giants causeway

Spectacular cliffs and headlands faced with basalt columns of different heights give shelter to a number of bays, while pavements of "Causeway Stone" march out in regular shapes from the foot of the cliffs towards the sea. Within the nature reserve, a series of paths run between the visitor centre at Causeway Head and Hamilton's Seat.

One path follows the cliff top, while another runs midway up the cliffs to provide breathtaking views of the Amphitheatre, the Chimney Tops, the Giant's Causeway itself, and Port-na-Spaniagh, where the Spanish galleon "Girona" sank in 1588. In early summer, the ledges and cliff tops are carpeted with wild flowers such as bird's-foot trefoil, kidney vetch, spring squill and thrift. Watch out for buzzards, peregrine falcons and rare choughs around the cliffs. Eider ducks and oystercatchers often feed in the sheltered bays below.