What is The Giant's Causeway?

The Giant's Causeway is a natural pavement of huge basalt rocks projecting into the Atlantic Ocean off of Ireland's north coast. It was formed 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions. Because the lava cooled slowly and evenly it formed columns with regular sides. Before there were scientists, myths and legends helped to explain strange landscape features like the Giant's Causeway. The story of the giant Finn MacCool has been told for generations. Legend tells of Finn MacCool wanting to do battle with a rival giant in Scotland, know as Benandonner. The two giants had never met, so Finn built enormous stepping stones across the sea so that the Scottish giant could cross to Ireland to face the challenge. The story is that Finn was frightened when he saw Benandonner approaching and ran home and had his wife disguise him as a baby. When Benandonner saw the size of the "baby" he assumed the father must be gigantic indeed, and fled home in terror, ripping up the Causeway as he left. This is why they say that there are similar colums at Fingal's Cave on the Scottish island of Staffa.