Adventure in Bushmills, County Antrim!

Giant"s Causeway

Why Visit?

Embark on a legendary journey to Northern Ireland"s Giant"s Range, an area steeped in myth and natural majesty. Our adventure to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, promises to thrill and awe.

Day 1: Arrival in Belfast

Start your adventure in Belfast. Utilize the frequent train service from Belfast to Coleraine, then connect with a local bus straight to the Causeway. Consider renting a car for more flexibility, allowing a scenic drive along the Causeway Coastal Route, recognized as one of the world’s great road journeys.

Day 2: Explore the Giant"s Causeway

Begin your day early to experience the Giant"s Causeway without the crowds. Formed 60 million years ago from volcanic activity, the Causeway consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Legend has it that Irish giant Finn McCool created the Causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart. For the thrill-seekers, clamber over the rocks, feel the spray of the North Atlantic, and capture the awe-inspiring scenery that filmmakers used in "Game of Thrones".

Opt for a guided tour to delve deeper into the geological and mythological stories of the area. Don"t miss the challenging hike along the cliff-top trail to get a bird"s eye view of the Causeway.

Day 3: Adventure Activities

For those craving more adrenaline, engage in the many activities around the Causeway. Try your hand at cliff-jumping or coasteering along the rugged coastline. Sea kayaking tours can provide a unique perspective of the Causeway and nearby sea caves.

Before heading back, stop by the quaint village of Bushmills. Visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, and enjoy a guided tour followed by a whiskey tasting.

Departure

Reflect on the legends and natural beauty witnessed as you prepare for your journey home, with memories of Northern Ireland’s wild coast that will last a lifetime.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Belfast Peace Wall

Why Visit?

Adventure Lover’s Guide to Belfast"s Peace Wall

Morning: Start your day at St. George"s Market, one of Belfast"s oldest attractions, bustling with local artisans and fresh produce since the 1890s. After a traditional Irish breakfast, hop on a rented bike from one of the numerous city bike-share locations. Pedal your way towards the west side of the city, where the infamous Belfast Peace Wall stands.

Midday: As you approach the Belfast Peace Wall, the vibrant murials and poignant political statements begin to unfold. Stretching over 25 miles in various sections, the wall was first built in 1969 to separate conflicting nationalist and loyalist neighborhoods. Begin at the Cupar Way section of the wall, the most iconic segment, filled with murals and messages of peace from locals and international visitors alike. Feel the solemn history that permeates through the graffiti-covered barriers.

Lunch: For a quick bite, stop at one of the local food trucks near the wall, offering everything from hearty Irish stew to fresh, hand-cut fries. Continue your tour by connecting with a local adventure group at the nearby Conway Mill—a reclaimed linen mill, now a community enterprise hub. Join their "Urban Exploration" tour, which includes a rooftop view of the wall and surrounding neighborhoods.

Afternoon: Post-lunch, delve deeper into the area with a guided walking tour which often includes meeting with a local historian or a resident who has witnessed the city’s transformation first-hand. This unique interaction gives you insider perspectives that are rarely found in guidebooks.

Evening: Wrap up your day at the Duke of York, a historical pub nestled in a narrow cobbled alleyway, perfect for reflecting on your day’s journey. Enjoy live traditional music with a pint of local craft beer.

Practical Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and keep an extra layer handy, as Belfast can be breezy. Public transportation is reliable, but cycling will give you the flexibility to explore more freely.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Dunluce Castle

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling journey through time at Northern Ireland"s breathtaking Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin teetering on the edge of a dramatic cliff along the scenic Causeway Coast. This adventure begins in the town of Portrush, easily accessible by train from Belfast or Londonderry. From Portrush, hop onto a local bus or rent a bike for a scenic 5-mile ride along the coast to the castle.

As you approach, the once-formidable fortress reveals itself, with tales of a tumultuous history that includes battles, intrigue, and even a village that once thrashed beneath its towering walls. Legend has it that in 1639, part of the castle kitchens collapsed into the sea during a storm, taking seven cooks with them – a story to stir the heart of any adventurer!

