At first glance, they might look like simple lucky charms left behind by passing travelers. Yet the thousands of coins pressed into the rocks of the Giant’s Causeway, in Northern Ireland, forced conservationists to launch a particularly delicate cleaning operation. More than 20 kg of coins have already been removed from this UNESCO World Heritage site. And despite several months of intervention, thousands of coins remain trapped within the rocks.
A meticulous operation at the heart of an exceptional volcanic site
Located in County Antrim, in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous geological landscapes. The site contains more than 40,000 basalt columns, formed about 60 million years ago during a volcanic activity. Molten rock flowed into the fissures of the Earth’s crust before cooling, contracting and fracturing, giving birth to these columns with their characteristic geometric shapes. The site is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is in the interstices of these formations that visitors gradually began to wedge coins. The gesture seems to carry symbolic significance, with some tourists considering the money as a good luck charm or a sign of love. But the coins remain exposed to sea spray and humidity, and their prolonged presence in the fissures can become problematic for the rocks…
The National Trust therefore undertook their removal in May 2025, after an alert from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland. Early observations had highlighted effects that were both physical and chemical on the basalt. The intervention required the expertise of a stone mason, Nathan Morrow. The teams could not simply pull the coins out for fear of damaging the columns. Pliers were used for those near the surface, while a jointing tool allowed access to coins wedged deeper in the cracks.
The difficulty varied greatly from one place to another. Some coins came out quickly, while the most deeply lodged ones could require more than 20 minutes of work each. In total, the operation involved around 200 hours of work. “Approximately 200 hours of work were devoted to the project”, said Cliff Henry, the National Trust’s nature engagement lead, to Need To Know.
Salt accelerates corrosion of coins stuck in cracks
But the problem is not limited to the number of coins scattered on the site. Their composition and the conditions to which they are exposed can also worsen their impact on the rock. British copper coins minted since 1992 notably have a steel core coated with copper. The 5, 10, and 20 pence coins are, meanwhile, made of steel coated with nickel. Yet these metals do not react to the environment in the same way. With humidity and especially the salt brought by sea spray, corrosion accelerates. The different metal layers can separate and expand inside the cracks, exerting pressure on the basalt.
This degradation also makes the coins difficult to identify after a few years. “The coins corrode so quickly in the salty and humid conditions of the Causeway that it becomes impossible to determine what currency they were, not to mention their date, after only a few years”, explained Cliff Henry.
The majority of recovered coins unsurprisingly came from the United Kingdom and the euro area, visitors tending to use the currency they have in their pockets. Only a portion could still serve as money, the others being too deformed or corroded.
Despite these hours of effort, the cleaning did not manage to remove everything. Several thousand coins would thus remain wedged in the cracks. Some are now too deeply buried to reach. Others are so rusted that moving them could further damage the rocks.
Cliff Henry, for his part, compares their accumulation to a carnival ride in which new coins gradually push the older ones inward. “As in a Penny Falls game in an arcade, the coins have been pushed further into the joints by the new coins hammered in at the front”, he explained.
The phenomenon could therefore continue to pose problems even after the end of the main operation, completed in June 2026. New coins have already been found after the cleaning, including 42 removed by Cliff Henry last month. The National Trust now plans to monitor the formations regularly and remove new deposits.
Informational panels have also been installed to ask visitors not to push coins into the rocks. The National Trust also plans to turn a portion of the recovered coins into objects for display to concretely demonstrate the consequences of this practice.
Is it worth going to Northern Ireland? A cultural and natural journey that deserves your attention
When is the best time to visit Northern Ireland? Tailoring your trip to changing weather
What is the most beautiful part of Northern Ireland? A journey from County Antrim to Derry
What is the capital of Northern Ireland? Belfast, between industrial heritage and cultural renaissance
Do you need a visa to go to Northern Ireland? Entry requirements to know before your trip
Nestled in the northeast part of the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and fascinating historical sites.
1. Discover the Giant’s Causeway (Giant‘s Causeway)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway stands as one of Northern Ireland’s most remarkable wonders, notable both for its geological formation and the symbolic weight it carries in the collective imagination. Made up of nearly 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed millions of years ago, this spectacular stretch of the Irish coast, located in County Antrim, evokes a strange sensation, especially when sunlight pierces the mist to illuminate the causeway.
