Forget leprechauns. The Irish have giants, as well. Stretching across the Irish Sea sits over 40,000 black basalt columns. Some of the columns are more than 35 feet tall. The black columns formed 60 million years ago when volcanic lava cooled quickly in the cold ocean.
The columns look a bit like a giant rock path or bridge across the water. Legend has it that Fionn MacCumhaill, a mythical warrior, formed the columns with his bare hands, so his armies could cross the sea to fight the Scottish.
Fun Facts about Giant’s Causeway for Kids
- The columns are hexagonal and lock together.
- One version of the story says that Fionn was a giant, challenged by a Scottish giant, Benandonner to a fight. Fionn’s wife disguised him as a baby in a cradle. When Benandonner saw the big baby, he thought the baby’s father must be huge to have such a big baby. He ran away.
- Another version of the story says that Fionn was not a giant, but a hero with mythical strength.
- The columns start at the cliffs and disappear into the sea.
Giant’s Causeway Vocabulary
- Leprechaun: a kind of Irish fairy
- Column: pillar
- Warrior: soldier
- Mythical: unbelievable or the stuff of stories
- Disguise: change appearance, hide
Learn More All About the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
Watch this video about the Giant’s Causeway:
A video documentary all about the Giant’s Causeway.
Giant’s Causeway Q&A
Question: Can you visit Giant’s Causeway?
Answer: Giant’s Causeway is a World Heritage site, visited by thousands of tourists every year.
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