Since opening its doors in July 2012, the award–winning Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre has welcomed over four million guests from across the globe and with continued investment in growing its international markets, the iconic site has seen a 25% increase in visitors from North America, Australia and New Zealand since the beginning of 2017.

As Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, over 180 members of staff are employed during peak season to help visitors unlock the mystery and stories of the landscape.  The Centre, which is the gateway to the world–famous basalt columns, boasts an exhibition area where young and old can discover the facts, stories, legends and myths surrounding the Giant’s Causeway and enjoy local produce from over 40 locally sourced suppliers in the café and giftshop.

The Visitor Centre building which was designed by Heneghan Peng Architects is widely recognised for its sustainability and design, winning awards such as the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Award 2012 for sustainability in design, materials, energy, construction management and ecology.

Esther Dobbin, Commercial Operations Manager at National Trust offers insight into the successes of the Visitor Centre, “The Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s leading visitor attractions, welcoming local and international guests who all marvel at the outstanding beauty of this world–heritage site.

“The unique design of the Centre, which has been widely recognised for innovation and excellence compliments the landscape and the majestic stones, offering visitors the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience.  With tourism as a key economic driver, we are committed to supporting our international guests and offer audio guides in 11 languages.

“We have welcomed visitors from across the globe and rolled out the red carpet for guests such as Her Majesty the Queen, David Cameron, Freddie Flintoff, Bill Murray, John Bishop, DJ Martin Garrix and local golfing legends Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.

We are always keen to improve the visitor experience and would encourage our guests to come early in the morning or late afternoon to really capture all that this incredible site has to offer.”

The Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s leading visitor attractions and the National Trust, as a conservation charity is committed to investing in and protecting Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site so that it can be enjoyed for ever for everyone.

To find out more about the Giant’s Causeway visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway and to vote for the site as the UK’s Best Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards please visit http://bit.ly/1jFPmpF

ENDS

Pictured is Esther Dobbin, Commercial Operations Manager at National Trust