Céad Míle Fáilte (a hundred thousand welcomes) is more than a clichéd and quaint phrase.
Céad Míle Fáilte or 'one hundred thousand welcomes' is no small welcome reserved for any visitor to Ireland. If the guest in question also traces their roots back to the Emerald Isle, well, the legendary warmth of our hospitality might just reach melting point. Emerald Heritage would like to take this opportunity to invite you to come experience it for yourself.
Now that you are officially an Irish landowner this is the perfect time to pay us a visit. You can view at first hand your beloved Ireland and sample what this stunning part of the world has to offer. Jaw-dropping scenery, landmarks steeped in myth and legend, and copious amounts of craic over a glass of whiskey or pint of the black stuff. What are you waiting for?
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GIANTS
Science tells us The Giant’s Causeway’s 40,000 stunning six-sided basalt columns and formations are the result of volcanic activity. But we know better!
Emerald Heritage much prefers the legend that local giant (Fionn Mac Cumhaill) pornounced 'Finn MacCoo'l created the world famous tourist attraction (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) so he could cross the sea for his showdown with Scottish Giant, his arch rival.
Big Mac’s building work created not to be missed sights such as The Wishing Chair, Giant’s Boot, and a massive hexagonal formation of columns that resembles church organ pipes. The Giant’s Causeway also now boasts a state-of-the-art Visitor Centre.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Suspended across a 20-metre chasm between the mainland and the tiny island of Carrick (with a 30-metre drop to the water below) at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge the choice is yours.
Admire from afar the ingenuity of the fishermen who for 350-years used it to reach their salmon nets, or take your courage in your hands and actually have a go at crossing yourself. Just remember the cardinal rule…don’t look down!
MEDIEVAL MAJESTY AT DUNLUCE
Perched precariously on a cliff top above the raging Atlantic Ocean clings Dunluce Castle, one of Ireland’s most iconic images. Dating back to the 14th century, Dunluce overlooks Royal Portrush Golf Club and has a rich history of occupation and siege.
Richard de Burgh, Sorley Boy MacDonnell, Sir John Perrott, and its last resident Randall MacConnell all appreciated its strengths as a strategically vital fortress (even if their enemies didn’t). Oh, and it’s haunted!
A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF
Old Bushmills Distillery attracts thousands of visitors from all over world and, despite the end of tour hospitality tipples, it’s said some of them even managed to leave sober.
The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in Ireland (1608) you will get a unique insight into the process that creates this special spirit enjoyed the world over.
HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL
The Dark Hedges is one of Ireland’s most photographed natural phenomena. An atmospheric avenue of inter-twined beech trees originally planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors to their ancestral home, Gracehill House. One of many locations in Northern Ireland used for HBO’s critically acclaimed series Game Of Thrones. But be warned; don’t linger too long as a spectral ‘The Grey Lady’ reputedly haunts the Dark Hedges after dusk.
SAINTS AND SCHOLARS
Casting a shadow over the landscape near the town of Ballymena is Slemish Mountain. A volcanic plug, it has more than its fair share of myth and legend. Pirates who slaughtered his family brought St Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, to Slemish as a young man. Sold into slavery, he tended sheep here for six years. Open all year round, large crowds walk to the top as a pilgrimage each Paddy”s Day (March 17).
HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW
Close to Ballypatrick Forest lies Loughareema Lake. Better known as ‘The Vanishing Lake’, it is a sparkling lake one day, the next a dried up bed of cracked mud. Some say it’s related to an underground river, but we prefer the tale of the cruel landlord and the priest. Standing up for tenants being driven from their land, the priest was struck by the landlord and his hat knocked to the ground. The priest prophesized that on the spot the hat fell would be where the landlord would drown. Within a year the landlord perished in the lake. A mound exists (where the hat landed) that remains dry even when the lake reappears.
SPIDER MAN ON RATHLIN
Rathlin Island is a tranquil and picturesque six-miles long, one mile wide inhabited island (population under 100) across the Sea of Moyle from Ballycastle. Just 15-miles from Scotland’s Mull Of Kintyre, the ferry to Rathlin is always popular, especially with enthusiasts visiting the island’s renowned RSPB Seabird sanctuary.
In 1306 King of Scotland Robert The Bruce took refuge on Rathlin. It’s said he observed a spider repeatedly trying to spin a web and suitably inspired, he eventually returned to Scotland to fight for and ultimately win his kingdom.
BLOOMING MARVELLOUS
Two of the many highlights in the magnificent Glens Of Antrim are Glenarm Castle and Glenariff Forest Park. The former is the ancestral home of the McDonnells, earls of Antrim, and this hidden gem is open to visitors (Easter – September), many of whom travel to see the horticultural spectacle that is The Walled Garden.
Glenariff Forest Park has been a popular tourist attraction for nearly a century, photographers (professional and amateur) in particular benefitting from the beautiful backdrop that is the park’s Waterfall Walkway.
DON’T MISS MUSSENDUN
Sitting proudly on the cliff top overlooking the golden Downhill strand is Mussendun Temple. Built in 1785 as a summer library and modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, it provides stunning views along the coast and across to Donegal. Mussendun bears the inscription: ‘Tis pleasant, safely to behold from shore. The rolling ship, and hear the tempest roar’.
The beach below was another location used extensively by the film crews from HBO’s Game Of Thrones, where the Seven Idols of Westeros burned and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky proclaimed: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”
WELCOME TO THE REAL WESTEROS
HBO’s award-winning television series Game Of Thrones has extensively used the stunning scenery within the Causeway Coast and Glens to represent everything from Winterfell to the King’s Road, the Iron Islands to Stormlands.
Many pivotal scenes were filmed here in a land where ancient warriors walked long before leading men. Fans of the show can really indulge their fascination for Game Of Thrones whilst investigating what the region has to offer. Welcome to the real wild Westeros!
