Exploring Legendary Sites and Breathtaking Sceneries along Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast
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The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland is steeped in myth and history, with the legendary narrative of Finn McCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill) being the primary historical legend that defines its mythical heritage. This story, deeply embedded in Irish culture, adds significant cultural and mythical meaning to the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Giant’s Causeway.
Fionn mac Cumhail, a giant who lived on the Causeway Coast, is said to have built the Giant’s Causeway—a natural formation of hexagonal basalt columns—across the sea to Scotland to confront a rival giant named Benandonner. To avoid the fight, various versions of the legend describe Finn using clever tricks, such as disguising himself as a baby to frighten Benandonner into fleeing back to Scotland, thereby explaining the creation of the causeway as a giant-sized bridge or pathway between the two lands.
The setting of this epic tale is the Giant’s Causeway itself, a place now frequented not just by giants, but by tourists. The Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, once used by salmon fishermen to cross to "Rocky Island", is now a popular tourist attraction. Nearby, the Dark Hedges, a beech-lined road that once served as the Kingsroad in the TV series Game of Thrones, is reportedly haunted by a ghost known as the Grey Lady.
The tour of this mythical coastline is an immersive experience, led by expert guides like Mark Rogers of Dalriada Kingdom Tours. Mark, a third-generation tour guide, fills heads with the brutal and bloody myths, legends, and genuine facts of the coast. Other tour companies like Glenara Elite Travel also offer guided tours, ensuring a knowledgeable guide for each stop of the tour.
The journey takes in more than just the Giant’s Causeway. The Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, a ruined house and its unusual cliff-side library, built by an eccentric Earl Bishop, offers a glimpse into the region's past. The crumbling ruin of Dunluce Castle, perched on a clifftop overlooking the rough Irish Sea, built by the MacQuillan clan and seized by the MacDonnell clan in the 1550's, offers a stark contrast to the more mythical landmarks.
The tour culminates at The Bushmills Inn, a beautiful hotel where the tour ends, serving as the exquisite home away from home for the weekend. Whether you're a fan of giants, history, or simply beautiful scenery, the Causeway Coast offers a journey through time and legend that is not to be missed.
[1] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/features/giants-causeway-legend [2] https://www.visitni.com/things-to-do/giants-causeway/the-legend-of-the-giants-causeway [3] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/features/giants-causeway-myths-and-legends [5] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/features/giants-causeway-myths-and-legends-the-battle-of-the-giants
- Tour guides like Mark Rogers from Dalriada Kingdom Tours offer photography opportunities of the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, and other mythical and historic locations along the Causeway Coast, providing a unique travel experience that blends lifestyle and history.
- To capture the picturesque views of the Causeway Coast and its various landmarks, such as the Giant's Causeway and the Dark Hedges, tourists can opt for guided tours offered by companies like Glenara Elite Travel.
- The Causeway Coast lifestyle embraces the region's rich history and mythology, offering travelers opportunities to explore attractions like the Giant's Causeway and its famous legends, all while enjoying a comfortable stay at an exquisite hotel like The Bushmills Inn.
