Family Adventure: Giants, Myths and Legends Tour

After your arrival in Belfast, you’ll depart for the legendary land of Narnia! The ruins of Dunluce Castle gave C.S. Lewis his inspiration for the fictional Castle of Cair Paravel. Even more recently, the ruins provided the setting for Pyke and the Iron Isles on the TV series, Game of Thrones. Today you’ll get to explore the majestic clifftop ruins and learn the secret lore of the castle, from battles to sorcery to tales of ghosts that haunt there still.

Your first true Northern Ireland adventure begins today with a kayaking expedition down the Causeway Coast. Perfect for all members of your family, and tailored to match everyone’s ability, this all-day adventure will be unforgettable. Along the way, you’ll stop for a delicious picnic lunch in the heart of magnificent coastal scenery. Then it will be time to head to a local distillery for a special treat. There will be soft-drinks for the kids, while the adults get to enjoy a special whiskey-tasting.

Your hiking adventure will take you to the site of the massive basalt columns built long eons past by giants. Or so the story goes. Today the Giant’s Causeway is designated a World Heritage Site and your Causeway Coast adventure will take you on a hike along rocky cliffs to see this fascinating natural wonder. You’ll enjoy lunch overlooking the quaint little harbor you may recognize from Game of Thrones and then it’s off to board the boat for your Island Retreat.

You’ll rise to the salty smell of the sea, the sounds of waves crashing on rocky beaches, and the bark and keening of seals and birds. This is Rathlin Island. Steeped in history and legend, the craggy shores are home to the largest colony of seabirds in the North of Ireland. Here you’ll have a chance to do some serious bird watching. Keep an eye out for the local favorite: the puffin. Later you’ll get to see a strange “upside-down” lighthouse and explore a seaweed farm.

Prepare to hike the Gobbins Path! This is one of the most dramatic hikes in Europe and takes you along a small, winding path pressed into the side of a cliff. You’ll traverse stunning bridges with the crash of waves all around, journey through hidden undersea tunnels, hike up staircases carved into living rock, and slip through smugglers’ caves. This exciting adventure may be a bit too difficult for some family members, so they’ll have a chance to choose a gentler hike along the coast.

The Titanic was built in Belfast, and on this final day of your guided family adventure you’ll have the opportunity to visit the interactive visitor center honoring that legendary ship. The exhibits bring to life the sights and sounds of that time and place, while simultaneously weaving together the stories of the past. You’ll learn about the city and the people who brought about the construction of the largest ship of her time. At the end of your exploration, you’ll enjoy a high tea amidst the opulent decor of The Merchant Hotel.

Your tour will be over after breakfast and staff will bring you and your luggage back to the Belfast train station or airport.