The National Trust opened the doors to the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, today Tuesday 3rd July.
The £18.5 million investment will create an exciting new tourism offer which was made possible with support from £9.25 million from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment of which £6.125million has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, and £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with £6.25 million from National Trust funds.
The visitor experience includes;
- · A new state of the art visitor centre featuring an illuminating exhibition showcasing the stories and the science behind the Giant’s Causeway
- · Innovative pocket size audio guide in a variety of languages
- · A grab and go style café
- · A new retail facility introducing new and exclusive local products
- · Tourist Information
- · Fully accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility for people with disabilities
The walks and trails around the site have been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff top walk for families and people with disabilities. It might even be possible to glimpse Northern Ireland’s favourite giant, Finn McCool whilst walking around these new trails!
The local community also plays an important part in the exhibition area of the new centre. Lots of wonderful stories and memories depicting the lives of the local around the Causeway area are captured through still and moving images. There is also a display of postcards showcasing local people thoughts and feelings of having a World Heritage Site on their doorstep.
There is also a fantastic range of local produce on display in the retails area of the new visitor centre. From the beautiful jewellery designs of Keri Shanks to the unusual wood carving of McCullough’s Furniture, Ballymena to the exclusive Causeway tartan designs of Tweedie Acheson, Coleraine.
The planning of this new visitor centre has been extraordinary, with local talent and expertise being integral in bringing the new building design to life. Even the grass seed from the area was combed to produce a compatible grass variety for the planting of the grass roof on the new visitor centre. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the North Coast landscape from the grass roof of the new Visitor Centre – it is truly unique.
Giant’s Causeway Project Director, Graham Thompson said;
“This is a significant milestone for the National Trust in Northern Ireland and is the culmination of years of working in partnership with stakeholders in the community, the business sector, and government and political arenas. This reflects our commitment to the tourism industry and Northern Ireland confidently moving on.”
Visitors wishing to avail of the fantastic new visitor experience can buy tickets in the following ways; pre purchase on line at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway
from the end of June, at the park and ride facility in Bushmills village, or upon entry to the visitor centre. Ticket prices are £8.50 (adults), £4.25 (child), £21.00 (family) with discounts available for green travel and pre purchasing online. Groups visits (15 people plus) can pre book now by contacting 028 2073 3419. National Trust members will enjoy free entry.
As National Trust is predicting a significant rush of interest from local and international visitors, opening times to the Visitor Centre are extended from 9am to 9pm in the summer months, so there is a real opportunity to experience the Giant’s Causeway beyond the busiest hours of 11am – 3pm.
With over 100 staff and volunteers to greet and tell the stories of this geological phenomenon, the National Trust looks forward to welcoming all visitors to Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site.
For further information on the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway