Footsteps of Giants: Connecting Young People Across Two World Heritage Sites

Footsteps of Giants was a fun and inspiring partnership project led by Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust and Cyngor Gwynedd, bringing together Primary 6 pupils from Portrush Primary School in Northern Ireland and Ysgol Gynradd Llanllyfni in Wales.

Although separated by the Irish Sea, the pupils connected through a hybrid programme of online workshops, shared activities, and virtual exchanges, allowing them to explore and learn together from their own classrooms. The project linked two spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland, and the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales – through the shared myths and legends of giants.

Over five interactive online workshops and a local visit to the Giant’s Causeway for the Portrush pupils, children became giant hunters, storytellers, scientists, musicians, and heritage explorers. They discovered fascinating geology and wildlife, investigated rocks and habitats, created giant-inspired artwork, composed and performed a project song, explored the colourful world of lichen, and uncovered the stories hidden in local placenames, ports, and coastal traditions.

Along the way, pupils shared their discoveries with their partner school, compared their landscapes and cultures, and built new friendships across the Irish Sea. By connecting two World Heritage Sites through creativity, curiosity, and storytelling, the project helped bring these remarkable places to life in a memorable and meaningful way.

This newsletter celebrates the highlights, achievements, and adventures of the Footsteps of Giants project and showcases what the pupils discovered on their journey.

Read the project newsletter here: Footsteps of Giants Newsletter