05. The Giants' Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway lies at the foot of the basalt cliffs along the sea coast on the edge of the Antrim plateau in Northern Ireland. The volcanic activity 60 million years ago led to the formation of the 38,000 basalt columns that make up the Giant's Causeway. Lava welling up through fissures in the chalk bed formed a "lava plateau". Three periods of volcanic activity gave rise to the Lower, Middle and Upper Basalts, and it's the Middle Basalt rock which forms the famous amphitheaters of hexagonal columns in the Causeway, built the hexagonal stones in shape, the stones stretch far out into sea and some stand as tall as 36ft (12m).
The site plays a major part of Ireland’s heritage, attracting visitors from around the world each year since it was first documented in 1693 and realistic sketches were published in 1740. The Giant’s Causeway has often been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World and was declared as Ireland’s first World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1986.
The most characteristic and unique feature of the site is the exposure of a large number of regular polygonal columns of basalt in perfect horizontal sections forming a pavement.
Besides that, the sea birds can be seen off the coast around
the Causeway, with species such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant,
shag, redshank guillemot and razorbill being frequently observed by tourists. Also a rare and unusual plant species including sea spleenwort, hare's foot trefoil, vernal squill, sea fescue and frog orchid can be found on the cliffs and nearby rock formations.
Visitor facilities for The Giant's Causeway include a shop providing refreshments and souvenirs. Guided tours of the Causeway are available by arrangement for groups of more than 15 people, and there is access for visitors with disability. The area is suitable for picnics, cliff and country walks, and dogs are welcome on leads