Family-Friendly Adventures in Bushmills, County Antrim!

Giant"s Causeway

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical journey to Giant"s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site that promises a family adventure filled with mythology and mesmerizing geological beauty. Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, this natural wonder is best accessed from Belfast, just a 1.5-hour drive away.

Morning: Arrival and Visitor Center

Start your day early by arriving at the Giant"s Causeway Visitor Center. Purchase a family ticket which includes an audio guide providing fascinating tales and legends, such as the famous story of the giant Finn McCool. Engage the kids with interactive exhibits that explain the volcanic origins of the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.

Mid-Morning: Exploring the Causeway

Head out from the visitor center to explore the causeway on foot. The 10-minute walk down to the stones is scenic, or you can take the shuttle bus for a small fee—perfect if you have little ones in tow. Once you reach the causeway, marvel at the hexagonal columns and search for the Wishing Chair and Giant"s Boot. Don"t forget to take family photos at the iconic Shepherd"s Steps.

Lunch: Picnic or Café

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the sea, or eat at the Causeway Hotel"s restaurant near the visitor center, offering dishes with locally sourced ingredients and spectacular sea views.

Afternoon: Coastal Walk

Post-lunch, take the family on a coastal walk along the cliffs for breathtaking vistas of the North Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline. The Red Trail is a gentle option suitable for families and offers panoramic views from above the causeway.

Late Afternoon: Interactive Learning

Conclude your visit at the Giant’s Causeway with a stop back at the visitor center. Let the kids participate in interactive learning sessions available in the afternoon, perfect for solidifying their day"s experiences.

Departure

Head back to Belfast or your accommodation after a fulfilling day exploring this natural playground that bridges history, folklore, and science in the most captivating way.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Belfast Peace Wall

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Tour of Belfast Peace Wall and Surrounding Attrains

Morning

Start your day at St. George"s Market, one of Belfast"s oldest attractions, just a 10-minute drive from the city center. Enjoy a hearty breakfast from local vendors offering everything from freshly baked pastries to traditional Ulster fry. Immerse in the lively atmosphere and enjoy some live music.

Mid-Morning

Head towards the Belfast Peace Wall, approximately a 15-minute drive from the market. The Peace Wall, first erected in 1969, stretches over 25 kilometers with most sections located in the west of Belfast. Park at the Cupar Way section, which boasts a large collection of international murals and local artwork. As you walk along the wall, discuss its history—it was originally built to ease tensions between two conflicting neighborhoods. Each mural tells a story, offering a profound insight into Northern Ireland"s complex past.

Lunch

After exploring the wall, take a short drive to the Black Taxi Tour. Book a family-friendly taxi tour which will provide an in-depth explanation of the murals and historical sites. The knowledgeable local drivers bring history to life in an engaging way suitable for all ages.

Afternoon

Post tour, make your way to the nearby Falls Road Library for a quiet break. Here, the kids can enjoy children’s books about the city"s rich history and culture.

Late Afternoon

Conclude your day at the Belfast Botanic Gardens, a serene escape just a 20-minute drive from the Peace Wall. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, or simply relax by the Palm House, marveling at the array of exotic plants and picturesque settings.

Dinner

End your day with dinner at Maggie Mays Belfast Café, famous for its comforting, homemade meals. It"s a perfect spot to reflect on the day"s adventures.

Tips

- Carry comfortable walking shoes.

- Be sure to bring a camera to capture the striking artwork on the Peace Wall.

- Check local traffic updates to ensure smooth travels between attractions.

Enjoy your educational and memorable tour in Belfast with your family!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Dunluce Castle

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Dunluce Castle

Morning: Arrival at Dunluce Castle

Start your adventure at Dunluce Castle, a dramatic and historic site perched on the cliff edge of the North Antrim coast. Easily reachable by car, Dunluce is about a 10-minute drive from Portrush. There’s a small parking lot onsite, or alternatively, you can take a bus directly from Portrush which stops near the castle entrance.

Fascinating Fact: Dunluce Castle may have been an inspiration for Cair Paravel in C.S. Lewis’ "Chronicles of Narnia"!

