In Belfast, on Cave Hill, where the idea of the giant was born

The final destination can only be Belfast, as the landscape of Northern Ireland also influenced Swift whilst he was writing his masterpiece, particularly in defining the physical characteristics of Gulliver, the main character. Above all, the volcanic hill of Cave Hill – often likened to a giant dozing on the rock – made a profound impression on the writer, who imagined a tall, burly man gazing up at the sky. It also inspired other authors, such as the poet and Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Seamus Heaney, and the playwright Samuel Beckett. To the people of Belfast, this hill has always been known as Napoleon’s Nose. It is certain that Swift often came up here to enjoy the view of the city. Even today, on sunny days, keen walkers – interested not only in literature but also in flora and fauna – meet up in the Cathedral Quarter, perhaps at the John Hewitt, the historic pub at number 51 Donegall Street in the Cathedral Quarter – characterised by its cobbled streets – not far from Writer’s Square, before setting off up Cave Hill. After all, it was from here that Gulliver began his travels.