On the wave-battered northern coast of County Antrim, a giant has left his marks upon the earth. According to legend, these basalt columns are all that's left of a causeway built by Fionn mac Cumhaill, the Irish giant. It was here that Fionn encountered his foe, the Scottish giant Benandonner - this is the classic fable. After all, the Giant's Causeway is the perfect place for an epic battle scene: sheer cliffs, tumbling waves, and cold northern winds.
But others say that the causeway was built not for battle, but for love. Fionn had fallen in love with a Scottish maiden and, unable to cope with long distance - they didn't have Zoom back then! - he decided to build a causeway over the waves. He'd work all day, but each night his work would be undone by magic storms. Worn out, he made one final attempt, and worked through the night. Waves crashed and the sky thundered, but Fionn made it to the other side at last. Exhausted, he fell down and died in the arms of his lover. Behind him, the causeway slipped beneath the waves.
This design shows the iconic view of the Giant's Causeway. Hexagons puddled with sea-water. A cormorant riding the wind. Columns sloping into the breaking waves. Go on: bring some magic into your kitchen with this legendary tea-towel.
