Giant's Causeway Damaged by Coins Pushed Into Rocks, Tourists Urged to Stop

Daily Tribune

13-07-2025

Northern Ireland's famous Giant's Causeway attracts nearly a million visitors every year. But a growing tradition is quietly harming this natural wonder.
Many tourists have been squeezing tiny coins into cracks between the rocks — hoping for love or good luck. While it may seem harmless, experts say it's damaging the ancient stone.
Cliff Henry, a nature officer at the site, says the coins quickly rust, expand, and cause the rock to crack and flake. The result? Ugly streaks of rust and permanent damage.
"We've found coins from all over the world," Henry said. "Euros, US cents, you name it."
The Giant's Causeway is made up of around 40,000 stone columns and is Northern Ireland's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scientists say it was formed by volcanic lava over 60 million years ago. But local legend tells a different tale — it was built by the Irish giant, Finn McCool.
In recent years, the number of coins jammed into the stones has grown, encouraged by seeing others do the same. Tour guides now politely ask tourists to stop.
Even some visitors were shocked. 'It's terrible to hear that,' said Robert Lewis, 75, visiting from Florida. 'It's like putting something foreign into nature — it doesn't belong.'
As part of a £30,000 ($40,000) conservation project, workers have already started carefully removing coins from test sites without causing further harm. The trial was a success, and the clean-up will now expand across the site.
'If we can remove what's already there and raise awareness, we hope people will stop this damaging habit,' Henry said.
Signs have now been put up asking tourists to 'leave no trace.'
'We know people love the Causeway,' he added. 'Let's keep it beautiful for future generations.'