Giants Causeway Story

Legend has it that Finn McCool had a fierce rivalry with the Scottish giant Benandonner, who was threatening Ireland from across the water.

Determined to settle things, Finn tore massive chunks from the Antrim coastline and hurled them into the sea, creating a pathway to Scotland. His plan? Confront Benandonner and put an end to the threat once and for all.

But there was one problem? Benandonner was much bigger than Finn had expected.

Realizing his mistake, Finn turned and ran, with the enormous Scottish giant hot on his heels. Just as it seemed all hope was lost, Finn’s quick-witted wife came to the rescue.

She disguised him as a baby, tucking him into a giant cradle.

When Benandonner saw the ‘baby,’ he panicked. If this was the size of Finn’s child, how enormous must the father be?

Not willing to take the risk, he fled back across the causeway, destroying it behind him to ensure Finn could never follow.

And so, the legend tells us, the land bridge between Ireland and Scotland was lost forever.

“This is the tale every Irish child grows up with—one of myths and legends passed down through generations.”

The Science - How It Formed

While the legend is captivating, the real story behind the Giant’s Causeway is just as incredible.

This breathtaking landscape was formed by intense volcanic activity around 60 million years ago.

As lava erupted, cooled, and contracted, it cracked into more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns—fitting together like a giant natural jigsaw puzzle.

The Giant’s Causeway is a window into Earth's ancient past, a masterpiece crafted by nature over millions of years.

It’s no wonder this otherworldly site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for both its beauty and geological significance.

Wondering how to get to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast? Join our daily Giants Causeway tour and experience the magic for yourself.

Whether you believe in legends or science, you’ll leave with a story to tell.