National Trust Free Open Day and you're invited

Well on Saturday 12 March thrill-seekers don’t have to pick between their two favourite North Coast beauty spots as the National Trust is waiving admission fees to both for the day.

With spring on the way, the nation’s largest conservation charity invites you to get outdoors and experience the breath-taking scenery that’s right on the doorstep. It’s a perfect opportunity for those that have not been to National Trust sites to discover what Northern Ireland has to offer.

At the Giant’s Causeway you can go on a guided walking tour with one of our knowledgeable rangers, or grab an audio guide and explore at your own pace. You’ll also have free access to the Bushmills park-and-ride service, free onsite parking and free entry to the Visitor Centre. Walk the Blue Trail – or hike along the Red Trail – to the Giant’s Causeway stones (both routes will bring you in close proximity to Finn McCool’s cave – but be careful, he has been in hibernation since November!)

As it’s close to St. Patrick’s Day, there will be a weekend-long celebration at the Visitor Centre, to include dancing, craft-making, a leprechaun trail and face-painting. Be advised that admission fees apply to those visiting on Sunday.

Afterwards, make the short car journey along the coast to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and wander to Larrybane quarry, favourite filming location of the hugely popular television series ‘Game of Thrones’. Afterwards, tentatively tip-toe across the wooden planks of the historic bridge, taking in gulps of fresh sea air as the 20-mentre-long rope structure sways in the breeze. Once on Carrick-a-Rede Island, you’ll be rewarded with a visit to the Fisherman’s Cottage, where our rangers will be giving talks throughout the day about cottage’s history and the fishermen who inhabited it until as recently as 1992.

The Fisherman’s Cottage is also open on Sunday 13 March, and talks by the rangers will also take place. However, normal admission charges to cross the bridge will apply on the Sunday to non-members of the National Trust.

For more information telephone 028 2073 1855 or email [email protected]

The National Trust teams at the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge look forward to welcoming you to our free open day on Saturday 12. While normal service resumes on Sunday 13, and admission fees apply, the welcome will be every bit as warm!