For Years, Tourists Have Been Damaging This Natural UK Attraction Without Realizing It

Being a good international tourist means respecting the culture of the country you're visiting, following the local laws, and not damaging historical areas. Sadly, tourists have continually damaged monuments in Europe in recent years, from the Colosseum to the Fountain of Neptune in Rome. While those incidents were thoughtless, tourists have also caused damage to a United Kingdom attraction without meaning to do any harm. The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland has been damaged by thousands of coins being shoved between the rocks. While people have been doing this for luck or love, sort of like throwing coins into a fountain or a wishing well, or putting a love lock on a bridge, it's causing issues with the rocks themselves. 

If you're not familiar with the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, it's Northern Ireland's first UNESCO World Heritage site, comprised of around 40,000 basalt columns formed over 60 million years ago that look like they were placed there by a giant's hand. The shapes of these columns make them seem otherworldly and fantastical. In fact, legend has it that the mythical Fionn Mac Cumhaill, aka Finn McCool, built this as a bridge to battle a giant in Scotland. It's an amazing place to visit, but the damage from unwitting tourists has taken quite an effort to fix.

A 2025 press release from the National Trust reveals that a report from the British Geological Survey determined the coins were damaging the rocks. In the release, National Trust Nature Engagement Officer at the Giant's Causeway, Dr. Cliff Henry, explains, "The coins are rusting, and expanding to three times their original thickness, which puts huge pressure on the surrounding rock causing it to crumble. Unsightly streaks of copper, nickel and iron oxides are also staining the stones where the coins are corroding." According to the BBC in August 2026, around 10,000 coins have been removed from the Giant's Causeway, and there are now signs asking people not to do it anymore. In fact, the publication reports that the removed coins may be used as an educational tool to help tourists understand what the seemingly harmless act has done to the natural formation. A National Trust Instagram post (which you can watch below) explains the removal. 

The Giant's Causeway is well worth a visit. Tickets include on-site parking, guided tours, the Visitor Centre exhibitions, and more. There is a full accessibility guide here that includes things like an accessible route map, available wheelchairs, and level access to amenities.

If you're planning to come, you may want to stick to just Northern Ireland so you can really explore the area. In fact, travel pro Rick Steves recommends not trying to take on Ireland and Scotland in the same trip, as there is just so much to see and do in each place. Finally, here is a list of essential items to pack for your first trip to Ireland, so you're well-prepared.