The Giant's Causeway: A Remnant of Chaos

Situated on the North coast of Ireland (about two miles north of Bushmills), the Giant's Causeway is an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption; however the legend is more convincing for those who prefer a more colourful story. The site plays a major part of Ireland's heritage, attracting visitors from around the world each year since it was first documented in 1693 and realistic sketches were published in 1740. The Giant's Causeway has often been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World and was declared as Ireland's first World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1986. Once you have visited, you will quickly see why it has become Ireland's top tourist attraction. Visitors each year marvel at the beauty of the 40,000 unique hexagonal basalt columns which form stepping stones that disappear downwards into the sea. The site is also popular with geologists and, according to them, the Giant's Causeway was formed some 50-60 million years ago as a result of repeat outpourings of volcanic basalt, during the Tertiary period of the earth's evolution. Today the Causeway Coast is still an important location for geological study.