Begin your exploration at the visitor center, where you can grab a guidebook filled with historical facts and local legends. Opt for a guided tour to delve deeper into the castle’s past, exploring the nooks and crannies of this once-grandiole stronghold. Don’t miss the chance to walk the iconic Mermaid"s Cave beneath the castle, a haunting natural wonder accessible via a winding staircase, offering spectacular ocean views and echoing the sounds of crashing waves.

Continue your adventure with a hike along the nearby coastal paths, such as the Causeway Coast Way, offering exhilarating cliff-top views and a chance to spot local wildlife. Each step is a scene from a storybook, with the castle ruins behind you and the vast Atlantic Ocean ahead.

Before departing, make sure to capture the sunset from the castle"s western outlook, a perfect end to an adventurous day. Dunluce Castle not only promises a journey into the past but also an unforgettable adventure on one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastlines.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Titanic Belfast

Why Visit?

Embark on a riveting journey through time and innovation at Titanic Belfast, an architectural marvel and a tribute to the city"s nautical heritage. This adventure begins the moment you arrive in Belfast. Accessible via the George Best Belfast City Airport, just a 15-minute taxi ride away, or from Belfast International Airport, a short 30-minute bus ride to the city center, Titanic Belfast is easily reached by public transport or car.

Start your day early to beat the crowds and take Metro bus 26, 26a, 26b, or 26c from the city center directly to the Titanic Quarter. As you approach, the building"s ship-like structure, designed to mirror the Titanic"s enormity and grandeur, will leave you spellbound.

Upon entering, your adventure intensifies with the Titanic Experience comprising nine interactive galleries. Travel through time to the early 1900s in Belfast, grasping the city"s bustling atmosphere and the colossal scale of the shipbuilding industry. The galleries employ special effects, full-scale reconstructions, and innovative interactive features that plunge you into the narratives of the Titanic’s conception, construction, tragic sinking, and enduring legacy.

Don"t miss the Shipyard Ride, offering a thrilling ‘fly-through’ of the actual shipyard where Titanic was built. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the ride provides a visceral sense of the ship"s massive scale and the palpable ambition of its creators.

Step aboard SS Nomadic on your visit, the last remaining White Star Line ship, meticulously restored to her original glory. Located a short walk from the main building, it’s a must-see to complete your Titanic adventure.

Conclude your day at the nearby Hickson’s Point for a taste of traditional Irish stew and live folk music, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the people who built the Titanic. This adventure through Titanic Belfast is not just a journey through a ship"s history, but a heartfelt homage to human ambition and resilience.

Whether you"re a history buff, a lover of technology, or an adventure enthusiast, Titanic Belfast offers a deep dive into one of the most iconic stories of the 20th century.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Cushendun

Why Visit?

Adventure Lover’s Guide to Cushendun

Nestled in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, the scenic village of Cushendun is a hidden gem on Northern Ireland’s rugged coast. Famous for its charming corners and stunning natural landscapes, this small village offers a plethora of activities for the adventure enthusiast.

Morning: Cave Exploration and Coastal Trekking

Begin your day at the Cushendun Caves, just a short stroll from the village center. Formed over 400 million years ago, these caves gained modern fame as a filming location for the iconic series, *Game of Thrones*. Explore the eerie, shadowy interiors where scenes from the Stormlands were shot. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain.

From the caves, embark on a trek along the dramatic coastline. Follow the coastal path heading north toward the ruins of Carra Castle. The path offers breathtaking views of the sea against the lush green landscape. It’s a moderate hike, perfect for soaking in the fresh sea air and snapping some spectacular photos.

Afternoon: River Kayaking

After lunch at a local pub, where you can enjoy fresh, locally-sourced seafood, head to the River Dun. Here, you can rent a kayak and paddle along the gentle waters surrounded by scenic beauty. Paddling this river gives a unique perspective of the landscape and abundant wildlife, particularly the vibrant birdlife.

Evening: Local Heritage and Sunset at the Beach

Conclude your day by visiting the Mary McBride’s Bar, once one of the smallest bars in Ireland. Here, delve into the local lore and enjoy a pint surrounded by history. Just a short walk from the village, find a spot on Cushendun Beach to watch the sunset. The tranquil sound of the waves and the golden hues of the dusk make a calming end to an adventurous day.

Getting There

Cushendumban is best accessed by car from Belfast, a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours via the A26 and A44, immersing you in the lush Irish countryside and revealing glimpses of the sea as you approach the village.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.