A giant cause to visit Northern Ireland

Visitors to Northern Ireland should be sure to take in one of the United Kingdom's greatest natural wonders, the Giant's Causeway.

The Giant's Causeway is an awesome structure of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, which were created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, and has the honour of being Ireland's first World Heritage Site.

The feature can be found on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland in County Antrim. Its other-worldly charms make it one the country's top tourist draws, and the area is shrouded in legend which visitors can become acquainted with.

For example there is the tale of the giant, Finn MacCool, a guardian of the king of Ireland. According to legend he was the man responsible for creating the Giant's Causeway. Folklore suggests that he built the causeway as a pathway from Ireland to Scotland, to fight a Scottish giant.

But it is not just the unique sight of the perfectly-formed basalt columns that 500,000 visitors a year come to see and learn about – there is a wealth of surrounding natural beauty, with well-maintained national parks and lakes.

Holidaymakers to the causeway should be sure to check out Glenariff, which is known as the Queen of the Glens, where they can find the stunning Forest Park. A trio of waterfalls provide a scenic backdrop for the many forest trails that wind through the park.

For those who want to stay only a stone's throw from the Giant's steps there is a camping and caravanning site in the park. Other amenities include interactive displays, shops and a restaurant.

For more information on the Giant's Causeway and Glenariff Forest Park visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk and www.forestserviceni.gov.uk XXX