The Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim faces damage from visitors placing coins in the cracks of its basalt columns.
Coins made of UK currency, euros, and foreign denominations are rusting, leading to physical deterioration and staining of the rock.
National Trust officials indicate that the removal of coins will cost over £30,000 (€35,748) and have urged the public to refrain from leaving tokens.
Efforts are underway to remove coins in collaboration with specialists, with the aim of preserving the natural beauty of the UNESCO site.
Cliff Henry from the National Trust noted that the rusting coins expand, resulting in further damage to both aesthetics and structure: “We know that visitors really love and cherish the Giant’s Causeway, and many form deep personal connections to this special landscape. We know some may want to leave a token of their visit, but the coins are causing damage and we are urging people to stop the practice and to leave no trace so this natural wonder remains special for future generations. The report has found that fracturing and disintegration of the basalt rock adjacent to joints and cracks into which coins have been inserted is the result of the ‘expansive delamination of the coins upon oxidation. t is hoped that if visitors see fewer coins in the stones and hear appeals to stop the damaging practice the problem can be solved. We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. We are appealing to visitors to help us protect the World Heritage Site by stopping the practice of inserting coins into the Causeway stones.”
