Scenic Sights and Natural Wonders Along the Causeway Coastline
In the heart of Northern Ireland, nestled along the rugged Causeway Coast, lies a realm steeped in history, myth, and breathtaking beauty. This enchanting land is the perfect backdrop for a journey through time, and who better to guide you than Mark Rodgers, a third-generation Irish storyteller and master of his craft?
Mark, a genuine seanchaí, weaves tales that transport visitors back centuries, making them feel as if they had walked these lands long before. His tours, under the banner of Dalriada Kingdom Tours, offer an immersive, culturally rich experience, connecting clients to the history, culture, people, and hidden gems of the region.
One of the key settings in Mark's stories is the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. According to legend, Fionn mac Cumhail, a giant of epic proportions, used the basalt columns of the Causeway to build a causeway across the sea to reach Scotland. The Causeway, along with the surrounding landscape, forms part of a larger, breathtaking panorama that leaves visitors in awe.
The story of Fionn mac Cumhail is intertwined with that of his rival, a giant named Benandonner, who lived across the sea. A plan devised by Fionn's wife, Oonagh, saved him from Benandonner, involving Fionn disguising himself as a baby.
Another captivating stop on Mark's tour is the crumbling ruin of Dunluce Castle, perched precariously on a clifftop overlooking the Irish Sea. The castle, home to the MacQuillan and later the MacDonnell clans, has a tragic history. Sorely Boy MacDonnell, the chieftain, incurred the wrath of the English, leading to the slaughter of his whole family on the shore of nearby Rathlin Island.
The kitchen of Dunluce Castle is famously said to have collapsed into the sea during a lavish party, claiming the lives of everyone inside. The castle is also haunted by the ghost of Maeve McQuillan, the Banshee of Dunluce, who drowned with her lover in a tragic storm.
The Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, used by tourists for its great views of the Causeway Coast and across the sea to Rathlin Island, is another highlight of the tour. The bridge, along with the Dark Hedges, a beech-lined road that played the Kingsroad in the Game of Thrones TV series, is reportedly haunted by ghosts.
Mark's tours also take visitors to Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, a ruined house and cliff-side library, built by the eccentric and flamboyant Earl Bishop, known for his numerous mistresses and the nickname 'the English Casanova'.
After a day filled with history, myth, and mystery, visitors retire to the Bushmills Inn, a beautiful gaslit bar that serves as weekend accommodation during the tour.
In conclusion, Mark Rodgers' tours offer a unique, immersive, and unforgettable journey through the ancient Dalriada kingdom region, connecting visitors to the history, culture, and beauty of Northern Ireland and Scotland. Whether you're a history buff, a mythology enthusiast, or simply seeking an enchanting adventure, Mark's tours promise an experience that will leave you spellbound.
Delve into the captivating tales of Mark Rodgers, a third-generation Irish storyteller, as you embark on a photography tour through Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes with Dalriada Kingdom Tours.
The journey takes you to iconic sites like the Giant's Causeway, where ancient legends of Fionn mac Cumhail and Benandonner echo through the basalt columns.
Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Dunluce Castle, immerse yourself in the Mythic lifestyle of the region, and capture memories at the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, the Dark Hedges, Mussenden Temple, and Downhill Demesne.
At the end of each day, unwind at the Bushmills Inn, ensconced in its Victorian elegance, before retiring to a good night's rest and dreaming of the next day's adventures.
