Reading My Way Around the World

Friday 28 August 2015

The Giant's Causeway


As children growing up in Ireland we were very familiar with Finn McCool.   I've written about some of his escapades before - here's the story of Cloughmor and Finn

His biggest adversary was the Scottish Giant ( I always have to search for his name, cos to us he was just the Scottish giant) - his name was Ruscaire.

While chasing him one time he was so enraged that he lifted a lump of earth which he threw after his opponent - thus creating Lough Neagh and the Isle of Man - some pup was our Finn :)

But his greatest legacy was the road he created to walk across to Scotland - in just a couple of strides you understand.  And that road is the Giant's Causeway.

I thought the puddles of water were holes in the rock - need my eyes tested 


Here is some basic information about the Causeway
- it's volcanic, has a counterpart at Fingal's Cave in Scotland
Is a World Heritage site
and is simply wonderful
A bit more info
Magnificent column of rock

All the rocks are either 4,7 or 8 sided.
And made of this wonderful volcanic black rock

The Organ at the Giant's Causeway, or some call it the Lion's Head




The Grand Causeway, heading out to Scotland

The far end of the Bay with the chimneys visible at the end

Looking down at the water

16 comments:

  1. Fascinating isn't it. There is a similar causeway at the end of Cornwall too.

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  2. Is there? I never knew that - wonder which Giant built it? lol I have to get to see Cornwall one of these days - it sounds so beautiful.

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  3. Hi Fil - I'd love to see it one day ... and no I don't think Jo's got that right - not to my knowledge anyway .. but I could be wrong - brain ageing!! There's a causeway out to St Michael's Mount - but it's not like this special geological feature ...

    Wonderful photos - thanks .. cheers and yes do get to Cornwall!!! Hilary

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    1. I'll look forward to welcoming you over this way Hilary :)

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  4. It's amazing! I read the Story of Finn in an Irish fairytale book I read! I hope to see it next year when I go on a cruise as we are making 2 or 3 stops in Ireland!x

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    1. oo fantastic - you'll love it up there Kezzie - let us know when you're over - might actually get to meet you :)

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  5. I've always wanted to visit and these photos are wonderful. Fires up my enthusiasm for seeing more of Ireland (I've only visited Dublin, should do better!) xxx

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    1. The North's worth a trip Vix - you should check out St George's Market - an old Victorian artisan market - there's always room for some vintage at it :)

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  6. I love the story and the Causeway itself, and the views! Amazing, and so peaceful! It seems that Staffa Island has the same formation, not like the "stairs" as the Causeway, but the basalt formation leaning; it's understandable, cause the places were together before. The Causeway, though, is something so ethereal, really fantastic!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. It is amazing Denise - I think it would be wonderful to go in Winter when there are less people around.

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  7. Very cool story and landmarks. My family is Irish but immigrated to America during my great-grandparents time. I was able to visit Ireland about 5 years ago with my mother, sister and brother and from the minute I got there I felt like I was at home. I would move back in a minute if I could. I just loved it there so much.

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    1. What part of America did your folks go to? And do you know what part they came from? The Irish have left a footprint in so many places. I think it's our turn to welcome more people now.

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  8. Wonderful pictures and story. So unique. I'd love to visit on day!

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  9. Hello, Fil :) Thanks for welcoming me back - it's lovely to return and see your evocative posts. I loved the Irish tales as a child and have always wanted to visit the causeway so maybe soon I will - now I have a little more time! Special Teaching at Pempi’s Palace

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    1. Great to have you back Pempi. I hope you make it to the Causeway some time. And maybe our paths will cross in the non cyber world :)

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