10/09/2026
Ballymoney Museum Marks 40 Years Of Giant’s Causeway’s UNESCO Status
Opening to visitors on Friday, 11 September, the showcase traces the site's geological origins, its rise as a major visitor attraction, and the communities and individuals who have shaped its story.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: "The Giant's Causeway is one of the most recognisable and treasured landmarks not only within our Borough, but right across Northern Ireland, and it is fitting that we mark the 40th anniversary of its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation with this special exhibition at Ballymoney Museum.
"This exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to explore that rich history through photographs, documents, maps and objects, providing a fascinating insight into how the Giant's Causeway has evolved from a natural wonder into one of the world's most renowned visitor destinations"
The exhibition charts the formation of the Causeway's distinctive basalt columns 50–60 million years ago and highlights pivotal moments in its story, including the advent of the railway, changes in ownership and management, the enhancement of visitor facilities and its 1986 World Heritage designation.
Historic photographs, documents, maps and objects shed light on the site and those who have visited, worked at and enjoyed it over the years.
To mark the opening, a Family Fun Day will take place at Ballymoney Museum on Saturday, 12 September, from 1pm–3pm, featuring hands-on activities such as making pocket rocks, clay giants and badges, offering a playful route into the Giant's Causeway's natural and cultural heritage.
A wider programme of events will run alongside the exhibition, celebrating the 40th anniversary of UNESCO recognition and sharing the stories and memories connected to the Causeway Coast.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: "The Giant's Causeway is one of the most recognisable and treasured landmarks not only within our Borough, but right across Northern Ireland, and it is fitting that we mark the 40th anniversary of its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation with this special exhibition at Ballymoney Museum.
"This exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to explore that rich history through photographs, documents, maps and objects, providing a fascinating insight into how the Giant's Causeway has evolved from a natural wonder into one of the world's most renowned visitor destinations"
Historic photographs, documents, maps and objects shed light on the site and those who have visited, worked at and enjoyed it over the years.
To mark the opening, a Family Fun Day will take place at Ballymoney Museum on Saturday, 12 September, from 1pm–3pm, featuring hands-on activities such as making pocket rocks, clay giants and badges, offering a playful route into the Giant's Causeway's natural and cultural heritage.
A wider programme of events will run alongside the exhibition, celebrating the 40th anniversary of UNESCO recognition and sharing the stories and memories connected to the Causeway Coast.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 August 2008
Two 'Green' Buses Operating At Giant's Causeway
Translink has introduced two new mini buses to operate the shuttle services at the Giant's Causeway between the visitors centre and the stones. The modern low floor design offers easy access for all with 27 seats on board and room for a passenger in a wheelchair.
Two 'Green' Buses Operating At Giant's Causeway
Translink has introduced two new mini buses to operate the shuttle services at the Giant's Causeway between the visitors centre and the stones. The modern low floor design offers easy access for all with 27 seats on board and room for a passenger in a wheelchair.
26 October 2022
Giant's Causeway Chosen As One Of The World's Most Important Geology Site
Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway has been selected as one of the world's most important geology sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
Giant's Causeway Chosen As One Of The World's Most Important Geology Site
Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway has been selected as one of the world's most important geology sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).
29 January 2008
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
Foster Rejects 'Sweeney' Causeway Centre
The Assembly's Environment Minister Arlene Foster has now refused an application for a planned visitors' centre at the Giant's Causeway. The initiative was already controversial, as last year, private developer Seymour Sweeney was linked to Ian Paisley Jr.
03 July 2012
Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre Opens Today
An £18.5m visitor centre opens its doors today at the Giant’s Causeway in north Antrim. The National Trust building will provide exhibitions, a café and shops to tourists after the original centre burnt down in 2000. Trails around the site have also been updated and a new cliff-top walk is accessible to people with disabilities.
Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre Opens Today
An £18.5m visitor centre opens its doors today at the Giant’s Causeway in north Antrim. The National Trust building will provide exhibitions, a café and shops to tourists after the original centre burnt down in 2000. Trails around the site have also been updated and a new cliff-top walk is accessible to people with disabilities.
22 January 2010
Causeway Centre Gets Go-Ahead
The visitors' centre at the iconic Giant's Causeway is set to finally go ahead following a £3m lottery grand. Construction is due to begin shortly at the Co Antrim landmark, after years of delays and wrangling over the plans. The cash injection, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will go towards an £18.
Causeway Centre Gets Go-Ahead
The visitors' centre at the iconic Giant's Causeway is set to finally go ahead following a £3m lottery grand. Construction is due to begin shortly at the Co Antrim landmark, after years of delays and wrangling over the plans. The cash injection, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will go towards an £18.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Most places will be dry with clear spells this evening and overnight, although a few light showers remain possible at first. Turning rather cold with light winds. Minimum temperature 2 °C.