Worth a DetourCarrick-a-Rede
County Antrim
About 6.8 miles away
A rope bridge swinging over the sea to a tiny island, near the Giant's Causeway.
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The Causeway Stones
Some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of them six-sided, stepping from the cliff foot into the sea.
- Open
- Always; the visitor centre keeps its own hours
- Price
- Free on foot; paid for the visitor centre and parking
- Time Needed
- 2 hours
- Address
- 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SUDirections
- Getting There
- A 10-minute walk down from the visitor centre, or the shuttle bus.
Why Go
The columns formed as a thick flow of lava cooled and cracked about 60 million years ago; the tallest stand around 12 meters. Legend says Finn McCool built the causeway to cross to Scotland and fight the giant Benandonner, and the same columns rise again at Fingal's Cave on Staffa.
Look for the Wishing Chair, a natural seat in the stones, the Organ's tall pipes on the cliff and the Giant's Boot. It's a UNESCO site, cared for by the National Trust.
Tips
- Come at sunrise or after 5 pm to have the stones almost to yourself.
Go Next
1–3 of 6
Worth a Detour
If You're NearbyDark Hedges
County Antrim
About 8.7 miles away
A road under an arch of old beech trees, made famous by Game of Thrones.
Guide Coming Soon
Worth a DetourDerry
County Londonderry
About 36 miles away
Ireland's only city with complete walls, with the Peace Bridge and murals of the Troubles.
Guide Coming Soon
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