Overview

While the real Narnia can only be reached via a magical wardrobe, you can visit several sites in Northern Ireland that shaped author C.S. Lewis' life and inspired the mystical Narniana landscape he created. From mythical forests to clifftop castles, C.S. Lewis' Northern Ireland is waiting to be explored.

Day 1: Crawfordsburn country park - Rowallane Garden - Tollymore Forest Park

Make your first stop in Northern Ireland Crawfordsburn Country Park. Situated on the southern shores of Belfast Lough, C.S. Lewis visited the park regularly. Here, you can see the lamppost that inspired the one he wrote about in Narnia. While you're there, take the chance to explore the 3.5 miles of beautiful coastline and scenic walks at the park.
Must see and do:
Redburn Country Park | Scrabo Tower & Country Park | Ballycopeland Windmill | Carrickfergus Castle

Rowallane Garden

Drive 30 minutes south of Crawfordsburn Country Park to Rowallane Garden in County Down. This beautiful location, with 21 hectares of natural garden, captures the spirit of the Secret Gardens which C.S. Lewis loved and wrote about. Access this and other National Trust locations with a Great British Heritage Pass

Explore the follies and water features of Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle, County Down and see where Lewis took his inspiration for Narnia. Walk along the River Shimna and explore the grottos and caves, and marvel at the exotic 100ft sequoia tree in the arboretum. Tollymore also offers pony trekking, fishing and walks in the Mourne Mountains.

Day 2: Tollymore Forest Park - Little Lea - Dunluce Castle

Little Lea (Belfast)
Start the day with a 1-hour drive north into Belfast, and visit Little Lea, C.S. Lewis' childhood home. It was in the 'Little End Room' of the house that the young author wrote his first stories while overlooking the Mourne Mountains. In the attic, Lewis created his own imaginary world of 'Boxen', now known to millions of fans all over the world..
Must see and do:
Belfast Botanic Gardens | Queen's Visitor's Centre | Crown Liquor Saloon | Belfast Zoo

Dunluce Castle

End your C.S. Lewis adventure with a trip to Dunluce Castle on the North Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. This late-medieval and 17th-century castle is dramatically sited on a headland dropping sheer into the sea. Its exciting and dangerous atmosphere is said to have inspired Lewis' Cair Paravel from The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe..

END OF TOUR