The remarkable geological features of the Giant's Causeway have earned it the title of the Eight Wonder of the World and established it as a major part of Ireland's heritage. For 300 years the Causeway and the cliffs of the Causeway Coast have attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. Travellers have marvelled at the beauty of the formations while scientists have sought to describe and explain them.
Since it was first documented in 1693 the Causeway Coast has been the subject of much controversy concerning the origins of the earth. The site is a classic locality for the study of Tertiary basalts and has played a fundamental role in the historical development of geological interpretation.
The Giant's Causeway is a site of international significance due to its important contributions to petrogenesis and the evolution of earth science. The geological activity of the Tertiary geological era is clearly illustrated by the succession of lava flows and inter-basaltic beds visible along the Causeway Coast. Interpretation of this succession has allowed the detailed analysis of Tertiary events in the North Atlantic.
The extremely regular columnar jointing of the Middle (Tholeiitic) Basalts is a spectacular feature which is displayed in exemplary fashion at the Giant's Causeway. The Causeway itself is a unique formation and a superlative horizontal section through columnar basalt lavas. Its sea level location where the tops of the columns form a pavement, makes it a truly exceptional feature.
The cliff exposures of columnar and massive basalt at the edge of the Antrim Plateau present a spectacle of outstanding natural beauty. The extent of visible rock sections and the quality of the exposed columns in the cliff and on the Causeway combine to present an array of features of international significance.
The work of the National Trust includes maintenance of the 15km footpath system, provision of visitor facilities, a minibus service for the elderly and disabled and provision of guided walks and interpretive leaflets.