Exploring Myths and Scenery along the Causeway Coastline
The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland is a captivating blend of historical, cultural, and natural significance, showcasing geological marvels, rich local mythology, and modern cultural relevance.
At the heart of this captivating region lies the **Giant's Causeway**, a breathtaking landscape featuring over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Formed by a volcanic eruption around 50 to 60 million years ago during the Paleocene epoch, this rare geological formation is a prime example of columnar jointing and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 for its outstanding natural value and scientific interest.
The surrounding area presents dramatic landscapes, including the crumbling ruins of **Dunluce Castle**, a medieval fortress overlooking the Irish Sea. This castle offers deep insights into Northern Ireland's historical past.
The area's cultural identity is deeply rooted in local legends, with the most famous being the tale of **Fionn mac Cumhail**, an Irish giant who built the causeway to confront his Scottish rival, Benandonner. According to the myth, Fionn retreated after realizing Benandonner was much bigger, and Benandonner destroyed the causeway in retreat, explaining the broken columns at the site.
The Causeway Coast has also gained international fame as a filming location for popular TV series such as **Game of Thrones**. Several locations along the coast, including nearby castles and cliffs, served as backdrops for iconic scenes, enhancing the area's cultural cachet and tourist appeal.
Our guide for this journey is Mark, a seanchaí, or Irish storyteller, who has worked on the Giant's Causeway for multiple generations. Mark Rogers, as he is known, shares brutal, bloody myths, legends, and facts about the Causeway Coast with an approachable and engaging style.
Mark's latest venture is **Dalriada Kingdom Tours**, a tour company that promises an immersive experience into the region's history and mythology. One of the stories he is about to share is about Fionn mac Cumhail, a giant who lives on the Causeway Coast, and the plan devised by his wife, Oonagh, to save him from Benandonner.
Other notable attractions in the area include the **Dark Hedges**, a beech-lined road that served as the Kingsroad in the Game of Thrones series, and **Maeve McQuillan**, the Banshee of Dunluce, a ghost who wails and screams in the tower due to her tragic love story.
For those seeking adventure, the **Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge** offers a thrilling experience. Originally used by salmon fishermen, the bridge provides stunning views of the Causeway Coast and Rathlin Island.
The Causeway Coast has been the backdrop for dozens of films and TV shows, making it a must-visit destination for fans of popular culture. Its unique confluence of natural history, mythological heritage, and contemporary cultural significance continues to captivate visitors, immersing them in a world of enchanting tales and breathtaking landscapes.
- As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular filming location for shows like Game of Thrones, the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland offers tours delving into its historical, mythological, and contemporary significance, provided by guides like Mark from Dalriada Kingdom Tours.
- Mark Rogers, an Irish storyteller who has worked at the Giant's Causeway for multiple generations, will share engaging stories about the area's legends and facts, such as the tale of Fionn mac Cumhail and his wife, Oonagh, who devised a plan to save him from Benandonner.
- For travel enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike, the Causeway Coast offers various captivating attractions, including the Dalriada Kingdom Tours, the Dark Hedges, Maeve McQuillan, the Banshee of Dunluce, and the thrilling experience of crossing the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, providing a lifestyle enriched by history, mythology, and stunning landscapes.
