The Causeway Coast is an area of outstanding beauty and is one of the leading tourist attractions. The coastline remains virtually unspoilt and has retained its wild and natural characteristics. Public access is limited to a footpath system which provides access to the bays and headlands of the coast.
History of Management
In the 17th century the land of the Causeway Coast was owned and farmed by a local family, the McCollums. When the last male McCollum died, the land was divided between two female heirs and the land of the Causeway passed to Hugh Lecky, the husband of one of the heirs.
During the 19th century, visitors were allowed free access to the coast, but in 1896 the Giant’s Causeway Company leased the Causeway for 35 years and adopted a new form of management. The coastal area was enclosed by a high, unsightly fence and visitors were charged for access. This practice continued until 1961 when much of the area was acquired by the National Trust. Some 13ha was bequeathed to the Trust by the owner at that time, Sir Anthony McNaghten, and other parcels of land were purchased using finance from the Ulster Land Fund.
Since 1961 the Trust continued to acquire land in freehold or leasehold and negotiated access agreements with local landowners. The Trust was also responsible, after careful negotiation with lessees and owners, for the removal of all unsightly buildings and structures which had become established over many years. The National Trust now own 70ha of the cliffs and foreshore.
The Causeway Coast is an area of outstanding beauty and is one of the leading tourist attractions. The coastline remains virtually unspoilt and has retained its wild and natural characteristics. Public access is limited to a footpath system which provides access to the bays and headlands of the coast.
History of Management
In the 17th century the land of the Causeway Coast was owned and farmed by a local family, the McCollums. When the last male McCollum died, the land was divided between two female heirs and the land of the Causeway passed to Hugh Lecky, the husband of one of the heirs.
During the 19th century, visitors were allowed free access to the coast, but in 1896 the Giant’s Causeway Company leased the Causeway for 35 years and adopted a new form of management. The coastal area was enclosed by a high, unsightly fence and visitors were charged for access. This practice continued until 1961 when much of the area was acquired by the National Trust. Some 13ha was bequeathed to the Trust by the owner at that time, Sir Anthony McNaghten, and other parcels of land were purchased using finance from the Ulster Land Fund.
Since 1961 the Trust continued to acquire land in freehold or leasehold and negotiated access agreements with local landowners. The Trust was also responsible, after careful negotiation with lessees and owners, for the removal of all unsightly buildings and structures which had become established over many years. The National Trust now own 70ha of the cliffs and foreshore.