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The Giant's Causeway is without doubt one of the most spectacular rock formations in the world. Scholars believe that the Giant's Causeway was formed many years ago after a series of massive volcanic eruptions created a huge lava flow, which wound it's way down to the ocean off the coast of County Antrim. As the flow of molten lava cooled in the water, it created the strangely shaped pillars of rock we now know.
Irish tradition has it that the legendary giant Finn McCool created the Giant's Causeway. It is said that once he was fighting a Scottish giant and hurled a huge clump of land over the Irish sea towards the fleeing giant. The sod landed in the sea, creating the Isle of Mann. The area where he lifted the sod from filled up with water and is now the largest lake in Ireland, Lough Neagh.
When Finn McCool fell in love with a young Scottish girl, he put his strength to good use. It is said that in order to get to her, he built a causeway across the Irish sea. It is still with us to this day.
However, it is the strangely shaped rocks that bring folk to the Giant's Causeway from all over the world. It is set against the most beautiful coastal scenery, with steep cliffs and hills sweeping down to meet the roaring sea below. Altogether there are some 40,000 rock columns throughout the Giant's Causeway, some hexagonal and others with 4 or 5 sides. These formations stand up to 40 foot tall. You can take one of several walks around the Giant's Causeway, each one offering it's own unique perspective.
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