While, the genuine story behind the Giant’s Causeway is still in question, there are many legends surrounding it. Located deep in the County Antrim, Northern Ireland the natural wonder is believed to be the results of a volcanic eruption. Thousands of visitors flock to this wonderland every year, just to get a glimpse of the columns, which make up a large portion of the monument. Below, you will discover more information about the Giant’s Causeway and why everyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime.
How Old Is The Giant’s Causeway?
Well, the true answer to this question has never been answered, even after many geologic researches. Although, many experts seem to think that it was formed, as a result of a volcanic eruption that took place 50-60 million years ago. The mystery behind this monument is what draws people to it, but this does not mean that its structure is not intriguing. The Giant’s Causeway was hidden from the world until 1693, but it did not receive worldwide attention until 1739, when artist, Susanna Drury featured the monument in her art.
Who Really Discovered The Giant’s Causeway?
Many were lead to believe that Sir Richard Bulkeley, whom graduated from Trinity College, Dublin with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Bulkeley later became 2nd Baronet after succeeding his father, Sir Richard Bulkeley, 1st Baronet. Bulkeley had written a paper and presented it to the Royal Society to tell them about the Giant’s Causeway. However, the Bishop of Derry had reported to have visited the monument a year prior.
County Antrim
County Antrim is one of six counties that makeup Northern Ireland. Antrim has a population of around 618,000 residents. A large portion of Belfast, which is the capital city of Northern Ireland, is actually located in Antrim.
Most of the area is composed of hills, especially the eastern part, which is where the highest elevations are located. There are several different ways in which one can travel to the county. You can travel by air, sea, or rail. The Belfast International Airport, which is Northern Ireland’s main airport, is located in the county of Antrim.
The Visitors Center
When you visit any historical site you always want to visit the visitor’s center where you can purchase souvenirs. Unfortunately, between 2000 and 2012 the Causeway did not have a visitor’s center available to travelers. The reason for this was because the one that was built in 1986 actually burned down in 2000. Public money was set aside, when the incident first occurred to reconstruct a new center. All of the plans had been drawn up and the center was ready to go, but in 2007 due to a dispute the assets where frozen.
The money that was set aside was lost, but thanks to several benefactors and donations from the public enough money was once again raised, and the center opened its doors in July 2012. Since the opening of the center, there have been some mixed views about the design, pricing, contents, and the placement of the building. However, if you are with the Allen’s Tours group and visiting the Giant’s Causeway, you must pay a visit to the center, because there are a lot of amazing trinkets and souvenirs for you to take home.
