DESTINATIONS UK & IRELAND |MYTHS & LEGENDS
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland; the Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis; Ruthin Castle Hotel, Wales PICTURES: Conor McCarthy; Phil Sproson Photography; Shutterstock/Michael Dewsbury
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expert ASK THE “Scotland’s breathtaking
landscapes have inspired many of our supernatural myths and legends. From Nessie to
kelpies and witches to selkies, our myths and legends are a great way of understanding
Scotland’s culture, history and heritage. Almost half (48%) of visitors mentioned history and culture as a reason to visit in our Scotland Visitor Survey 2023. Because we know that Scotland’s myths and legends are something our visitors love, travel agents and tour operators can capitalise on that interest by creating bespoke itineraries for their clients to dive deeper into
these stories and explore the areas in which they are set.” Leanne Mallon, head of marketing, VisitScotland
Giant’s Causeway: As the name suggests, the legend behind Northern Ireland’s rocky icon is colossal in size. It’s said to have been built by an Irish giant named Finn McCool so he could cross the Irish Sea to fight his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner. When McCool realised how much larger his rival was, his inventive wife Oonagh disguised him as a ‘giant baby’, which tricked the Scot into thinking that if McCool’s child was so large, his father must be even more terrifying. Benandonner fled back to Scotland, tearing up the stones behind him as he ran. The reality is more scientific – the causeway was formed 60 million years ago by volcanic activity, cooling into the hexagonal basalt columns we know today – but there’s still no denying its spellbinding natural drama. It’s a popular spot for clients to visit on any trip to Northern Ireland, but encourage them to take in more of the region’s ancient landmarks, including the court tomb of Creevykeel in Sligo and Iron Age stone fort of Grianán of Aileach in Donegal. Book it: Wilderness Ireland’s seven-day Legends of Northern Ireland itinerary costs from £3,169 per person, based on two sharing. Price includes accommodation, all meals, transport throughout the trip and specified excursions.
wildernessireland.com
Callanish Stones: Sweeping moorlands and wind- blasted beaches might dominate Isle of Lewis postcards, but this island in the Outer Hebrides also harbours Neolithic history – most notably the Callanish Stones, a
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rocky circle that predates Stonehenge. Theories abound on its exact purpose, with one suggesting it might be an astronomical observatory. But local folklore depicts each standing stone as a former giant, petrified following their refusal to convert to Christianity, while a mysterious figure known as the ‘Shining One’ strolls through during the Midsummer sunrise. The Isle of Lewis takes some effort to get to, either
via ferry from Ullapool or a flight into Stornoway from a number of Scottish hubs, but therein lies its appeal. Suggest it as part of a larger cruise adventure so clients can sail to more of Scotland’s wondrous isles, such as Shetland, Orkney and the Small Isles. Book it: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ eight-night Landscapes and Legends of the Scottish Isles, round-trip from Liverpool, costs from £2,379 per person, based on two
sharing. Price includes all meals and entertainment.
fredolsencruises.com
FANTASTICAL FIGURES King Arthur: The legend of King Arthur is so popular, you could be forgiven for thinking he was a real person. Countless names associated with his mythology feel familiar: Sir Lancelot, the magical sword Excalibur, the Lady of the Lake, the wizard Merlin and Queen Guinevere, among them. Yet because King Arthur’s story has been continuously shaped over centuries by writers and artists – including poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson – it is difficult to pinpoint its origin.
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travelweekly.co.uk
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