The Giant’s Causeway is the spectacular section of coastline in Northern Ireland. If you ever have the chance to drive from Belfast to Londonderry along the Causeway Coastal Route, you will see the Giant’s Causeway and experience one of the most scenic views in the world.

When I was planning my first trip to Ireland, my friend Carol told me I had to see the Giant’s Causeway. So I did. She was right; it was such a beautiful and unusual site. I’ve been back to visit again and hope to make another trip there soon.

The Giant’s Causeway has been visited since the eighteenth century. It is a group of huge geometric-shaped rocks projecting into the Atlantic Ocean and pillars of rocks making up the cliffs next to the coastline. The interesting rock shapes were formed about 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. The lava cooled to make the basalt rock.

That’s the boring, scientific story. If you want the truth, the rocks were created by a giant named Finn MacCool. Actually, his Irish name was Finn mac Cumaill. He wanted to fight a rival giant named Benandonner who lived in Scotland, so he threw huge stepping stones across the sea so the Scottish giant could come over and do battle.

When the Scottish giant came across the sea, Finn was scared and ran home to ask his wife, Oonagh, to help him hide. His wife disguised Finn as a baby and put him in a cradle. When Benandonner saw the size of the "baby", he assumed the father would be gigantic. So he ran home and tore up the rock pathway so Finn couldn’t come across. There are similar rock columns at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa, where the giant returned home.

When you visit the Giant’s Causeway, park in the lot and enter the visitor’s center. You will want to watch the informative movie and buy a few souvenirs. Walk or take the bus down to the coastline to get a close look at the amazing rocks. You can continue to walk along the trail that takes you to a higher vantage point for an amazing view of the coastline.

When I first visited the Giant’s Causeway, my friend Mary and I walked all along the coast from the top of the cliffs. A worker was moving the trail inland a bit. When we stopped to talk to him, we found out that a tourist had recently walked too close to the edge while taking a photograph and had fallen. Don’t forget your camera, but be very careful!

A trip to the Giant’s Causeway can be an adventure of several days. Start in Belfast and take in some of the wonderful sites such as the Botanical Gardens. As you drive east to the coastal highway, stop at Carrickfergus Castle. Then take your time driving north and visit one or more of the Glens of Antrim and scenic towns along the way. Carnlough is a beautiful harbor town. Stop in for lunch at one of the Irish pubs.

As you near the northern coast of Ireland, you can take a detour off the main highway and drive along a winding and beautiful route to see Torr Head on the east coast. The scenery is stunning!

Don’t forget to stop at the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge and take a short, but slightly scary, walk over the sea to a nearby island.

When you reach the north coast, you may want to stay at a bed and breakfast in Bushmills or, for a real treat, stay at the famous Bushmills Inn. The food is fantastic, the fires are warm and the lodging is cozy.

After a relaxing night, tour the Giant’s Causeway and take a long hike along the coast. If you stay another night, take a tour of Bushmill’s Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.

Continue your drive west along the north coast and stop to see the ruins of Dunluce Castle. This is one of the most dramatic castle settings you will visit. You can imagine how part of the castle (and some of the occupants!) once fell into the sea.

The final part of your trip will include a tour of the walled city of Londonderry. Learn about the history and culture of this unique destination to complete your journey.

If you visit Northern Ireland and the Giant’s Causeway, you won’t be sorry. Many tourists do not venture this far north on their visit to Ireland. They don’t know what they’re missing!