Breathtaking, stunning, impossible, astounding, beautiful, spectacular….words couldn’t even do justice the way the landscape around us presented itself. Just a chance we took on the drive back to our Inn after a visit to Belfast’s Titanic museum. “Hey, let’s check out Giant’s Causeway – it’s only a short way off the route.” Little did we know the treat we were in for – and we didn’t get there until after the gift shop and museum had closed!
We took the long trail to the site itself, which took a good 45 minutes or so, with nature’s beauty surrounding us on the hilltop we were on. Coming to the opening where we first caught a glimpse of the actual causeway was incredible! I couldn’t wait to get to the rock formations and stepping stones to start climbing. But, first things first, trekking down the side of the hill along a steep set of stairs, followed by a walkway, followed by more stairs, a feat in itself! Fortunately, there are other ways to get to the causeway if you’re so inclined – and honestly, had we known about them ahead of time, I would’ve quickly taken the more direct route so I could explore longer!
Finally, at the bottom of the hill, we began exploring this wetland like area where the ocean made its presence known by splashing and spraying everything in sight. When the tide got close enough to drench my shoes, it was time to make our way back to the path that would take us to the formation itself.
It’s exhilarating getting up close to something so fantastic; the salty sea spray all around; the occasional blip of the sun poking out from the clouds; the strategy forming in your mind as to the best route to the top of this incredible structure! The closer you get to it, the more you realize that this place is really set up just like “giant” stepping stones!
We began our ascent to the top, or at least the part we could access; making sure to treat the rocks carefully, as if they’d just been rained on, as they were quite slippery with ocean water! The view is nothing short of amazing! The ocean slams almost angrily against these rocks time and time again. You can’t tear your eyes away from the majesty of the ocean and the power of it all! All I wanted was to get that one incredible shot of the waves striking up against the rocks, the salt spray flying in the breeze, and individual droplets of water outlined against a backdrop of nothing but ocean. What seemed like hundreds of photos later, the realization hit that no photo was going to do this magical place justice in terms of how it looks; or the feelings of awe, peace and contentment it can inspire!
Locals say that these hexagon formations were created by a giant long ago named Finn, who was irritated by a different giant who lived “across the pond” in neighboring Scotland! Finn decided to take it upon himself to deal with the other giant and created a pathway (the formation into the ocean of stones) that would lead him into Scotland. There’s also the scientific explanation, of course, the one where there was a volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago and the aftermath of the lava meeting the ocean created these oddly shaped, interlocking columns of stone. Regardless of which you choose to believe as to how the Causeway came to be, this is an absolute MUST see on any trip to Ireland’s Emerald Coast!
Do you have any favorite places you’ve been or places you want to make it back to? Ireland is definitely at the top of our list! Drop me a comment or share your story too!
Love ya,
Kelly Ann
Your photos look incredible!!! Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks Natasha! Believe me, I had fun taking them lol!!
Giant’s Causeway is a place I would love to visit and is firmly on my list. It just looks amazing! Your photos are lovely too!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Thanks so much! It is a must-see in our opinion for sure!
What an amazing article, I found myself hurrying to read just to get to the next picture and then going back and re-reading because looking at it through your eyes was incredible. Thanks for sharing your adventure 🙂
HAHA, it was hard for me to pick which pictures I wanted to include – I probably have more than 100 at least! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
It is so cool that you got to see some amazing sceneries during your trip. You can’t go wrong with nature! The waves look amazing too. Glad you enjoyed your time out in Ireland! I need to go someday!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
RIGHT? It was only possible b/c my in-laws watched our 2 boys! But regardless it was the most amazing trip!! You should definitely go someday! Thanks for taking the time to read this and comment! I appreciate it!
You absolutely need to go! I love getting outdoors and exploring!
My one regret in visiting Scotland was that we never took the trip across the pond to Ireland. I would have loved to have seen this wonder and so many others. Thanks for the back story. Those rocks are so unique!
Believe me, if I had had more time, we would’ve been journeying to Scotland as well!!! You should definitely plan on going someday! I’m planning on Scotland! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to visit giants causeway and this post makes me want to even more! You’ve captured some amazing shots too!
I’m so glad! You should definitely try to if you ever get the chance! Thank you for the compliment!
Definitely on my bucket list for some time. When this pandemic has gone away would love to plan a trip there.
You totally should! It was on my bucket list for a looooong time too!
This place looks amazing and somewhere I defo need to add to my bucket list! The pictures are beautiful, I think nature is amazing! Thank you for sharing your fun experience
Em x
YES! This is a MUST-STOP spot in Ireland! At least in my opinion! Thanks for visiting and commenting on this! I’m with you – I love nature too! 🙂
Ireland is on my bucket list of places to visit. One day… One day…
Ireland was always on my bucket list too – being of Irish heritage – and so for my hubby and my 5th wedding anniversary, we finally made it happen! It was a long time coming! I hope you make it there some day, Gina!
Wow! This sounds amazing. It has always been on my list but I never got around to it. You know what it’s like when you seem to forget the things that are basically on your doorstep. I have been to Belfast a couple of times but haven’t made it out to the causeway yet. I am going to make it a priority to visit it after lockdown is lifted.
Linda || http://www.linda-roche.com
I totally understand that! We have access to tons of places here in the states that I’ve always wanted to go to but haven’t made it there yet! My bucket list is gigantic! LOL! That being said, while we were in Belfast, I made it a point to stop at the Titanic museum too and it blows the museums that we have here in the states OUT OF THE WATER! It was incredible! Also a highlight of our trip to Ireland! I can’t wait to go back lol!