A visit to Northern Ireland would not be complete without experiencing this spectacular panorama, accessible via a prepared walking trail. The Visitor Centre offers deeper insight into the site’s volcanic origins, while highlighting the legendary narratives that surround it. A place of open nature, blending wild landscapes with accessibility, the Causeway is a highlight of a coastal road trip along the north coast, often complemented by a stop at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or the Temple of Mussenden to prolong the experience.
2. Delve into Belfast’s history
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a place of historical memory and dynamic culture. Titanic Belfast is a must-see during your visit, a complex commemorating the construction of the famous liner and its tragic history. For fans of modern history, the Peace Walls and the mural graffiti offer a glimpse into the Troubles era. End your visit at Crumlin Road Gaol, a former prison now open to the public to better understand the region’s often intricate past.
Exploring Titanic Belfast: a historical immersion in the heart of the Titanic Quarter
Located to the east of Belfast’s city center, in the Titanic Quarter, stands one of the United Kingdom’s most emblematic museums: Titanic Belfast. Built on the very site of the old shipyards, this Titanic Belfast museum meticulously and powerfully recounts the history of the iconic liner, from its design to its tragic sinking. The museum experience blends interactive archives, life-sized recreations, and technical documentation, drawing visitors from around the world.
This visit to Northern Ireland serves as an excellent starting point for understanding the region’s industrial footprint. A few minutes on foot, the port, the Titanic sculpture, and the historic docks extend the experience into a setting steeped in memory. On a road trip around Belfast, this site stands among the highlights for those interested in maritime history as well as the city’s modern transformations.
Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum: nature and culture at the heart of Belfast
The Botanic Gardens, located south of Belfast, offer a natural interlude within an urban frame, ideal for a few hours of strolling among Victorian glasshouses and manicured lawns. This relaxing space also serves as a gateway to culture, housing the Ulster Museum, a must-visit institution for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Northern Ireland through art, archaeology, natural history, and contemporary events related to the Northern Irish conflict.
At the crossroads of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, this museum sheds light on the historical and identity nuances of a complex territory. The pairing of the botanical garden and the museum makes for a meaningful stop on any Belfast cultural road trip, alternating city days with intellectual immersion into the island’s past and present.
Cathedral Quarter and St. George’s Market: a living glimpse of contemporary Belfast
The Cathedral Quarter represents the cultural and artistic heart of Belfast, known for its cobbled lanes, mural art, and creative venues. Further southeast, near Lanyon Place and the River Lagan, St. George’s Market, active since the 19th century, hosts artisans, local producers, and musicians, creating a vibrant weekend atmosphere.
For a Northern Ireland visit that goes beyond clichés, this area showcases Belfast’s modernity without losing touch with its roots. These places also reflect the current dynamism of a United Kingdom undergoing change, where traditions and renewal coexist in a shared space.
Crumlin Road Gaol: the memory of imprisonment in a conflicted past
Once a prison, now a museum, Crumlin Road Gaol offers a striking lens on Northern Ireland’s recent political history. Located in Belfast, this 19th-century building housed both common prisoners and political detainees, becoming a major site of memory for the Troubles. The visit, often guided, traverses cells, corridors, and courtroom spaces in a silence heavy with meaning.
This step naturally fits into an exploration of Northern Ireland rooted in contemporary reality, pairing with nature-focused itineraries. It complements urban routes featuring Titanic Belfast or the Cathedral Quarter, providing a fuller picture of the city and its role in the history of the United Kingdom.
3. Take the Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route, regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful scenic drives, links Belfast to Derry and traces the scenery of Northern Ireland along the coast with rare intensity. This coastal road winds between rugged cliffs and seaside towns, offering excellent opportunities for short inland detours to glimpse Game of Thrones filming locations like the Dark Hedges and the dramatic coastal trails of the Gobbins, a must-see attraction.
Designed for a multi-stop exploration, this route blends the chance to discover with immersion in an authentic Ireland, ideal for contemplation, especially at sunrise on the solstice or during clear spells that reveal striking contrasts across the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Explore Derry/Londonderry
Situated on the northwest edge of Northern Ireland, the city of Derry (also known as Londonderry) stands at the crossroads of history, memory, and contemporary creation. Famous for its 17th-century walls, it remains marked by the Troubles and the Bloody Sunday events, whose memory resonates around every corner, notably near the iconic Free Derry Corner in the Bogside district, a hotspot of political and artistic engagement. This city has also gained international visibility thanks to the series Derry Girls, which poignantly highlights the paradoxes and resilience of this community.
