Giants, Myths & Legends

Day 1 – Legendary Castles of Inspiration

Meeting in Belfast, we travel north to the imaginary land of Narnia – or at any rate, the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle that was C. S. Lewis’s inspiration for the royal Narnia castle of Cair Paravel. More recently, Dunluce Castle served as Pyke and the Iron Isles on the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Exploring its spectacular clifftop setting, we’ll learn fascinating stories of battles, ghosts and magic that haunt the ruins. (L, D)

Day 2 – Causeway Canoe Expedition

On our first day of real adventure, we’ll explore the magical Causeway Coast on a full-day kayak expedition. Brilliant for the whole family, the kayaks allow everyone an outdoor adventure together. Your expedition will be tailored to suit everyone depending on ability, weather and tides. We’ll enjoy a tasty seaside picnic while admiring the dramatic coast. In Bushmills, we’ll visit the 400-year-old home of the ‘Water or Life’ or ‘Uisce Beatha’ in Irish – the iconic Bushmills Whiskey. Enjoy soft drinks for the kids and a whiskey tasting experience for the adults before retiring to your comfortable hotel in time for dinner. (B, L)

Day 3 – Hike the Giant's Causeway

As the myth goes, the Giant’s Causeway was built by mythological giants. Today our Giant’s Causeway family adventure continues with a clifftop hike to the Giant’s Causeway, enjoying lunch by a quaint harbour made famous by the Game of Thrones series. Ahoy mate, all aboard – we set sail to our island retreat! Encapsulating Ireland in miniature, these windswept Irish islands are perfect places to find the Ireland of your romantic imaginings. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Island Retreat on Rathlin Island

Awake to the smell of salt in the air, the crash of waves and the sound of birds – the perfect introduction to Rathlin Island. Intertwined with the legend of Robert the Bruce and the spider, it was here that the famous Scottish king rehashed his battle strategy. The only inhabited island off the Causeway Coast, Rathlin is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony – including plenty of the iconic and loveable puffin. From April to July, puffins and other seabirds jostle for space on the sea stacks. To meet our feathered friends, we’ll visit the seabird centre for some birdwatching. We’ll also explore the unique ‘upside down’ lighthouse. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – The Cliffside Gobbins Path

Today we tackle one of the most dramatic hikes in Europe, the Gobbins Path. Originally opened in 1902, it was later abandoned in the 1960s until its rebirth in 2015. The Gobbins Path* experience takes us along a narrow path hugging the dramatic cliff face, across spectacular bridges amid the swirling waves of the North Channel. We traverse hidden tunnels under the Irish Sea, and climb rugged staircases carved into the cliff face and duck into caves once home to smugglers and privateers. This is an exhilarating but strenuous adventure so some family members might want to enjoy a more gentle coastal hike exploring Islandmagee with your guide. (B, L) 

*For the Goblin’s Path, please note that there is a minimum height 3’9” (1.2 metres).

Day 6 – Belfast & the Titanic

As the RMS Titanic was built in Belfast, an intriguing interactive visitor centre has been built in its honour. This award-winning experience will bring alive the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic, as well as the city and people who created her. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a celebratory high tea with all the trimmings in the decadent marbled surroundings of The Merchant Hotel. Once the magnificent headquarters of the Ulster Bank, today you can sip your tea under the largest chandelier in Ireland surrounded by 19th-century elegance where you’ll bid farewell to your trip guide. (B, L) 

Day 7 – Departure

This morning, say goodbye to this fascinating corner of Northern Ireland. Your Belfast hotel can assist you in booking a taxi to the train station or airport on departure. (B)