‘Misleading’ sign gives Trust’s coffers a giant boost

Pledge to protect free access to Giant’s Causeway after claim tourists are being led to believe they must pay

THE National Trust has been accused of misleading tourists with a sign informing visitors they must pay to see the Giant’s Causeway. The landmark, which is Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction, is free to visit, with more than one million people taking advantage of public access to the site each year. But critics say “misleading” signs erected last year by the National Trust are convincing tourists they have to pay to see it, with the local council promising to “assert and protect” the public right of way.

The signs warn visitors that they are entering the Unesco World Heritage site with the National Trust’s “permission”. However, although the Trust does operate a visitors’ centre at the site, members of the public can visit the coastline free on public paths.

Entrance to the visitors’ centre at the site, which opened in 2012, can cost up to £11.50 per adult or £28.75 for a family of five.

On Monday, Padraig Mcshane, an independent councillor who grew up near the site, submitted a motion which was unanimously agreed by all Causeway Coast and Glens Borough councillors to protect public access to the site.

The motion put forward by Mr Mcshane said that the signs could “mislead the public into believing they do not have an automatic right to walk in some of the most iconic parts” of the world heritage site. He said: “It’s absolute rubbish. The National Trust makes a massive amount of money at the site. If people want to pay to visit the centre, that’s well and good. But the opportunity must be there at all times to allow the public access for free. Whether the National Trust like it or not, that is a public facility paid for by the public.”

On Tripadvisor, the reviews website, members of the public warn future visitors they do not need to pay. One says: “They’ve taken a beautiful natural landmark and ruined it by turning it into an expensive tourist trap.”

A spokesman for the National Trust said: “New signs were installed in March 2017 in support of managing visitor flow around the World Heritage Site but they do not have any impact on the public right of way down to the stones.

“We have been actively engaging with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on public rights of way and look forward to continuing to work with the council, which is a key partner in delivering a world-class visitor experience for local people and visitors from across the world.”

£28.75 Total cost for a family of five to visit the Giant’s Causeway visitors’ centre in Northern Ireland