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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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sean Lucas

The Giants Causeway

OK, so it’s not strictly a bridge, but you can’t make a list of bridge-like forms in the UK and Ireland without mentioning the Giants Causeway.  It’s formed of about 400 interlocking basalt columns and is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. In legend, the causeway was built by an Irish warrior named Fionn, in order to beat his Scottish challenger Benandonner. Fionn never faced his rival, but hid under a blanket and his wife Oonagh pretended that he was their baby. Benandonner is said to have seen this giant baby and fled in terror, imagining that Fionn must be huge indeed.

Chelmer Viaduct

A viaduct is a bridge composed of several small spans. They are often used to allow for multiple types of traffic to cross across a space. They can span land or water. The viaduct at Chelmer is due for refurbishment to turn it into a greater beauty spot. The current viaduct and bridge are both due for replacement because of their great age. To remain a functioning bridge and avoid being slapped with a weight restriction, the viaduct needs to be overhauled. They will be redesigned by a leading architecture firm – turning this old viaduct into one of England’s more unusual bridges.

Reflections Bridge, Loch Awe Scotland

With a very evocative name, the Reflections Bridge at Loch Awe Scotland is situated in one of the top 5 most beautiful Lochs in the country. Loch is the Scottish word for lake, and there are very many lochs in Scotland. Loch Awe is the longest inland loch, but not the largest by surface area (that’s Loch Lomond), or the deepest (Loch Ness). It’s pretty narrow, which means that building a bridge from one side to the other is a possibility.  The Scottish lochs are known for their clear and still reflections, which makes the Reflections bridge a great place to take a camera and a must-see when visiting the North Argyll Glens.

Architectural landmarks are best when they complement nature and these bridges certainly do. Britain is known for the engineering explosion that took place in the 19th century and also for its stunning continuous coastline. There are 24 bridges in London alone and the longest of these is the Humber bridge.

Robert Jefferson is an English writer who likes writing about architecture, travel and unusual bridges.

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