A nice photo of Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sean Lucas

History of Giant’s Causeway

Scientific study proves that the impressive formation known as Giant’s Causeway is a result of volcanic activity during the Paleogene period. Due to the large amount of volcanic activity in the region, the area had a lava plateau which eventually cooled and contracted. In the instances of rapid contraction, columns shot up from the ground. These columns are what make up the Giant’s Causeway.

Legends and Myths

Although today we know the scientific explanation for the creation of Giant’s Causeway, citizens and explorers of the past made up legends to explain the formation. The most popular of these legends is one involving the Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill. The myth claims that he was set to battle his Scottish rival Benandonner. When the time came for them to fight, Fionn mac Cumhaill had fallen asleep. His wife covered him with a giant blanket as he slept and told Benandonner that it was their infant son. Upon seeing the size of the baby, Benandonner fled and ripped up the rocks in his escape. This is said to be what created Giant’s Causeway.

A classic view of a typical rock formation at the Giant’s Causeway / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by code poet

Visitor’s Information

For years the area has been without a visitor’s center, but in 2012 a center will be completed and feature exhibits about the formation of the Giant’s Causeway as well as some of the most popular legend surrounding it. Most people enjoy simply walking around the formation and taking pictures of the incredible landscape. There are some buses to the area but most visitors arrive by car as there is ample parking available. While there is no admission fee to tour the Giant’s Causeway, there is a parking fee of £6 per vehicle. Keep in mind that the attraction opens at dawn and closes promptly at sunset throughout the year.

Other Regional Attractions

The town nearest to Giant’s Causeway is Antrim. This town is full of historical landmarks, exciting attractions and plenty of culture. Head to the town’s shoreline of Lough Neagh in order to experience traditional Irish coastline. Although it is often too cold for swimming, there is still plenty of exciting recreation to be had there. Other popular attractions in the region include the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. This is a fun and exciting attraction costing £4 per person. The bridge might feel unsteady, but it is very safe and is regularly checked as a precaution. Children in particular love the excitement of the swinging bridge.

Nearby Accommodation Options

There is an abundance of accommodation options available in the area surrounding Giant’s Causeway. As one of the more popular destinations for European holidays, local hotels and guesthouses are prepared for larger numbers of travellers, especially in the summer months. If you would rather stay in a city, look for apartments in Northern Ireland rather than inns and small hotels. Private apartments for rent are available in nearby cities like Belfast and Lisburn.

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Of all the continents, one of the most diverse and magical is Europe. But with approximately 50 countries, each with its own culture and personality, choosing a destination for adventure travel could take all your time. So outlined below are the top five Europe destinations with a few tips on how to make your trip extra memorable.

Paris

This exquisite city of love is the obvious first-choice tourist destination for Europe. The spectacular architecture, delectable food and wealth of cultural sites make Paris the ultimate European holiday destination.

There’s so much to do and see in Paris that it is impossible to exhaust the city in one trip. You can browse in a few couture shops on the Champs Elysees, share a meal in one of the city’s gourmet restaurants, gaze across the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower or simply watch a very chic world go by while enjoying a coffee in one of the many cafes.

Although the weather is at its best in Paris from June to August, this is also when the city is invaded by tourists and the price of holidays goes up.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by agaw.dilim

Barcelona

Second on our list is the historic city of Barcelona, which mixes its old-world authenticity with the wildly bizarre. This intriguingly eclectic city attracts all types of travellers – families, couples, lone explorers and culture vultures and those looking for adventure travel.

Barcelona has an overwhelming variety of things to do, although a lot of attention is given to Las Ramblas because of the quaint narrow streets and alleys crammed with busy restaurants and vibrant markets.

The food and wine in this city are extraordinary, consisting of large meaty dishes and lighter tapas and an abundance of wonderful seafood.

By far the best time to visit the city is May-June as the temperatures are a little too high for comfort in August and so the most of the city shuts down.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Volkanikz

Rome

The mythical city of Rome is a very close third in the list, with its historic architecture, spectacular food and sleek and stylish locals. The beautiful array of dazzling churches and inspiring museums and galleries mean there is plenty to see here, if of course you can drag yourself away from the numerous cafés and restaurants all offering mouth-watering treats. Be sure to try as many various flavours of the gelato as you possibly can! Although most tourists travel to Rome for the history, it is also a very fast-paced and modern city.

Photo by admin

London

One of the busiest modern cities in Europe, London beats with the lifeblood of countless generations. It was once said that no man could ever tire of London and this is true. By day, take your time strolling around Covent Garden or shopping on Oxford Street, visit the many galleries and museums and maybe have a picnic in Hyde Park or afternoon tea in the Dorchester. By night, head to Soho and sample the vibrant and slightly alternative nightlife!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by edwin.11

Prague

Prague is a picturesque and magical city that has survived so many attacks upon it over the past 1100 years. Wander down the narrow streets and marvel at the churches, the statue-lined bridges and the daunting hilltop castle that make this a fairytale place. English isn’t always spoken language here, though, so keep a phrase book with you in case of emergencies.

Photo by admin

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At the far shore of the lake you can also visit a majestic Bled Castle.

Bled lake, Slovenia by Mirci

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is considered a symbol of Slovenia. We can find it at the eastern edge of the Julian Alps. Bled is not just a tourist center, but it’s also a spa center with a promenade. There are lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, renting a boat or visiting the thermal pool at nearby hotel Adriatic.

The town dates back to the Habsburg Era, to the early 19th century. The first spa hotel was built here in 1858 by a Swiss doctor Arnold Rikli in relation to its specialization in “Natural Healing”. This first hotel had certainly an important effect on the further tourism developing in this village. Bled is a climatic spa resort with thousands of visitors annually. The local “procedures” include fresh air walking, sport and hiking.

Bled Castle, Slovenia by Sebastian Bergmann

Bled Castle (Blejski Grad)

The castle is situated right on the 140 m high cliff above the Bled lake. In this Baroque castle you can visit a museum focusing on history and culture of the town and surroundings. Its archaeological part shows the history of the region. The castle is open all year round and the basic admission is €8. Further information about Bled Castle you can find on a very nice website here.

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