The Giant's Causeway has been named the UK's third most incredible sight by Lonely Planet.

The travel publisher compiled a list of the 500 most unmissable experiences and hidden gems across the UK, with sights across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands recognised.

The beautiful Causeway Coast spot was ranked third on the prestigious list, surpassed only by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe- named the top experience, and London's British Museum.

In total, 20 sights and experiences in Northern Ireland were recognised by Lonely Planet's community of travel experts in the new 'Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist'.

Publishing their findings, the Unesco World Heritage site made up of hexagonal stones is described as a "timeless" and "exhilarating" place to visit, "shrouded in a sense of magic, myth and natural wonder".

Other local sites recognised in the UK's top 500 unmissable experiences include the Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast, Downhill Demesne in Castletock and Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast.

Welcoming the news for Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland said it plans to leverage the accolade and highlight the news across its social media platforms with fans and followers across the UK, hopefully bringing a tourism boost to the region.

Welcoming the news, CEO of Tourism Ireland Niall Gibbons said: "The inclusion of 20 Northern Ireland experiences and attractions – including the Giant's Causeway at number three – in Lonely Planet's 'Ultimate UK Travelist' is good news and will surely help to inspire GB travellers to put Northern Ireland on their holiday wish-list. It is another well-deserved accolade for all of these attractions, which provides Tourism Ireland with a great hook to continue to promote Northern Ireland as a 'must visit' destination."



(JG/MH)