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What Are Lore Inspired Destinations?
Before I share with you my lore inspired destinations, let me explain what a lore is. Just in case you didn’t already know.
A lore is defined as a body of traditions and knowledge on a subject or held by a particular group, typically passed from person to person by word of mouth.
I am sure you have heard the term “Folklore”, a collection of fictional stories about animals and people, of cultural myths, jokes, songs, tales and even quotes.
Myths and legends may just be elaborate stories, but no one can deny that many of them are extremely compelling. Some are so intriguing that places related to such lores attract many travelers.
I am sharing with you two amazing but different lore inspired destinations from both sides of the Atlantic.
EL DORADO, COLUMBIA
Credit: All Women’s Talk
The name “El Dorado” is Spanish for “the golden one”. This was the term used by the Spanish Empire to describe a mythical tribal chief of the Muisca native people of Colombia, who, as an initiation rite, covered himself with gold dust and submerged in Lake Guatavita.
The legends surrounding El Dorado have changed over time. Started with El Dorado being a man, changed to a city, a kingdom, and now finally an empire.
I guess we will never know.
It’s no surprise that stories about a lost city, which has hidden gold artifacts and other treasures spread like wildfire, creating lore inspired destinations. Ancient Origins explained that the story dates back thousands of years.
Until today, the legendary city or empire of gold is still nowhere to be found. Nonetheless, there are tons of things to do in the El Dorado and its surrounding areas.
Trek through the jungle, take a hike, go spelunking, or bird watching. They is so much to do in El Dorado, you won’t have time to be bored. Besides, Colombia also has one of the best coffee in the world, as mentioned by Huffington Post.
COUNTY DOWN, NORTHERN ISLAND
Credit: fromreland.net
Across the Atlantic from Columbia, and closer to where I live, Ireland is one of the places in the world considered magical as it is famous for scenic countryside, forests and endless coastlines.
County Down, a region in Northern Ireland is extra special and attracts millions of tourists every year. It is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland.
Nearby are Downpatrick and Lecale, the old stamping grounds of Ireland’s patron saint.
Although St. Patrick’s Day is observed all around the world, this region has heavy ties with the saint.
County Down was where the saint settled until his passing. Saul, a town within County Down was where St. Patrick gave his first Eucharistic celebration.
There are many stories and legends frequently associated with St. Patrick, according to The Highland Sun.
Saint Patrick is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Shamrocks commonly take the form of a three-leaf clover and is used as a symbol of Ireland.
Saint Patrick is said to have used it as a metaphor for the Christian Holy Trinity. The four-leafed clovers are believed to bring luck. Many have traveled to the grasslands of County Down in the hopes of finding the legendary leaf while enjoying its landscapes.
Leprechauns are also a part of the lore inspired destinations. Leprechaun is a type of fairy in Irish folklore which became so famous that they’re now known all over the world.
Another lore with links to the area as well as Ireland in its entirety is the mythical leprechauns which became so famous that they’re now known all over the world. In fact, Pop Culture Addict revealed that Harrigan which featured a leprechaun protagonist of the same name was one of the most well-loved TV shows ever in Canada. Of course, leprechauns are also known for their pots of gold which also inspired games such as the slots title Rainbow Riches which allows players to seemingly embark on a quest towards finding valuable treasure.
Who doesn’t love leprechauns known for their pots of gold at the end of the rainbow?
While many traditional stories are hard to believe, lore inspired destinations provide a sense of dynamic and adventure no matter their location.
Have you visited either of these lore inspired destinations? Or any others? Please share your experiences with me in the comments section below.
12 comments
I had no idea that Colombia had places like this. I would love to explore them more.
I love the two locations! I’ve always been intrigued by myths and legends. I love it. El Dorado looks so beautiful. And I’love to visit. Interesting story about the empire of gold. I had no idea County Down attracted so many tourists.
El Dorado! Love it – The stories about the empire of gold always make me smile. In general Inca, maya, pyramids, etc, all those rich history I love, hence any destinations within those stories are places I would love to go as well!
El Dorado looks amazing! This is my first time hearing of the Lore but now I am interested in looking more into it. Great read
Such an interesting read! I had never heard of Lore before- but definitely folklore. I am now inspired to seek out more places like these!
I think a place becomes a lot more interesting when there’s a story behind it and lores actually adds magic to the place. In the Philippines, almost every place we have boast of their own folklore. My favorite would be a mountain which was said to be a woman who slept forever because of a broken heart hence, it is shaped like a woman lying on her back. :p
Love the leprechaun story.
This is great! Is this a series? I’d love to find out more places to visit because of folklore tales…
Your posts are always to enlightening- I enjoy learning the background behind a destination rather than typical guide book style. Thanks for the inspiration!
I am familiar with the legend of El Dorado and only a vague understanding of St Patrick in Ireland. I did not realize that Leprechauns were so closely associated with St Patrick, interesting.
I have been wanting to visit Ireland for the longest time! I would love to visit during St Patty’s festival. If I do come at that time, will I need to reserve accommodation much in advance?
Oh, I had never heard of these places before. I love hearing legends and folklore so I will have to do more research on places like this. Maybe a trip to County Down will have to be in the cards!
I love this! I always like to research where legends come from so this is just so interesting to me. It’s a great idea for a blog post or blog series. You should do more! I love the way you write.