Castle Tour (10:00 AM - 11:30 AM)

Explore the medieval ruins with a guided tour, which runs every hour. The guide will bring the castle’s rich history to life, from its origins in the 13th century to its decline in the 17th century. Kids will love hearing about the 1639 banquet when part of the castle kitchen fell into the sea!

Lunch Break (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Grab a bite at the Wee Cottage café just outside the castle grounds, which offers delightful local treats and kid-friendly options.

Afternoon: Merlin’s Cave Exploration (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)

A short trek from the castle lies Merlin’s Cave, accessible via a scenic coastal path. It’s a great spot for the family to enjoy some storytelling about wizards and mythical legends possibly tied to the area.

Evening: Portrush Visit (3:00 PM onwards)

End your day with a visit to the nearby town of Portrush. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, or treat the kids to traditional Northern Irish fish and chips by the seaside. Don’t miss a visit to Barry’s Amusements, which offers fun rides suitable for all ages.

Final Note

Dunluce Castle and its surroundings offer a perfect blend of history, adventure, and stunning scenery, making it an ideal family day out. Don’t forget your camera to capture the captivating views and magical moments!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Titanic Belfast

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through history at Titanic Belfast, the world"s largest Titanic visitor experience. Your family adventure begins at the stunning, star-shaped building situated in the heart of Titanic Quarter, just a short distance from Belfast city center. You can easily reach this iconic spot by taking a bus or a taxi from the city center, or you can enjoy a scenic walk along the river, approximately a 25-minute trek from City Hall.

Start your visit at the Titanic Experience, which covers nine interactive galleries. Immerall your senses in the sights, sounds, and stories of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and tragic end. Kids will love the Shipyard Ride, which transports them back to the buzz of shipbuilding in 1911 through a gentle indoor ride.

After exploring the galleries, head to the SS Nomadic, part of your ticket and moored just a few steps away. This tender ship, which ferried passengers to the Titanic, serves as an engaging supplement to your Titanic story, offering firsthand insight into the luxuries aboard Titanic’s sister ships.

Wrap up your visit at one of the waterfront restaurants for a bite, or enjoy a picnic at the nearby Titanic Slipways, where the Titanic was launched, giving the kids space to play and absorb their surroundings.

Don"t miss the opportunity to explore the Titanic Discovery Tour, an optional guided walking tour around the Titanic Quarter, which dives deeper into the story with exclusive insights and historical context, making your Titanic Belfast experience truly unforgettable.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cushendun

Why Visit?

Welcome to Cushendun, a charming village on the northeast coast of Northern Ireland, perfect for a family adventure steeped in scenic beauty and folklore. Here’s a captivating one-day itinerary for a family visit:

Morning: Arrival and Beach Time

Begin your day by driving to Cushendun via the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. Cushendun is well-signposted and offers a picturesque drive with stunning coastal views. Upon arrival, park near the Cushendun Caves, just a short walk from the main beach. Spend the morning exploring the sandy shores and the caves themselves, which were famously used as a filming location in HBO’s "Game of Thrones". The caves, formed over 400 million years, provide an exciting and adventurous start to your day.

Lunch: Mary McBride’s Bar

For lunch, head to the nearby Mary McBride’s Bar, once one of the smallest bars in Ireland. It’s a quaint spot with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a family meal. Try the local seafood special, a hit among visitors.

Afternoon: Glenmona House & Walks

Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll to Glenmona House, a short walk from the village centre. The surrounding gardens are ideal for a peaceful walk and the house, a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture, often hosts art exhibitions and events. Check their schedule for any family-friendly activities.

Evening: River Walk and Dinner

Wrap up the day with a relaxing walk along the River Dun, which runs through the village. The path is easy for children and offers picturesque views and opportunities to spot local wildlife. For dinner, consider The Red Door Tea Room, which offers hearty, homemade dishes in a cozy setting.

Departure

As the day winds down, take a leisurely drive back through the Coastal Route, perhaps stopping at other scenic spots along the way. Cushendun’s blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and friendly locales makes it an unforgettable stop for families exploring Northern Ireland.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.