"At the bottom of the path 'The Martin' would meet and greet you and accept a small entrance fee. The Martins had a house at the bottom of the Causeway where a fence was located". - Ina Moore
So who were the Martins mentioned in Ina Moore's memories of the Causeway? I have been on an expedition to try to solve the mystery and have been talking to Anne Allen (née Martin) and her cousin Annella Lynton (née Martin) .
The Martin Family c.1914The Martins
Yes here they are. This photo was taken about 1914 and it shows James Martin and his wife Annie with three of their children -Jeannie (Left), Ellen (Kneeling) and baby Margaret on Annie's lap.
James managed the Causeway and he was superseded by Dan McConaghy (featured in Causeway Shops A722800). Who in turn was superseded by James Heaney.
House and turnstiles at the Giant's Causeway
Turnstiles
Ina's memory is correct and the Martin family did indeed live in the house at the Causeway. (On the left in this photo) They lived there during the summer months. James used to take the visitors' money at the turnstiles which you can just make out on the right.
Ellen Martin standing outside her tea-rooms
As the children in the top photograph grew up, so they too became involved in running several of the establishments at the Giant's Causeway. Ellen ran the tea room and this 1930's photo shows her standing outside the tearoom chalet. This is the same chalet where Ina Moore worked.
© MMX