Exploring Mythical Sites and Stunning Scenery Along the Coastal Route
Exploring the Legendary Causeway Coast: A Journey through Irish Myth and History
The Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland is a land steeped in legend and history, and a tour with Glenara Elite Travel offers a fascinating journey through this captivating region.
At the heart of the Fenian Cycle, Fionn mac Cumhail is a legendary hero, renowned as the leader of the Fianna, a band of warriors famed for their bravery and cunning exploits. According to legend, Fionn built the Giant's Causeway, a natural formation of basalt columns on the coast, as a pathway to Scotland, intending to confront a rival Scottish giant named Benandonner.
The Giant's Causeway, located on the Causeway Coast, embodies a mythical explanation for this striking geographic feature. The tale of Fionn and Benandonner is a testament to the rich mythology that permeates the region.
The tour also takes visitors to Dunluce Castle, a crumbling ruin perched on a clifftop overlooking the Irish Sea. The MacQuillan clan built Dunluce, but it was seized by the MacDonnell clan in the 1550s. The castle's history is as turbulent as its appearance, with tales of sieges and betrayals echoing through its stones.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, a ruined house and cliff-side library, are another stop on the tour. The temple, built by the eccentric Earl Bishop, offers breathtaking views of the coastline. The Bishop, known for his flamboyant character and string of mistresses, earned the nickname 'the English Casanova.'
The Dark Hedges, a beech-lined road, is another highlight of the tour. This picturesque avenue, now a popular tourist attraction, played the Kingsroad in the Game of Thrones series. The Dark Hedges are reportedly haunted by a ghost known as the Grey Lady.
The tour is organised by Mark Rogers, a history guide for Glenara Elite Travel and the third generation of Causeway tour guides in his family. Mark's stories bring the past to life, making history an engaging and enjoyable experience for all.
Accommodation for the weekend is at the beautiful Bushmills Inn, a gaslit bar that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The trip was organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.
Throughout the tour, Glenara Elite Travel hires different expert guides for each stop, ensuring that visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's rich history and mythology. The Causeway Coast is home to many amazing landscapes, each with its own unique story to tell.
As the legend of Fionn mac Cumhail and Benandonner illustrates, the Causeway Coast is a land of heroes and giants, where myth and history intertwine to create a captivating tapestry of stories. A tour with Glenara Elite Travel offers a chance to step into this world, to walk in the footsteps of legends and to experience the magic of the Causeway Coast for yourself.
[1] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/features/giants-causeway-myths-and-legends [2] https://www.irishmythology.net/mythology/heroes/fionn-mac-cumhaill/ [3] https://www.historic-uk.com/history-uk/Dunluce-Castle/ [4] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mussenden-temple-and-downhill-demesne/features/mussenden-temple-myths-and-legends
[1] For photography enthusiasts, capturing the stunning landscapes and architectural wonders on a Glenara Elite Travel tour would undeniably enhance their lifestyle of travel.
[2] The guides from Glenara Elite Travel are not only knowledgeable about the region's travel itinerary, but they also share captivating stories of local heroes and myths, transforming each tour into an immersive exploration of Irish myth and history.
[3] Along with the legendary tales of Fionn mac Cumhail and the Giant's Causeway, the Causeway Coast boasts a variety of travel destinations, such as Dunluce Castle, Mussenden Temple, and The Dark Hedges, each with its unique place in Irish history and folklore.