Today, Derry in Northern Ireland hosts numerous festivals, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives, making this stop a good place to grasp the complexity of Northern Ireland beyond its landscapes. In a road trip combining an Ireland visit with a historical route, it serves as a vital stop to understand the past while observing current social dynamics, just a few hours from the north’s major natural sites.
5. Participate in outdoor activities
Renowned for its lush nature, Northern Ireland offers numerous possibilities for outdoor activities, especially for hiking enthusiasts, water sports lovers, or gentle explorers. The Mourne Mountains, with their spectacular summits, provide hiking trails suitable for all levels, revealing dramatic panoramas over wooded valleys and distant coastlines.
Further west, the Fermanagh Lakelands offer a wonderful setting for paddling, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the quiet of inland lakes, nestled in the heart of the rural interior. For sea-based activities, the beautiful Irish beaches along the Irish coast allow for surfing, sailing, or coastal walking, especially around White Rocks Strand. This variety of experiences can be easily woven into a multi-day road trip along the coast, providing a balanced mix of active exploration and peaceful contemplation.
In conclusion, whether you’re passionate about history, nature, or cultural experiences, Northern Ireland offers something to satisfy every curiosity. Visiting this region reveals a country where past and present intertwine within a natural setting of rare beauty. To deepen your experience, consider exploring not only the well-known tourist sites but also the hidden treasures that make it a unique and memorable destination.
Is Northern Ireland worth visiting? A cultural and natural journey that deserves your attention
A visit to Northern Ireland promises a richly contrasted experience, between spectacular landscapes, recent history, and accessible great outdoors. This portion of the United Kingdom, distinct from the Republic of Ireland, captivates with its marvellous places such as the coastline of County Antrim, the wild terrain of the Mourne Mountains, or the striking settings of the Gobbins, frequently cited in guides as a must-see attraction.
Couple these with iconic sites like the Titanic Belfast museum, the Mussenden Temple, or the Dark Hedges, some of which gained fame thanks to the TV series Game of Thrones, and you have a complete destination—historical, natural, and cinematic all at once. Whether you’re planning a few days in a van, a full road trip, or a broader discovery of Ireland, Northern Ireland proves to be an excellent starting point and a rare opportunity to encounter Atlantic winds, ruined castles, and vibrant culture.
What is the best time to visit Northern Ireland? Adapting your trip to the changing climate
The best time to visit Northern Ireland runs from May to September, when the sun is more present and temperatures are milder, offering favorable conditions to fully enjoy the landscapes of Ireland, its lovely Irish beaches like White Rocks Strand, or cliff-top hiking trails such as those found at Fair Head. The oceanic climate remains unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack clothing for wind and showers even in summer.
The sun over the Giant’s Causeway, when it breaks through the clouds, can transform this iconic place into a scene of intense beauty. For light-lovers, the solstice sunrise reveals remarkable hues along the Irish coast, especially in June. Around these times, you can combine long walks, local festivals, and cultural visits while minimizing weather-related constraints.
What is the prettiest part of Northern Ireland? A journey from County Antrim to Derry
Among Northern Ireland’s most beloved spots, County Antrim stands out for the density of its natural and cultural sites. The Port of Ballintoy, the Fair Head cliffs, the Dunluce Castle ruins, and the geological formations of the Giant’s Causeway compose a route that blends dramatic scenery with outdoor nature. This region is also traversed by the Gobbins, a cliff-top path carved into the rock, a true favorite for walkers.
Venturing westward to the city of Derry (also known as Derry-Londonderry), immortalized thanks to the series Derry Girls, adds a historical and contemporary dimension to Northern Ireland exploration. These regions combine heritage, varied landscapes, and well-preserved inland scenery, making the northern part a great place to slow down and view the island from another angle.
What is the capital of Northern Ireland? Belfast, between industrial heritage and cultural renaissance
Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, is today a city undergoing transformation, anchored in its industrial past yet clearly oriented toward cultural tourism. The Titanic Quarter, with the Titanic Belfast museum, offers an immersive chronicle of the liner’s history from its shipyards at Harland & Wolff. A few minutes on foot, the St. George’s Market, one of the oldest covered markets in the United Kingdom, provides a dive into local gastronomy.
Art and architecture enthusiasts will also discover the Cathedral Quarter, the city’s creative core, dotted with galleries, murals, and historic pubs. Additionally, a visit to the Crumlin Road Gaol helps illuminate the tensions that marked recent political history. Belfast serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the region, while offering in itself a representative spectrum of Northern Ireland’s past and present.
