Page 240 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

238 BACK ROADS IRELAND

q Giant’s Causeway
BT57 8SU; Co Antrim
This natural geological phenomenon consists of around 40,000
polygonal basalt columns, forming a huge causeway that juts out
into the sea. Scientists believe that the columns were created some
60 million years ago by volcanic activity. However, local legend tells
it better, with the story that they were created by the Irish giant,
Finn McCool, who was fighting a rival Scottish giant, Benandonner.
McCool is said to have created a pathway of stepping stones from
Ireland to Scotland, so he could walk across the sea to confront his
rival. There are similar stones on the island of Staffa in the Hebrides.
A two-hour walking tour made while sitting in the Wishing
From the car park and Visitor Centre Chair 8 in the Middle Causeway is
1, follow the cliff path to the right. said to come true. Return up the
There are great views as the path path to the Visitor Centre. From
ascends. Descend the Shepherd’s here there is a good view of the
Steps 2 carefully (there are 162 in hunched form of the Giant’s Granny
Above Giant’s Causeway on a stormy day total, and they are steep). At the 9. Continue past Port Ganny to
Below right The remarkable basalt “stepping bottom, follow the path towards the see the Camel 0, which “sits” in
stones” of the Causeway Giant’s Organ 3, an impressive Portnaboe, before heading back
set of columns in the cliff face, that to the Visitor Centre.
resemble 12-m (39-ft) organ pipes. ª From the car park, turn right
VISITING GIANT’S CAUSEWAY Walk past the Organ towards the on the B146, then turn right again
Amphitheatre 4. On turning the onto the A2. Drive through Bushmills
Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre corner into the Amphitheatre, to the Distillery.
A shuttle bus runs from the Centre to the the Giant’s Eyes 5 are on the right –
rock formations, 1 km (half a mile) away. eye-shaped sockets in the red iron
Wear appropriate shoes and raincoats, as
it can be wet and slippery on the stones. ore layer, where basalt boulders have
44 Causeway Road, BT57 8SU; 028 2073 fallen out. Turn and follow the path
1855; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ back past the Organ, then take
giantscauseway the path that descends towards the
WHERE TO STAY Causeway itself. Look out for the
Giant’s Boot 6 rock on the shore
GIANT’S CAUSEWAY of Port Noffer to the right. Before
The Smuggler’s Inn inexpensive passing through the Giant’s Gate 7,
This is a small, family-run hotel with turn and look back for a view of
great sea views, ideally situated down the Giant’s Chimney Tops, chimney-
the road from the Giant’s Causeway. stack-like columns protruding from
There is also a restaurant. a headland to the east. Through
306 Whitepark Road, BT57 8SL; 028 2073
1577; www.smugglersinnireland.com the Gate are the main “stepping
stone” rock formations. Any wish
BUSHMILLS
The Bushmills Inn moderate
This cosy hotel, with open peat fires
Giant’s
and gas lighting, describes itself as “a Chimney Tops
living museum of Ulster hospitality”. 0 metres 800 Amphitheatre
However, every modern luxury is
also present in the charming rooms. 0 yards 800 Giant’s Eyes
The restaurant is excellent, too.
9 Dunluce Road, BT57 8QG; 028 2073 Giant’s Boot Giant’s Organ
3000; www.bushmillsinn.com Wishing Chair
Shepherd’s Steps
AROUND BUSHMILLS Giant’s Granny Giant’s Gate
Bayview Hotel moderate
This quiet hotel in the small harbour Camel
village of Portballintrae, just north of
Bushmills, overlooks the sea and is a
great base for exploring the area.
2 Bayhead Road, Portballintrae, Visitor Centre
BT57 8RT; 028 2073 4100;
www.bayviewhotelni.com
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £100; moderate, £100–£200; expensive, over £200

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