Long ago, a giant called Finn MacCool lived on the north coast of Ireland. From here he could look across the narrow sea of Moyle to Scotland where another giant, Benandonner, Finn’s greatest rival lived. Finn decided to invite Benandonner to Ireland in order to settle their rivalry in a decisive battle. As no boat big enough to carry the giant existed, Finn went about building a causeway of huge stones across the water so the Scottish giant could make his way over.
As big ben approached, Finn realised to his horror that his opponent was a much larger and more fearsome rival than he anticipated. He fled home and asked his wife Oonagh for advice. Quick-thinking Oonagh disgused Finn as a baby complete with nightgown and bonnet and placed him in a huge hastily made cradle. When the Scottish giant arrived, Oonagh brought him in for a cup of tea, pleading with him not to wake Finn’s sleeping child. Looking at the massive baby laying asleep, Benandonner took off saying that if this was the child, he had no desire to meet the father. He fled back to Scotland, ripping up the Causeway behind him, terrified that Finn might follow him home.
In 1986 Finn’s Causeway was made into a World Heritage site and more recently, Northern Ireland was voted by the Lonely Planet as one of the must-see destinations for 2007. The scenery is breathtaking and to see exactly how many places of interest there are to visit, check out the Discover Northern Ireland site. We followed up our trip to the Causeway with a visit to Portrush beach which is beautiful and was most appreciated by my two smiley nieces!
