy, that we were not allowed to cross the bridge.
Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast were UNESCO Heritage listed in 1986.
To see the other UNESCO sites we have visited, visit our unofficial bucket list
wise monkeys abroad 
April 10, 2014 at 10:07 am
Wow….. I have added this to my bucket list now! I visited Ireland in 2006 but did not get a chance to visit Northern Ireland… Will need to correct that fast!
April 10, 2014 at 10:11 am
Yes – please make sure you do get there! We were in Ireland in 2006 as well probably passed one another at some point but did not realise 😉
April 7, 2014 at 2:34 am
I love the Giant’s Causeway. It was one of the first places I visited with Rich and Sue, back in 2002. Happy memories!
April 7, 2014 at 5:30 am
Definitely would be very happy memories being one of the first destinations together for you guys!! More so, that it’s such a special and unique place too. Thanks for swinging by, Jaspa! Good to see you 🙂
April 5, 2014 at 10:57 am
Fabulous pictures! I hope to get to Ireland one of these days. I need to get more of my genealogy done so I can combine purposes! 😉
April 5, 2014 at 11:00 am
Yes, absolutely! It would be the perfect reason to go: to find your roots 🙂
We appreciate the compliment!
April 5, 2014 at 1:19 am
we travelled Northern Ireland in 2008, and Bushmills, not far from the Causeway has a cottages for rent. We loved wandering around the area. Thanks for sharing your memories, the post brought back some great memories of our own.
April 5, 2014 at 9:48 am
Thank you for stopping by and grateful for your comment – delighted that our post reminded you of your lovely time there. Northern Ireland is really a gem!
April 3, 2014 at 2:43 am
I visited here many years ago, such a unique place.
April 3, 2014 at 5:59 am
It is so unique and just a little mind-boggling the size of the columns and the way they have formed in an almost step fashion 🙂
Thanks so much for visiting our blog!!
April 3, 2014 at 7:22 am
I would have left a few more comments but couldn’t find the button? And I’ll be back again!
April 3, 2014 at 7:34 am
Can’t wait to welcome you back 🙂
Ps if you are looking for the comment box, you need to be in the individual post itself 🙂
April 3, 2014 at 2:32 am
This was by far my favorite natural part of Northern Ireland when we traveled there! That’s one reason it’s on the cover of my blog 🙂 It absolutely took my breath away and I wished I could have stayed there for hours and hours. Great post!
April 3, 2014 at 6:02 am
YES!! Us too, we were not disappointed at all – it totally exceeded our expectations, despite us having high expectations before arriving 🙂 Actually Northern Ireland for us was a surprise package – we loved everything about our time there.
Thanks so much swinging by and commenting.
April 3, 2014 at 11:52 pm
I agree with that about Northern Ireland. It was a surprise! It didn’t feel like we had spent enough time there and what we saw was pretty amazing.
April 3, 2014 at 12:49 am
How unique and beautiful! I do a lot of pseudo traveling, too! I really enjoy the Travel Channel!
I think what you’re doing is awesome! Hopefully, one day, my husband and I will make it to some of this amazing destinations. Meanwhile, I’ll pseudo travel through your blog! 🙂
April 3, 2014 at 5:55 am
😉 We are so glad to hear that our blog is allowing you to pseudo-travel & hope it inspires you and your husband to travel soon!
We love travelling so much, we just pour everything we have into making it happen.
Thank you so very much for your encouraging comment 🙂
April 3, 2014 at 9:29 am
You’re very welcome!
April 3, 2014 at 12:28 am
Breathtaking Ireland countryside! Thanks for adding more items to my bucket list
April 3, 2014 at 6:06 am
So glad we are inspiring you 🙂 We do hope you get to visit one day, it’s a truly special place.
April 2, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Oh, I adore the Giant’s Causeway. Thank you for sharing these wonderful images.
April 2, 2014 at 9:56 pm
Our pleasure! Thanks so much for your comment!
Oh and isn’t the Giant’s Causeway just something special? We loved it!