Do you know the legend of Finn McCool?

One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, is the Giant’s Causeway. It is made up of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.

There are many myths and legends surrounding the Causeway – and one is the legend of Finn McCool and it goes like this...

Finn was known as one of the most powerful warriors in Ireland. The Scottish giants were always trying to cause fights with the Irish giants one day Finn decided that he couldn't take it any more.

The Scottish giants were known as the Fomorians. They were huge, powerful creatures who had a reputation for being able to destroy entire villages with a single wave of their hand. They boasted that their best warrior could defeat McCool without breaking a sweat.

One day, Finn heard Benandonner and the Scottish giants talking about what a coward he was.

Finn McCool was not impressed by this boastful giant or his fighting skills—he had faced other formidable enemies before, and always emerged victorious. He decided that he would go to Scotland and challenge the Fomorian's bravest warrior to battle.

In a rage, he tore out chunks of the Antrim Coastline and hurled them into the ocean. This created a path to Scotland for Finn to get hold of Benandonner. He made his way towards Scotland, but when he got there, he realised that these people were much taller than he was! So he retreated to Ireland and devised a clever plan.

He made a large cot, disguised himself as a baby and waited on Benandonner to make his way across the sea to him. When Benandonner saw the size of the 'baby', he trembled at the thought of how big the father must be. He rushed back to Scotland, tearing away the causeway as he went so Finn could not follow.

This is why only two fragments of the causeway remain, one on the North Coast of Ireland and another at the Hebridean island of Staffa, Scotland.

This is a traditional folktale that has been passed down through many generations. Like all Irish folk stories, there are many interpretations.

We hope that you enjoyed reading about the Legend of Finn McCool!

The Scientific Story

The Giant’s Causeway was first formed over 60 million years ago, following a period of volcanic activity, where lava cooled and formed these amazing hexagonal basalt columns.

All of our products are made from Irish Whiskey Barrels that have lived on the North Coast, right beside the famous Giant's Causeway. As we drive to collect the barrels from their home of 15 years (at least), we are treated to one of the most stunning views in the world! And the barrels themselves are equally beautiful, having aged one of Ireland's most famous whiskeys for sometimes decades! We treat the barrels with the love and care that they deserve, using local craftsmen and the best of treatments, so that you can own a piece of this story and share it with your friends this Summer!