Conservation team extracts thousands of coins from Giant's Causeway rocks
More than 20 kg of coins, equivalent to about 10,000 pieces, have been removed from the basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway after years of visitors wedging them in.
Conservation workers have successfully taken out more than 20 kg (44.1 lb) of coins—roughly 10,000 in total—from the Giant's Causeway’s basalt columns, a task that started in May last year. The National Trust acted after a Geological Survey of Northern Ireland report highlighted that rusting coins were chemically and physically harming the rock formations. Dr Cliff Henry described how the metal expanded, threatening to lift the columns.
Stonemason Nathan Morrow carried out the delicate removal, employing pliers for edge-situated coins and a grouting tool for deeper ones, with some extractions lasting over 20 minutes. The Trust has installed new signs urging tourists not to wedge coins and to place any they find into a donation box, with plans to possibly display the collected coins as an educational exhibit.
Why it matters
Removing the coins prevents further damage to a UNESCO-listed natural wonder and preserves it for future visitors.
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