The Giant's Causeway

Today was a big day! We left Lil & Chris' early and began out drive up the Causeway Coast. It was a beautiful drive and we reached Ballycastle in time for lunch. After a delicious roast beef and pickle sandwich we continued our journey to find The Dark Hedges, a stunning avenue of beech trees that feature in the first season of Game of Thrones.

Our next stop was Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which is set amongst a gorgeous coast that reminded me of a (much greener) Great Ocean Road. It was absolutely stunning.

Then it was time for me to nerd out about ROCKS! Situated on the North coast of Ireland in County Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway is an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption; As the lava cooled slowly, it cracked and shrank to develop regular patterns – not unlike mud when it dries up. Unlike mud, which cracks only on the surface, the cracking in the lava went through the depth of the flow creating columns.

Legend, however, tells a more colourful story of the 54 foot giant Finn McCool who built the Causeway as stepping stones to reach Scotland and face his rival Benandonner. A lengthy tale end with most of the Causeway being destroyed but explains why the Giant’s Causeway exists in north Antrim, with similar columns at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa.

Our day coming to an end, we headed to our destination for the night Portrush, but not before viewing the majestic ruins of Dunluce Castle at sunset.

Needless to say, choosing a blip for today was a difficult choice, but The Giant's Causeway was a Bucket List item for me, so it won out in the end.