Discontinue Inserting Coins in Giant's Causeway
In a concerning development, the iconic Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is facing damage due to a popular yet harmful practice by tourists. Visitors have been inserting coins into the narrow gaps between the basalt rock columns, a trend that is causing significant physical and aesthetic harm to the World Heritage Site.
The British Geological Survey report reveals that the coins are causing physical damage to the delicate basalt formations by wedging into the gaps and exerting pressure, which can lead to cracking or breaking of the rocks. This practice is also accelerating erosion and deterioration of the natural structure, undermining its integrity and the geological heritage.
The degradation processes associated with the coins are accelerating the natural break-up of the Causeway rock mass, as per the report. Unsightly streaks of copper, nickel, and iron oxides are staining the stones where the coins are corroding, further adding to the damage.
Cliff Henry, National Trust Nature Engagement Officer at the Giant's Causeway, urges visitors to stop leaving coins and to leave no trace. Officials have been urging visitors to stop placing coins due to the visible ongoing damage. The National Trust and its partners will spend over £30,000 (about $40,748) to remove coins from the Giant's Causeway.
The report also highlights that visitors are unaware of the damaging impact of inserting coins into the basalt rock columns at the Giant's Causeway. Coins from various parts of the world have been found lodged in difficult-to-reach places, suggesting visitors may put themselves at risk in the process.
Despite warnings from heritage managers, the reasons why tourists continue this practice may include a misguided attempt to leave a mark or memento of their visit or following a social media trend or local lore without understanding the consequences.
The Giant's Causeway, a coastal area with over 40,000 hexagonal basalt stone pillars, is a world-renowned tourist destination. The legend of Finn McCool, the Irish giant who built the Giant's Causeway, would not have appreciated its current state due to tourist activities, as suggested by the British Geological Survey report.
Heritage authorities strongly discourage this behavior to maintain the Giant's Causeway's geological and cultural value. The report does not specify any new findings about the myths surrounding the origin of the Giant's Causeway, nor does it mention any new statements or appeals from the National Trust or its partners regarding the issue of coins being left at the Giant's Causeway.
The report does not provide any new information about the extent of the damage caused by the corroded coins at the Giant's Causeway. It is crucial for visitors to understand the impact of their actions and to respect the natural beauty of this remarkable site to ensure its preservation for future generations.
- Gizmodo published an article highlighting the damaging impact of tourists inserting coins into the basalt rock columns at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, which is causing physical and aesthetic harm to the World Heritage Site.
- The report by the British Geological Survey suggests that coins from various parts of the world have been found lodged in difficult-to-reach places at the Giant's Causeway, indicating visitors may not be aware of the damaging effects of this practice.
- Cliff Henry, National Trust Nature Engagement Officer at the Giant's Causeway, has urged visitors to stop leaving coins and to leave no trace, as the coins are causing significant physical damage to the delicate basalt formations and accelerating erosion.
- Lifestyle and travel blogs should raise awareness about the environmental and cultural significance of the Giant's Causeway and the damage caused by inserting coins into the basalt rock columns, to encourage responsible tourism and ensure the preservation of this remarkable site for future generations.
