Finn McCool and the stones that built a path to Scotland
The Giant's Causeway Legend
Discover the Irish myth of Finn McCool and the science behind the Giant's Causeway's 40,000 basalt columns on your private tour from Belfast.
The Giant's Causeway is Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, featuring approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago. But long before geologists explained the hexagonal formations, Irish storytellers knew exactly how they got there.
Finn McCool, the greatest giant of Ulster, built a causeway of stones to Scotland to fight his rival Benandonner. When he realised the Scottish giant was even larger, Finn's quick-thinking wife disguised him as a baby — so when Benandonner saw the 'infant', he fled in terror, destroying the causeway behind him.
On the stones today you'll find the Wishing Chair (sit and make a wish), the Giant's Boot (left behind in Finn's haste), and the Camel (Finn's pet, turned to stone). Your guide brings both myth and geology to life as you walk the columns.
Visit on our Giant's Causeway Tour
Ireland's most iconic coastline, privately guided from Belfast
View tour — from £450