Do you need a visa for Northern Ireland? Entry requirements to know before your stay
For European Union nationals (excluding Irish citizens protected under the Common Travel Area), a tourist visa is not required, but a valid passport and a British Electronic Travel Authorization (EVA / ETA) are mandatory. For those combining both territories on a road trip, it’s important to anticipate administrative, currency, and mobile-network differences.
There is no systematic border check between the two jurisdictions, but authorities may perform occasional verifications. Before you depart, it’s wise to consult official British sources on current formalities and to anticipate possible adjustments according to the political situation. These practical tips are essential to ensure a smooth visit to Ireland, especially when staying across multiple regions.
This article was drafted with the help of artificial intelligence, then corrected, supplemented, and validated by the editorial team.
Ryanair announced, on July 22, 2026, that it had obtained a ruling in its favor from the Irish High Court against eDreams.
The court rejected the challenge of the online booking platform, which sought to call into question the jurisdiction of the Irish courts in the dispute with the airline.
This decision now allows the proceedings initiated by Ryanair to continue.
The airline accuses eDreams of carrying out the “screenscraping” of its Ryanair.com site, that is, automatically collecting information available online, and reselling its tickets at prices higher than those displayed directly by the airline.
A case that can now proceed
For Ryanair, the High Court’s decision marks a new step in its dispute with eDreams. The airline is notably seeking to put an end to practices that it regards as a source of overcharging for consumers.
“We welcome this victory by the High Court for Ryanair and our customers in the face of eDreams. eDreams’ attempt to avoid the Irish courts has failed and our action aimed at preventing eDreams from performing screen-scraping of Ryanair.com and overcharging consumers can now proceed“, said a spokesperson for the low-cost carrier in a statement.
The company also notes that it has already obtained a separate High Court decision imposing on eDreams a permanent commitment not to access its Travel Agent Direct (TAD) platform.
Direct access to fares under conditions
Indeed, Ryanair claims to have found that eDreams used this platform without authorization to resell the airline’s tickets. Following this proceeding, eDreams permanently agreed to no longer access Travel Agent Direct.
The dispute is more broadly about the terms of access to Ryanair’s fares by online travel agencies.
The company asserts that several authorized partners, including Booking.com, Lastminute and Kiwi, have direct access to its fares under distribution agreements based on price transparency rules.
According to Ryanair, these agreements allow customers to know the real price of the tickets and services offered at the time of booking. The airline reproaches eDreams for not having accepted the same transparency standards.
“If eDreams wishes direct access to Ryanair’s fares, it simply needs to accept the same transparency standards as those already adopted by Booking.com, Lastminute, Kiwi and many other partners“, added the airline’s spokesperson.
Ryanair says it intends to continue its actions to curb practices it regards as likely to lead to traveler overcharging and to prioritize access to its fares through approved distribution partners.
Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor See all articles by Amelia Brille
Ireland is a quintessential family destination: with its charming towns and breathtaking landscapes, a range of activities can appeal to everyone in the family.
Two inbound travel operators will share their best itineraries and tips so that vacations work well for the little ones, the grown-ups, and even the teenagers.
The speakers will also be happy to answer your questions in a Q&A session at the end of the session.
Upcoming Sessions
● Responsible travel on the Island of Ireland
Date: April 5, 2022 | Time: 11:00 AM | Registration to follow
● Outdoor activities on the Island of Ireland
Date: May 12, 2022 | Time: 11:00 AM | Registration to follow
● Luxury offerings on the Island of Ireland
Date: May 19, 2022 | Time: 11:00 AM | Registration to follow
Our other tools for tourism professionals
We provide travel agencies with all the tools necessary to energize sales in agencies, such as brochures, totems and posters, but also the management of a website with banners, videos and photos.
✔ Training sessions
✔ Online brochures
✔ Toolkit for our current campaign
Who We Are
Tourism Ireland is the official promotional body for Ireland abroad. The team in France includes a dedicated unit for tourism professionals to support them in marketing the destination through arranging trainings and educational tours, while also prioritizing meetings with industry professionals from Ireland.
Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because green is the dominant color of its landscapes.
Beyond exploring the vast natural spaces — rugged coasts and beaches, mountains and valleys — the curious traveler can also visit farms, artisanal workshops, sample local cuisine, or take a music lesson to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture and the art of living.
A hotel and a receptive tour operator will share their best tips for a rewarding and responsible exploration of Ireland.
