The flood basalts of the Antrim plateau give rise to a distinctive step like topography that
is exposed spectacularly along the coastline and the tourist potential of the
area has been exploited since Victorian times - although the maintenance of safe
paths is a constant battle, there are many well established routes for walkers.
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| A view of the chalk cliffs from Carrick-a-Rede |
Just
a few kilometres away from the Giant’s Causeway, the small island of
Carrick-a-Rede and the neighbouring cliffs are designated as a Site of Special
Scientific Interest, for its geology. Here, there is the best example of a
volcanic plug in Ireland, with dolerite and ash deposits marking a point where
the molten rock burst through the chalk.
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| Basalt, volcanic ash and chalk |
By walking
across the rope bridge, which is a very popular tourist attraction, you get to
see these strongly contrasting rock types in the cliff
face, as well as sea caves and magnificent views across the sea to Scotland.
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| A view of Scotland in the distance |
We
had only been at the Antrim coast for less than 4 hours, but it would probably
take a few days to properly explore this part of Ireland – there is plenty to
see for both the casual observer and the serious geologist. When we finally got
back to Dublin, we all felt that we had had a great day out. The next day, feeling
refreshed, I threw myself into my next project – the Dublin Stone
Show.
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| A wave cut platform in the chalk and a sea cave |
