Trafalgar Supports Ireland's Giant's Causeway
THE NEED
Located in Country Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and National Nature Reserve in 1987 by Northern Ireland’s Department for Environment. The Giant's Causeway is under the care of the National Trust, an independent charity that protects sites of natural and built heritage in the United Kingdom. Trafalgar guests experience many National Trust managed site through their UK based tours. In 2000, the site’s visitors centre was lost in a fire, and the current project involves completing the new centre and working to open up more of the surrounding site for guests to explore.
THE OBJECTIVE
Through Lead Sponsor Trafalgar, The Foundation is pleased to support the National Trust in its project to build a new sustainable visitor facility at the iconic Giant’s Causeway. The project is due to complete by summer 2012 and will include the development of world-class visitor facilities, improved trail paths and the conservation and protection of this unique area for everyone to enjoy.
THE IMPACT
In January 2011 work commenced on building the exciting new visitors centre. At the start of the works, the National Trust's Director for Northern Ireland, Milary McGrady, said:
"It's fantastic to be on-site, surrounded by diggers, lorries and so many people working on what clearly marks another real milestone in the story of the Giant's Causeway. In these difficult economic times, it’s fantastic to see the progress already on this multi-million pound project which will have significant benefits for the construction industry and the local community."
"I am thrilled that in less than 2 years since the National Trust secured planning permission, we are now digging and scoping the new building, and taking the huge step in turning the award-winning design into reality. We are really excited by the prospect of having these new facilities open by Summer 2012."
Deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Giant’s Causeway features intricate basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. The new facilities will provide a greater interpretation of the headland and better access trails so that visitors can explore more of this almost mythical and breathtaking place.
Project Details
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986
- Named an Irish National Nature Reserve in 1987
- Original visitors centre lost in a fire in 2000
- Work began on new visitors centre January, 2011
- New visitors centre due to be completed summer, 2012
- Unique basalt columns a result of volcanic activity
- Giant's Causeway borrows its name from the legend of Finn McCool!
Project Partners
The National Trust
Established in 1885, the National Trust was founded by philanthropists in response to uncontrolled development and industrialization. The Trust was to act as a guardian for the UK in the acquisition and protection of threatened coastline, countryside and buildings. An independent charity, the National Trust continues to protect protect and open to the public over 350 historic houses, gardens and ancient monuments.
Trafalgar
Trafalgar began operating tours in 1947. Today the company draws on this vast experience in planning and arranging every aspect of a perfect, hassle free guided holiday. It looks to broaden the mind and build bridges between people, through the delivery of unexpected encounters, development of new friendships and discovery of memorable moments.