The speakers will also be happy to answer your questions in a Q&A session at the end of the session.
Les prochaines sessions
● Outdoor activities on the island of Ireland
Date: May 12, 2022 | Time: 11:00 | Registration to come
● The luxury offering on the island of Ireland
Date: May 19, 2022 | Time: 11:00 | Registration to come
Les sessions précédentes
● Le tour d’Irlande en famille
Voir le replay
Nos autres outils pour les professionnels du tourisme
Nous mettons à la disposition des agences de voyages tous les outils nécessaires à l’animation des ventes en agences tels que des brochures, totems et posters, mais aussi l’animation de site internet avec des bannières, vidéos et photos.
Vacations in Ireland can be very active. Hiking trails, mountains, rivers, and of course the ocean: all playgrounds for discovering the Emerald Isle.
During this session, two receptive agencies will introduce you to outdoor activities in Ireland: cycling along the Greenways to connect the most beautiful historic sites of Ireland’s Ancient Lands, learning to surf on the beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way, taking a boat ride on the River Shannon in the Heart of Ireland, or exploring the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Dublin Bay is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere; why not embark to discover it?
The speakers will also be happy to answer your questions during a Q&A segment at the end of the session.
Other sessions
● The Ireland Family Tour
Watch the replay
● Responsible Travel in Ireland
Watch the replay
● Luxury offerings on the Island of Ireland
Watch the replay
Our other tools for tourism professionals
We provide travel agencies with all the tools needed to animate sales at agencies, such as brochures, totems, and posters, as well as website content with banners, videos, and photos.
✔ Training courses
✔ Online brochures
✔ Toolbox for our current campaign
Who we are
Tourism Ireland is the official promotional body for the island of Ireland overseas. The team in France includes a department dedicated to tourism professionals to support them in marketing the destination through the organization of trainings and familiarisation trips, while also prioritizing meetings with professionals from the island of Ireland.
The upscale offering in Ireland is renowned and diverse: 5-star accommodations, castles, boutique hotels—there is something to suit every preference. Exclusive activities, private tours, and spa and wellness options complete the experience for a unique and authentic stay. The warmth and quality of Irish hospitality leave an enduring memory.
Two inbound tour operators will present their itineraries, their best programs, and premium activities to offer your clients.
The speakers will also be delighted to answer your questions in a Q&A session at the end of the session.
Other sessions
● The Ireland Family Tour
Watch the replay
● Responsible Travel in Ireland
Watch the replay
● Outdoor Activities in Ireland
Watch the replay
Our other tools for tourism professionals
We provide travel agencies with all the tools necessary to boost in-store sales, such as brochures, displays (totems) and posters, as well as the management of a website with banners, videos and photos.
✔ Training
✔ Online brochures
✔ Toolkit for our current campaign
Who we are
Irish Tourism is the official promotional body for the island of Ireland abroad. The team in France includes a department dedicated to tourism professionals to support them in marketing the destination through organizing trainings and edutours, as well as by prioritizing meetings with tourism professionals from the island of Ireland.
→ Learn all about Slow Tourism in Northern Ireland
Webinar Description
Ireland, green by nature, offers numerous opportunities for responsible travel, and the Northern Ireland region certainly has a substantial share. From orchard strolls to traditional cuisine based on local ingredients, your clients can discover a sustainable Northern Ireland, a champion of slow tourism. Regional experts will present three unforgettable sustainable experiences in the locality:
Nikki Elliott, of Walk It Off NI, will virtually guide you through one of her hikes in the Belfast countryside.
Tracey Jeffreys, of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen, will talk about her intimate cooking sessions where visitors craft their own versions of Northern Ireland’s most iconic dishes.
Finally, Donna Fox invites you to explore the famous orchards of her hometown, Armagh, as part of one of her environmentally friendly Northern Ireland tours that highlight local history and traditions.
→ Learn all about Slow Tourism in Northern Ireland
Upcoming Sessions
The Irish Tourism Authority will host themed webinars every two months throughout 2024 to provide you with the most relevant information and to inspire your upcoming itineraries in Ireland.
Sign up for the Irish Tourism’s monthly newsletter to receive the details.
Our Other Tools for Tourism Professionals
✔ Online brochure
Who We Are
Irish Tourism is the island’s official tourism office, the organization responsible for promoting the island abroad as a leading travel destination. The Paris-based team is at your disposal to answer your questions and support you in your efforts—please feel free to reach out to them.
Published by Amelia Brille 
