If Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince left you longing to experience the misty woods and majestic castles of Elfhame, Northern Ireland is the next best thing. This 3-day journey will take you through breathtaking landscapes, from haunting beech tree tunnels to cliffside castles, all while immersing you in the magic, mystery, and political intrigue that define Elfhame. Perfect for fantasy lovers, adventurous book clubs, or anyone ready to walk in the footsteps of the Folk, this literary-inspired escape is your ticket to faerie glamour in the real world.
Day 1: Enchanted Beginnings in Ballymoney
Morning:
Breakfast at The Hedges Hotel Restaurant
Enjoy a hearty Irish breakfast near the iconic Dark Hedges.
Cost: £10–£15 per person
Wander through the hauntingly beautiful avenue of beech trees, reminiscent of Elfhame’s mysterious woods.
Cost: Free
Afternoon:
Explore the dramatic cliffside ruins that echo the grandeur and peril of Elfhame’s royal court.
Cost: £6 per adult
Lunch at The French Rooms in Bushmills
Savor French-inspired cuisine in a charming setting.
Cost: £15–£20 per person
Evening:
Tour Discover the art of whiskey-making at the world’s oldest licensed distillery.
Cost: £9 per adult
Dinner at Tartine at The Distillers Arms
Discover the art of whiskey-making at the world’s oldest licensed distillery.
Cost: £9 per adult
Accommodations:
Ballymoney, Ireland
Budget-Friendly: Glen Lodge B&B
A cozy, family-run bed and breakfast offering comfortable rooms and a hearty Irish breakfast, located just a short drive from Ballymoney town center.
Price: From £50 per night
Mid-Range Comfort: Manor Hotel Ballymoney
Situated in Ballymoney town, this hotel features a restaurant and bar, providing a convenient and enjoyable stay for travelers exploring the area.
Price: From £106 per night
Luxury Experience: Crowfield Country House
An elegant 5-star country house offering luxurious accommodations and personalized service, set in a tranquil riverside location near Ballymoney.
Price: From £130 per night
Day 2: Into the Heart of Elfhame Through Bushmills
Morning:
Breakfast at Ursa Minor Bakehouse in Ballycastle
Delight in artisan pastries and coffee to start your day.
Cost: £5–£10 per person
Hike at Glenariff Forest Park
Immerse yourself in lush forests and cascading waterfalls.
Cost: £5 parking fee
Afternoon:
Discover the mystical caves featured in Game of Thrones and imagine the hidden depths of Elfhame.
Cost: Free
Evening:
Dinner at Harry’s Shack in Portstewart
Dine on rustic seafood with a sea view.
Cost: £20–£30 per person
Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Railway
Travel through picturesque landscapes, including sand dunes and golf courses, while learning about the area’s history.
Cost: Approximately £5–£10 per person.
Accommodations:
Bushmills, Ireland
Budget-Friendly: Finn McCool’s Giants Causeway Hostel
Ideal for backpackers and solo travelers, this hostel offers basic accommodations within walking distance of the Giant’s Causeway.
Price: From £24 per night
Mid-Range Comfort: Bayview Hotel
Located in the heart of Bushmills, Bayview Hotel provides comfortable rooms with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for couples and families.
- Price: From £120 per night
Luxury Experience: The Bushmills Inn Hotel & Restaurant
A 4-star boutique hotel blending historic charm with modern amenities, situated near the Old Bushmills Distillery and offering an award-winning restaurant.
Day 3: Urban Elfhame – 📚 Literary & Cultural Belfast
Morning:
Breakfast at Established Coffee
Start your day with specialty coffee and breakfast options.
Cost: £5–£10 per person
Afternoon:
No Alibis BookstoreEvening:
Dinner at The Great Room Restaurant
Experience elegant dining in a historic setting.
Cost: £30–£50 per person
Attend a show at The MAC
Enjoy a performance at Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre.
Cost: £10–£20 per person
Accommodations:
Belfast, Ireland
Budget-Friendly: Lagan Backpackers
A vibrant hostel perfect for solo travelers and backpackers, offering comfortable dormitory beds and a communal atmosphere in the heart of Belfast.
Price: From £24 per night
Mid-Range Comfort: The Flint
A chic, suite-only hotel blending contemporary design with local craftsmanship, situated in Belfast’s city center, ideal for couples and small groups seeking style and convenience.
Price: From £120 per night
Luxury Experience: The Merchant Hotel
An opulent 5-star hotel housed in a restored Victorian building, featuring a rooftop jacuzzi, luxury spa, and fine dining, perfect for travelers seeking indulgence and elegance.
Price: From £500 per night
Read the Book that Inspired the Destination
Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.
And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.
Jude was seven years old when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.
In doing so, she becomes embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, discovering her own capacity for bloodshed. But as civil war threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself
If you could visit one real-world place that reminds you of a fantasy book you love, where would you go—and which book would it be? Let’s trade travel + book recommendations in the comments! 📚🌍
