TOUR C - THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY
UK & Ireland cruises Excursions
- £70 - £80
- Approximately 8.5 hours
- Limited capacity - pre booking recommended
- Please read the tour notes
We depart from the port and drive inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Antrim, en route passing Ballymoney and Ballymena. Our first stop this morning is to photograph Dunluce Castle, a dramatic and picturesque ruin on a rocky headland. Most of the fortifications date from the 16th and 17th centuries.
We shall then visit the World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway. This natural phenomenon is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary attractions. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants Causeway is to voyage back in time. The world famous cluster of basalt columns is nestled on the Antrim coast surrounded by dramatic sea cliffs. It is the result of volcanic activity that altered the face of Ireland. A quirk of geology or, if you believe local mythology, a result of a battle between the Irish giant, Finn MacCool, and his rival in Scotland – we will leave you to decide….
Following our memorable visit to this top visitor attraction, we will rejoin our coach and guide and travel to a nearby hotel for lunch.
On the return journey, a short stop will be made at the viewpoint of the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge, where we will have the opportunity to photograph this famous bridge. Spanning a chasm some 80 feet deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would traverse with salmon caught off the island. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by a two hand railed bridge, the current cage bridge was installed by the National Trust during Easter 2000 as a further safety measure.
From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the magical beauty of the Glens, here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. We shall travel via the coast road to reveal an unrivalled seascape, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks, as we make our way northwards. From the vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay we can enjoy uninterrupted views of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles off the coast.
TOUR NOTES: Please note that this tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users. There is a return shuttle bus to the stones, but for those who choose to walk the path to the Giant’s Causeway is uneven. An hour and a half to two hours will be spent at the Causeway. Flat, comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles are highly recommended. We ask all guests to exercise caution as the stones can be slippery, even on a dry day. Lunch will be a three course set meal, with tea or coffee. Please note that the journey to the North Antrim coast is approximately two hours in total.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CRUISES
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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