The incorporation of story telling
Northern Ireland has a great tradition of storytelling and this been further enhanced by new stories and sagas such as Narnia and Game of Thrones.
Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail, Ballymena
Outdoor experiences provide an excellent creative opportunity to incorporate the key inspirer ‘Legends and Stories’ which is the back story, who we are and how we have got here, the way we think about ourselves and those who went before.
Well told stories touch visitors’ emotions. Giant Spirit Experiences will all contain at least one strong story of Northern Ireland that visitors will remember.
Outdoor experiences can integrate stories and legends in the following way:
A strong, character-based core story – a walking tour that follows in the footsteps of an ancient legend uncovering the places they visited and people they encountered. A cycling tour that connects the locations within a famous song or inspiration for a renowned artist. A boat trip that traces the journey of Viking Raiders.
Well-planned, place-based storytelling – our green spaces are jam packed with history including previous owners and landmark events. A sea safari that connects to the emotion of a Spanish Armada shipwreck, a walking trail which transports you back to smugglers’ routes or a landscape which provides the ingredients for local produce.
Appropriate and imaginative use of media to deliver the story and connect with the visitor – a balance is required to ensure interpretation complements the landscape and setting to which it is trying to connect with. Innovative interpretation such as sculpture or items with play value can also provide a compelling reason to visit. The use of technology such as mobile apps can provide a consistency in high quality interpretation especially useful for high volume or self-led experiences.
Skilled face-to-face storytelling – arguably the most personal and memorable experience if delivered well. For smaller operators, capacity building may be required in terms of story composition and delivery or where appropriate you may be able to collaborate with others to enhance your offering. This approach transforms instructors or site-operatives to guides and a key part of the experience.
Snapshot Case Study: Seamus Heaney Open Ground
Led by Mid Ulster District Council, Open Ground is a series of five locations which held great significance to Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney.
Visitors can discover the places that shaped Seamus Heaney’s life and literature – Toomebridge, Magherafelt, Moyola River, Lough Beg and Bellaghy Bawn - and discover the smells, sights and sounds that make his poetry so uniquely of this place.
Arguably the most iconic location is the Strand at Lough Beg, which inspired the poem of the same name. A well planned and sensitive approach to development within a wetland Nature Reserve ensures visitors can gain year round access whilst not detracting from the beauty and tranquillity of the setting.
Innovative physical interpretation on site is supported by the Open Ground App which allows visitors to listen to Seamus Heaney read his poems in the places that inspired them and explore Open Ground through augmented reality experiences.